The Sunday, December 26 performance of Come From Away was somewhat history-making. In the face of the highly-contageous COVID variant, Omicron, Broadway shows have taken a huge hit with closings. Some shows are in hiatus, while others, faced with economic devastation, have been forced to close, while others have been able to carry on, even if their fate is calculated on a day-to-day basis. But there’s long been a stage tradition that “the show must go on,” although never before in modern times has a pandemic affected theater in quite this way. When so many principals are laid low by the virus, understudies, standbys and swings become even more vital in the ability to do their jobs—go on for missing cast members. (And that’s why when Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin insulted these hard-working actors, the theater community was up in arms. St. Martin later issued an apology, but the damage was done.)
The talent and commitment of those entrusted with keeping a show on its feet was never so much in evidence than in the December 26 performance of the Tony-nominated musical playing at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. On Facebook, about this history-making feat, David Hein, co-creator of the show wrote: “Bit of a miracle show today: 8 standby’s!!!!!!!!! – including friends from the tour and those who have left Broadway but are returning to support this community and make it all happen. Please read these names because they are ALL rockstars. (& props to the costume, stage/general/company management, producers, health & safety & sound/light teams too – all incredible).”
The standys who kept the show up and running were Pearl Sun, Tony LePage, Monette McKay, Marika Aubrey, Julie Reiber, Holly Ann Butler, John Jellison, and Happy McPartlin joining four regular cast members: De’Lon Grant, Paul Whitty, Caesar Samayoa and James Seol.
Come From Away tells the true story of 7,000 airline passengers who were temporarily stranded in a small town in Newfoundland, Canada in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The ensemble cast performs a variety of roles, including the travelers, locals and airline personnel.
Come From Away, opened on March 12, 2017 and was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. After the COVID lockdown, it re-opened on September 21, 2021. The show features music, lyrics, and a book by Irene Sankoff and Hein, with direction by Tony-winner Christopher Ashley, choreography by Olivier-winner Kelly Devine, music supervision and arrangements by Ian Eisendrath, orchestrations by August Eriksmoen, scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Howell Binkley and sound design by Gareth Owen.
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