HISTORIC MUSICAL AT LA COMEDIA: COME FROM AWAY

SPRINGBORO, OH -- Most times when you think “historic musical” you think of something from the last century or before. COME FROM AWAY, the TONY AWARD winning musical, BASED is “modern” history. Based on the September 11th interrupted airline trips, this musical shares how international flights were diverted to Gander Newfoundland, Canada for several days while airports in the United States were closed and reorganized for security purposes.

Airplane passenger

This musical drama has a large ensemble cast portraying the townspeople of Gander and some of the people on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Dallas, which is stopped there. Most of the cast play multiple roles in this show and do it seamlessly.

Colin Crantsoun is definitely the only person who could play Oz, Joey AND a rabbi in the show. He did a wonderful job of performing all three in a totally different character, as did Aslee Espinoza, who played the American Airlines Pilot, Beverly, Annette and as well as some others. 

Gander welcome

The beautiful and heart wrenching performance of a fireman’s mother was captured by Tammie Harris, while Claude, the Mayor of the very "small town” of Gander, was played by Neil Schleifer. Then there is Carrie Neal as Diane and John Langley as the romantic couple, and Colin Mash and Ben Muckenthaler as the gay couple. All were perfectly cast. Muckenthaler had a special moment in the show with his solo performance of MAKE ME A CHANNEL OF YOUR LOVE. Lovable and memorable were the performances of Becky Barrett-Jones, Sam Bostic, Danielle Mac Math and Sydney Morefield.

Dramatic moment

With this being the 25th Anniversary of September 11th, it seemed a timely choice for this La Comedia show. It was filled with so many positives about how a small town surprised with 7000 passengers was able to handle the situation in an amazing way and everyone got along. 

The show is filled with songs and some dances as well as moments of human drama and is based on actual true stories of the Gander experience. It also shares how, when under duress, people can make the best of unexpected situations without the support of family or friends.

Ensemble members

COME FROM AWAY is playing through September 27. It’s a good time to take a break and go for an evening of memorable theatre and a delicious buffet dinner at La Comedia. You will enjoy this show.

La Comedia is Warren County’s only professional theatre and the ONLY dinner theatre in Ohio.

FOR INFORMATION: lacomedia.com

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