COME FROM AWAY Previews

[phantomcrazy14]

Saw yesterday's evening show as well and I can't say enough good things about it. I was able to get a rush seat an hour before. It was row Q of the orchestra, which I was worried about at first, but the rake of the house made it so I had no head obstructions, and the mezz didn't block anything!

Walked in with no expectations, and a little skeptical of what the set was, but wound up loving the way the set was used and the whole show. 

I haven't been at a show where I was engaged the entire time. Not once did my mind wander, the entire show had great energy and every song was a powerhouse. I wish there had been more chances to applaud, but the way the show kept the energy moving was amazing. Also loved the random smattering of applause during parts of the story where humanity did its best. 

I truly can't recommend this show enough and intend to see it again 

 

As for the front row, it definitely looked like it was above head height. I could see a woman texting in the front row, and the stage seemed high enough she could hide her phone under the overhang. 

[carolinaguy]

Seeing this in April and very much looking forward to it. What is the running time these days? These one-acters can sometimes be bladder-busters, especially for those of us who have to take diuretics for hypertension. Want to know how dehydrated I need to get before showtime! :)

[sabrelady]

A bit ticked I can't order directly from the website for the cd ( which is what i was told) But will bite the bullet and order from the Amazon.

[Alessio2]

Does anyone have a discount code other than theatermania??? Thanks in advance...

[sabrelady]

CFMIR110

OFFER DETAILS:
February 18-March 12, 2017
$79-109 Orchestra (Reg. $99-$157)
$47-109 Mezz (Reg. $47-$157) 

March 13-June 4
$89-139 Orchestra (Reg. $99-$157)
$47-139 Mezz (Reg. $47-$157)

Telecharge

Dunno if this is still valid but u cld try

[VintageSnarker]

QueenAlice said: "I am excited to see this, and I am pleased to hear the enthusiastic reports, but the old jaded schoolmarm in me has to point out that essentially every show gets an instant standing ovation these days. Truly, we have reached a point in our society where it is absolutely meaningless."

Not to take anything away from Come From Away but I agree with this. And it's rare that you want to be obstinate and refuse to stand when everyone around you is doing so.

I would appreciate hearing about how the cast manages multiple roles. Are there main characters or are they really trying to represent the entire community and everyone on the planes?

[djoko84]

I'm glad to hear everyone's good responses. I was going to wait to see it because of the subject matter, but I just might see it the next time I'm in the city.

[kristinj1]

I think the subject matter is a great reason to see CFA.  After seeing it I immediately bought tickets for myself and others to see it again, something I rarely do, as it's a well told story about many of the best aspects of humanity which are only revealed in challenging times.  I think it's a very timely look at events that are still reverberating loudly, and am glad someone found a way to tackle the subect so simply and beautifully.  

[cam5y]

VintageSnarker said: "QueenAlice said: "I am excited to see this, and I am pleased to hear the enthusiastic reports, but the old jaded schoolmarm in me has to point out that essentially every show gets an instant standing ovation these days. Truly, we have reached a point in our society where it is absolutely meaningless."

Not to take anything away from Come From Away but I agree with this. And it's rare that you want to be obstinate and refuse to stand when everyone around you is doing so.

I would appreciate hearing about how the cast manages multiple roles. Are there main characters or are they really trying to represent the entire community and everyone on the planes?

I am the first one to decry automatic standing ovations (I mostly go to the theatre in London where the practice is thankfully not as widespread) but honestly, the audience leapt to its feet with no hesitation when I saw it in Toronto. Very different from the slightly hesitant, peer pressured standing ovation you often see.

in terms of the characters, there is usually a focus on one role even though they play multiple roles. Jenn Colella's "Come From Away" role of Beverley Bass is more prominent than her Newfoundland role. Joel Hatch's role as Gander's mayor is more prominent than his CFA role. Caesar Samoya's roles as Kevin 2 and Ali are more balanced. 

 

[macnyc]

If you're planning to rush this, get there early. I think the word of mouth has been building. I got there today at 10:08 and there were about 15 people ahead of me. I did get two rush seats, but that's only because the party of four ahead of me decided to buy full price tickets for tomorrow. 

 

I think rush tickets for today were also sold online with the code, so maybe on regular days more rush seats would be available, I don't know. 

 

Our seats are in mezzanine Row C on the far side. The box office rep said all the rush seats are partial view, but mine aren't stamped that way. 

[Trish2]

sabrelady said: "CFMIR110

OFFER DETAILS:
February 18-March 12, 2017
$79-109 Orchestra (Reg. $99-$157)
$47-109 Mezz (Reg. $47-$157) 

March 13-June 4
$89-139 Orchestra (Reg. $99-$157)
$47-139 Mezz (Reg. $47-$157)

Telecharge

Dunno if this is still valid but u cld try

 

Does anyone know if they are still accepting this code at the box office? If so, are the $109 orchestra & Mezz seats only partial view? Thanks.

 

[matineeidol2591]

I caught the Saturday matinee.  Its truly spectacular all around. A grounded, human, and emotional ensemble piece with brilliantly innovative storytelling.  Get your tickets fast ya'll!

[HSky]

QueenAlice said: "I would appreciate hearing about how the cast manages multiple roles. Are there main characters or are they really trying to represent the entire community and everyone on the planes?"

They switch characters swiftly with the donning of a hat, putting on a coat, and switching of an accent, etc. but make each character distinct, and it happens so quickly you don't even think about it, even as it could happen several times in the course of one song. The whole show is kind of like that, several songs don't have breathing room for applause and just roll right on into the next scene.

