THE SHOW MUST GO ON: The cast of “Come Sail Away” is proving resilient after the historic Wells Theatre and equipment were severely damaged by torrential rains and flooding. A great way to help the theater company is to buy a ticket and experience this excellent performance.
By Jerome Langston
“It’s a wonderful company. I’m such a fan of everything they’ve done… everything I’ve been able to see,” says actress & jazz singer Liz Brydge, early in our recent phone chat about her role in Virginia Stage Company’s upcoming musical that opens the company’s 48th season. “So I really am thrilled to make my debut, and to just be on the Wells Stage… That’s such a beautiful theatre and space. And the history there. I am excited all the way around,” continues Brydge, who along with her husband, bassist and jazz composer Chris Brydge, are very prominent contributors to our local jazz scene here in Hampton Roads. It’s about a week before rehearsals begin for VSC’s production of “Come From Away,” the acclaimed Broadway musical that chronicles a fascinating, real-life story born out of the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The show is being produced in partnership with Christopher Newport University, with previews set to begin early next month.
It’s a strong start to VSC’s upcoming season, as the Tony award-winning musical was a big hit on Broadway, and its national tour played Norfolk’s Chrysler Hall for a few performances that began in February 2023. The Virginia Stage Company run also coincides with the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
With a large cast of at least 15 actors — Virginia Stage Company’s “Come From Away,” which is being directed by Producing Artistic Director, Tom Quaintance, features main cast members playing multiple characters. Liz portrays Beulah Davis, who as a character was inspired by two real Newfoundlanders, Beulah Cooper and Diane Davis. “So Beulah in the show… She works at an elementary school. She is one of the first people that jumps into action and starts making sure that people are cooking food, they are finding beds…” says the actress, who endured three sets of auditions to land a pivotal role in this unique, one-act musical. Other cast members include ShaaNi Dent, who plays Hannah, a character that bonds with Beulah. Wallis Herst portrays Bonnie Harris in the show. Local native actor, Donovan E. Mitchell occupies the character of Bob, while actor John Cauthen, who has had many stand-out roles in prior VSC productions, portrays Nick/Doug. Actress and singer Marika Aubrey plays Captain Beverley Bass, in her VSC debut, which follows her acclaimed work as the same character in the first national tour of the hit musical.
With its book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, “Come From Away” recounts the story of 38 planes carrying approximately 7,000 passengers, being forced to land at Gander International Airport in Canada’s Newfoundland, in response to the September 11 attacks. Sankoff and Hein spent time in the town of Gander, and their characters are based on residents, and some of the stranded airplane passengers with whom they fed and housed. It premiered on Broadway at the Gerald Schoenfield Theatre on March 12, 2017, where it remained until the beginning of October 2022. The show also had a successful, lengthy run in London’s West End. The musical garnered seven nominations at the 71st Tony Awards, where it took home the award for Best Direction of a Musical. And the Broadway run received positive reviews from prestigious newspapers like The New York Times and The Washington Post. Actor Jenn Colella received the lion’s share of acting noms, as part of the Broadway cast, for her work as Beverley/Annette. Songs from the show include “Phoning Home,” “Darkness and Trees,” and “Me and the Sky.”
After chatting with Liz, I spoke with NYC-based actor Travis Murad Leland, who plays Kevin J in the show. Like Liz, the California native, who is also a film producer, is making his VSC debut, and is excited to come down to Norfolk for the show’s significant September run. “This is an incredible show. And I’ve actually auditioned for various productions of ‘Come From Away’ for many, many years… When it was still running on Broadway. I remember auditioning for it there. And then auditioning for the tour,” says Leland. “And then subsequently so many regional theatres have been doing the show. So, it’s certainly one that has crossed my path a lot. And this is the first production I’ve actually been cast in… so that’s kind of amazing,” he continues. He was able to audition for Tom and the casting director, during the final round of casting, up in New York City.
“I’ve done a good amount of research on the show,” the actor later says. He tells me he’s currently knee-deep in the script. “With this show specifically, you gotta be learning before you get there on the first day. There’s so much material in this show. And it moves very fast. And it is only a one-act,” he adds. Despite his preparation, he is equally excited and terrified, he tells me. Regarding the show’s huge success and embrace by audiences over these many years, Leland believes that the 9/11 subject matter is a powerful connector to the show. It’s also sobering, we both agree… that there are now adults who weren’t even born when the 9/11 attacks occurred. “I also think that there is something that’s magical in the way that they created the show, with how simple the storytelling is. It’s tables and chairs. And it relies on great storytelling, great actors, and a lot of movement…”
WANT TO GO?
“Come From Away”
Through September 20
Presented by Virginia Stage Company
Wells Theatre
vastage.org