Review Roundup: Hein & Sankoff's COME FROM AWAY at La Jolla Playhouse

La Jolla Playhouse's season opener, COME FROM AWAY, is a world-premiere musical featuring book, music and lyrics by award-winning husband-and-wife team David Hein and Irene Sankoff, directed by Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley. The production runs now through July 12 in the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre.

Come from Away is an original, rock-infused world-premiere musical based on the true story of when the isolated town of Gander, Newfoundland played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned in to an international sleep-over when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from across the globe, were diverted to Gander on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the spirited town cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we're all part of a global family.

Let's see what the critics had to say...

Bob Verini, Variety: Any qualms about the propriety or taste of a "9/11 musical" prove unfounded in the case of "Come From Away," the superb new show premiering at La Jolla Playhouse...Canadians Irene Sankoff and David Hein have forged a moving, thoroughly entertaining tribute to international amity and the indomitable human spirit...Clearly, this material poses dangers of falling into cliche, sentimentality or mindless moral uplift. But in only their second attempt at a musical, Sankoff and Hein maintain a hard-edged reality that old pros would envy, staking out a solid through-line from their compiled anecdotes...Cheesy sentiment is also sidestepped in the team's musical score. No flamboyant power ballads here, just an array of muscular folk songs and sensitive character portraits...Director Christopher Ashley ("Memphis"), whose forte has always been infusing clever theatricality with palpable emotion, is in his element here. His crackerjack troupe of 12 skillfully shape-shifts among natives, passengers and officials back home.

James Hebert, The San Diego Union-Tribune: If ever a musical conjured a miracle, it might be this: Persuading a playgoer that a layover can be a life-changer. But then, it's not your everyday airport pit stop that's depicted in "Come From Away," the folksy, fact-based new La Jolla Playhouse show whose compelling sense of uplift could levitate a fleet of jets..."Come From Away"...is an inspired and highly original piece whose structure is wed beautifully to its story...Playhouse artistic chief Christopher Ashley directs the show with a graceful yet propulsive flow; the Newfoundland-inspired music, which sounds to these ears like a blend of Celtic and country-rock, is played nearly nonstop...The real-life backdrop serves the work's admirable authenticity, but one consequence is that the latter half feels short on conflict, as the characters grow more comfortable with each other and their plight.

Mukul Khurana, San Diego Free Press: Directed by Christopher Ashley (Artistic Director at La Jolla Playhouse), "Come From Away" offers many insights into how such an event affects all kinds of people...What strikes the audience in such a moving and touching performance is the music, and just how good it is. Supported by an incredible musical score, the play's talented musicians were able to convey emotions with seemingly great ease. Irene Sankoff and David Hein have provided the book, music, and lyrics that transform a play with a serious message into a musical one can take seriously. The haunting music stays with you long after leaving the theater...All the actors have voices that soar like the airlines in the play.

Brad Auerbach, EntertainmentToday.net: Rarely over the decades have I seen an audience leap to its feet as quickly as when the last note was sung last night at the world premiere of Come From Away...The melodies have a decidedly rock feel, with a generous dollop of tasty Newfoundland musical spice care of Bob Hallett...At the very center of the play, in terms of plot, timing and theme, is an incredibly powerful song called "Prayer." In a sonic miracle, the hopes and fears of at least four major religions are harmonized. Director Christopher Ashley pulls together an incredibly diverse number of characters and subplots. He balances a wide range of emotions effectively, from the laughter of various culture clashes...to the sadness of a lady whose Brooklyn firefighter son is missing in action.

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Photo Credit: Kevin Berne

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