Cheyenne Suarez

Review: Ensemble excellence elevates ‘Come From Away’ in stirring PH debut

Article (news)

Vlad Bunoan

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174960961967620250611030624_CFA 1.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and the cast of ‘Come From Away.&#x27; Handout"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and the cast of ‘Come From Away.&#x27; <em>Handout </em></span></span></span></div><p>As the world prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 next year, “Come From Away” — the acclaimed musical by Irene Sankoff and David Hein — offers a powerful and timely perspective on the tragedy. While many narratives focus on the horror and aftermath in New York, this story finds hope, kindness, and community in the small Canadian town of Gander.</p><p>Based on true events, “Come From Away” recounts what happened when 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were diverted to Gander after U.S. airspace was closed. The town’s population nearly doubled overnight, and what followed was a remarkable outpouring of hospitality, generosity, and human connection.</p><p>Sparely yet masterfully staged, the original Broadway production (available on AppleTV+) was rightly recognized with a Tony Award for Best Direction. (It was the only award it won against “Dear Evan Hansen,” though it arguably also deserved Best Book.) With a lean cast of 12 actors playing multiple roles, the musical draws you in with clarity and heart.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174960955225720250611030624_CFA 2.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=" The cast of ‘Come From Away.&#x27; Handout"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"> The cast of ‘Come From Away.&#x27; <em>Handout </em></span></span></span></div><p>These same strengths shine in the first Philippine staging of “Come From Away,” directed by Michael Williams. This non-replica production achieves remarkable emotional clarity, capturing the full range of experiences — from fear and disorientation to empathy and joy — with intelligence and restraint. Through simple props — just chairs, tables, and subtle lighting — the show vividly captures locations as diverse as a crowded airplane cabin and a bustling Newfoundland pub, without ever relying on elaborate sets or projections. It’s a testament to theatrical storytelling at its finest.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174960951831720250611030624_CFA 3.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Stephen Cadd leads the ensemble in this bar scene. Handout"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Stephen Cadd leads the ensemble in this bar scene. <em>Handout </em></span></span></span></div><p>The star-studded ensemble — dubbed “the Avengers of Philippine musical theater” by fans — delivers a masterclass in character work. Seamlessly shifting between roles, they embody the many voices that make up this extraordinary story, allowing the audience to clearly understand both the anxieties of stranded passengers and the overwhelming responsibilities that landed on the lap of the Gander townsfolk.</p><p>Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo gets to sing the showpiece number, the punishingly difficult “Me and the Sky,” but as far as the solos go, one has to single out Carla Guevara Laforteza’s poignant “I Am Here” where she powerfully conveys a mother’s anxiety while waiting word about her firefighter son in New York. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174960945091620250611030624_CFA 4.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Carla Guevara Laforteza sings &#x27;I Am Here.&#x27; HandoutCarla Guevara Laforteza sings &#x27;I Am Here.&#x27; Handout"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Carla Guevara Laforteza sings &#x27;I Am Here.&#x27; <em>Handout </em></span></span></span></div><p>Another moving number is &quot;Prayer&quot; anchored on the Prayer of St. Francis, as it brings together peoples of various religions united by the same yearning for peace.</p><p>But more than the collective talent and stage experience on display, the production’s casting also stands out for its diversity — essential to a story that spans continents and cultures. The inclusion of Stephen Cadd and Rycharde Everley — as well as George Schulze, Rebecca Coates, and Garrett Bolden — adds nuance and authenticity to a show about embracing global humanity in the face of crisis.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174960935721520250611030624_CFA 5.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Rycharde Everley and Cathy Azanza-Dy bring unexpected romantic feels in &#x27;Stop the World.&#x27;<em> Handout </em></span></span></span></div><p>GMG Productions, best known for bringing in touring productions of West End and Broadway hits, has taken a bold step in producing its first Filipino-led show. “Come From Away” was the perfect choice — and the thunderous standing ovation on opening night, followed by a wave of social media praise, makes a strong case for more original productions in the future.</p><p>Ultimately, “Come From Away” confronts the fear, grief, and confusion of a post-9/11 world — but more importantly, it offers a heartwarming memory and a vital reminder that despite the tragic events of 2001, the inspiring story of Gander will forever remain a cause for celebration.</p><div><br/></div><div><em>“Come From Away” runs until June 29 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati, with tickets officially available through TicketWorld.</em></div>

<p>The star-studded ensemble — dubbed 'the Avengers of Philippine musical theater' by fans — delivers a masterclass in character work.</p>

The star-studded ensemble — dubbed 'the Avengers of Philippine musical theater' by fans — delivers a masterclass in character work.

Theater review: Ensemble excellence elevates ‘Come From Away’ in stirring PH debut

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Theater review: Ensemble excellence elevates ‘Come From Away’ in stirring PH debut

Vlad Bunoan,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jun 11, 2025 10:41 AM PHT

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