There's still a lot of stuff left to open but this musical season is already in great shape. I saw this Sunday night and it joins Dear Evan Hansen and The Great Comet as shows I love on that stretch of 45th Street, each distinctly different but satisfying to me.

 

[Tag]

The switching of characters is really evident in the book and score, so even though they do add a small costume piece, it is very clear which storyline you are now in.

[haterobics]

Trish2 said: "sabrelady said: "CFMIR110

OFFER DETAILS:
February 18-March 12, 2017
$79-109 Orchestra (Reg. $99-$157)
$47-109 Mezz (Reg. $47-$157) 

March 13-June 4
$89-139 Orchestra (Reg. $99-$157)
$47-139 Mezz (Reg. $47-$157)

Telecharge

Dunno if this is still valid but u cld try

 

Does anyone know if they are still accepting this code at the box office? If so, are the $109 orchestra & Mezz seats only partial view? Thanks."

If the code works online, it works at the box office. So, just try it online, see what seats are available, and then go in person?

[sabrelady]

Running time in TO was about 100 minutes. There is no good way to put an intermission in w/out losing the  intensity & immediacy  of the event. If u think u can't hold out go for an aisle seat where u won't disturb anyone ;-D

[luvcaroline]

I really appreciate everyone's input about the show. Each new post I read gets me more excited about our next visit in March. Besides CFA we are seeing some great shows this upcoming trip (Great Comet, DEH, Hello Dolly, and Sweeney are the others) and I must say that I'm most looking forward to this one. 

Qick question:  People have mentioned that there are minimal pauses following many performers' songs. Is the show mostly sung-through?

 

 

 

[HSky]

There are no major set pieces to move in and out, so other than the use of a revolve, it's mainly lighting, costuming, and the rearranging of chairs and tables that indicates changes in settings. A lot of songs come to an end and someone else steps forward to frame the next scene (indicating a phone call, for example) immediately. It's not quite sung through, just very tightly paced.

[luvcaroline]

HSky said: "There are no major set pieces to move in and out, so other than the use of a revolve, it's mainly lighting, costuming, and the rearranging of chairs and tables that indicates changes in settings. A lot of songs come to an end and someone else steps forward to frame the next scene (indicating a phone call, for example) immediately. It's not quite sung through, just very tightly paced.

Oh okay, that makes sense, thanks for the info. 

 

 

 

 

"

 

[tja928]

So happy to see all these rave reviews! It was such a wonderful experience in DC. Can't wait to make it back to NYC to see it again.

[carolinaguy]

sabrelady said: "Running time in TO was about 100 minutes. There is no good way to put an intermission in w/out losing the  intensity & immediacy  of the event. If u think u can't hold out go for an aisle seat where u won't disturb anyone ;-D

 

"

Oh, I always do an aisle seat. I just don't want to miss any of the show. I can usually do 100 minutes, that's Fun Home-ish. Thanks for the info. 

[QueenAlice]

Caught this tonight and what a fabulous surprise it was. Compelling, funny, moving, life affirming. Stellar cast and inspired direction by Christopher Ashley make this one of the highlights of a very great season. I think this could be a dark horse Best Musical Tony winner for sure.

[WhizzerMarvin]

I was there tonight too and I LOVED it. Just tremendous work being done all around. The book, score, direction, choreography, musicians, orchestrations and a completely knockout cast all had me cheering and very moved throughout. 

When Come From Away was first announced I thought, well here's a chapter for Not Since Carrie 2: Don't Write Musicals About 9/11. Surely a producer would have to be crazy to bring this to NYC, even if it ends up being "tastefully" done. Thank goodness some producers did a chance and brought this in because I think its humanity and beauty is just what we need right now. 

I was pleased to find so much humor in the book considering what a somber topic the creators chose to musicalize; another nice surprise was how upbeat most of the music was. It was like a less depressing sounding Last Ship. 

Each and every actor gave several fully realized performances, but it's Jenn Colella who gets the biggest solo (almost every other number is an ensemble piece and all the actors remain on stage for the entire show) and will be forced to be reckoned with on Tony night. 

The most remarkable thing about the piece is the restraint the creators showed when developing the emotional tone of the piece. What could easily be maudlin or manipulative never goes done those paths and all the more moving because of it. Tears pricked my eyes in the overly joyous moments over the serious ones. These Canadians welcomed 7000 people into their village without batting an eye and without asking or expecting anything in return. It sounds cheesy, but to see the worst humanity can dole out be met with a force of goodness and kindness 100x stronger than the bad is nothing short of inspiring. 

[stlrod]

Wow, don't know Whizzer but for some reason suspected we would probably disagree on this one.  Glad to see I'm wrong.

[eponine88]

WhizzerMarvin said: "The most remarkable thing about the piece is the restraint the creators showed when developing the emotional tone of the piece. What could easily be maudlin or manipulative never goes done those paths and all the more moving because of it. Tears pricked my eyes in the overly joyous moments over the serious ones. These Canadians welcomed 7000 people into their village without batting an eye and without asking or expecting anything in return. It sounds cheesy, but to see the worst humanity can dole out be met with a force of goodness and kindness 100x stronger than the bad is nothing short of inspiring. "

Beautifully put, Whizzer- and I agree 100%.  In the 5 days since I saw the dress rehearsal, I haven't been able to get the show out of my mind.  I never thought I'd go from being unsure I wanted to even see this production to rooting so hard for it in less than a week...

 

[After Eight]

At least as presented here, the subject matter defies musicalization --- defiantly.

 

An altogether painful evening that I'll try to expunge from my memory as soon as possible.