Displaying items by tag: Michael Earvin Martin

Come From Away begins from a place of deep uncertainty, yet what emerges is a story grounded in the steady, everyday kindness people offer when they have nothing else to give. Rather than revisiting the events of September 11 themselves, the musical focuses on the human responses that rose in their wake - small gestures that became anchors for thousands of strangers. Currently running at Marriott Theatre, this production leans into that humanity, reminding us that even in moments defined by fear, communities can reveal their best selves and set the stage for the remarkable true story that follows.

The origins of Come From Away trace back to the ten-year reunion of Gander residents and the airline passengers who found themselves unexpectedly grounded there during the September 11, 2001 airspace shutdown. Writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein attended that gathering, listening as people shared memories of fear, generosity, and the strange intimacy of those five days. Those first-hand accounts became the foundation of their musical, built from interviews, lived experiences, and the community’s own reflections.

Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of how the residents of Gander, Newfoundland opened their town to nearly 7,000 stranded passengers, transforming crisis into connection. Sankoff and Hein’s folk-infused score and ensemble-driven storytelling capture both the urgency of the moment and the warmth that defined the community’s response. Through intersecting vignettes - a pilot grappling with the weight of the tragedy, a couple who unexpectedly find love, and townspeople mobilizing with astonishing kindness as they scramble to meet the needs of thousands - the musical builds a fast-moving, emotionally resonant tapestry of resilience. The many moments are uniquely moving. One storyline follows a gay couple who initially fear they may have been displaced into a community that would not welcome them, only to discover that Gander’s embrace is far more open-hearted than they ever expected. Another centers on a mother whose son is a New York City firefighter, her fear deepening with every hour she goes without word of his safety. A further scene reveals how fear and uncertainty led to an instance of racial bias toward a Middle Eastern passenger, underscoring the tension and misunderstanding that shaped those early hours. It is also notable how long it took many of the stranded passengers to even learn why they had been grounded, completely unaware of the September 11 attacks unfolding beyond the airport tarmac.

One of the most striking things Come From Away made me realize is how little I had ever considered the logistics of suddenly hosting 7,000 unexpected guests. Lodging is the obvious hurdle, but the production makes you think about everything else: baby formula and diapers for stranded families, toothpaste and toilet paper for thousands of people who never planned to stay overnight, the sheer volume of food, toiletries, and basic supplies required to keep an entire town functioning under extraordinary circumstances. It is the kind of practical, human detail that rarely crosses your mind until a musical places it right in front of you. And right in the middle of all that panic and uncertainty, one passenger quietly quotes Philippians 4:6 — “Be anxious for nothing.” The moment lands with such gentle force that it clearly holds the audience, as if the reassurance reaches beyond the stage.

The ensemble works together with the fluid precision Come From Away is known for, but a few roles naturally carry more emotional weight. Beverly, played by Lexie Dorsett Sharp, provides one of the show’s strongest through lines, her reflections as a pilot adding quiet depth to the production. Claude, portrayed by Alex Goodrich, anchors the local perspective with a steady, good-humored presence as Gander’s mayor who so wonderfully inspires the townsfolk, while Hannah, brought to life by Sharriese Hamilton, is a deeply felt presence as the firefighter’s mother. Around them, the rest of the company contribute vivid moments that round out the tapestry of stories, each adding texture without overshadowing the show’s ensemble spirit.

Lexie Dorsett Sharp and cast in Marriott's Come From Away. Photo by Justin Barbin.

The cast also gets a welcome lift from its other strong players, each actor shifting cleanly through multiple roles with the precision the show demands. Justin Albinder, in particular, delivers sharply timed, very funny moments that consistently land. Alongside him, Matt Crowle, Devin DeSantis, Denise Devlin, Sarah Bockel, Madison Kauffman, Heidi Kettenring, Michael Earvin Martin, and Jonathan Shaboo contribute to a unified, well-calibrated company whose collective work feels much larger than the sum of its parts.

Marriott’s production benefits from clear, confident leadership behind the scenes. Jessica Fisch’s direction keeps the ensemble moving with purpose, shaping the intersecting stories with a calm, assured touch that lets the emotional beats land without force. Katie Spelman’s choreography adds subtle lift to the staging - never flashy, but always intentional - helping the momentum build in ways that feel organic to the storytelling. Scenic designer Scott Penner and lighting designer Jesse Klug further elevate the production, using Marriott’s in‑the‑round configuration and luggage that doubles as plane seats to create the illusion of a bustling, overcrowded environment despite a cast of just twelve. Through razor‑sharp transitions, fluid movement, and smart spatial design, the stage often feels packed with 40 or 50 people, turning simplicity into spectacle without ever losing intimacy.

The musical’s score finds some of its strongest moments in a handful of standout numbers. “Me and the Sky,” led by Lexie Dorsett Sharp, remains the show’s defining emotional peak, her performance giving the song a grounded clarity that resonates long after it ends. Ensemble pieces like “Blankets and Bedding” and “28 Hours / Wherever We Are” showcase the cast’s cohesion, capturing both the frantic energy of Gander’s rapid mobilization and the passengers’ first fragile steps toward connection. Alex Goodrich brings an easy charm to “Screech In,” turning the raucous drinking ritual into one of the evening’s most crowd-pleasing scenes. And in “I Am Here,” Sharriese Hamilton delivers a quiet, concentrated punch, shaping one of the musical’s most affecting solo moments. The musical lift throughout is supported by conductor Celia Villacres and music coordinator Trevor Jones, whose work keeps the score driving, unified, and emotionally sharp. In these moments, the score shows its full range, moving easily between lightness, tension, and heartfelt storytelling.

What surprised me most was how deftly the musical balances somberness with humor. Given the weight of September 11^th (now approaching its 25^th anniversary), I expected the tone to stay anchored in grief, but Come From Away keeps finding pockets of levity, warmth, and genuine laughter. The humor never undercuts the tragedy; instead, it highlights the resilience and humanity that emerged in the midst of fear. The show moves back and forth between emotional registers with such ease that you are never left in one feeling for too long, making the experience unexpectedly uplifting.

Marriott Theatre’s production of Come From Away offers a thoughtfully crafted, emotionally grounded evening that earns its place among the company’s stronger musical offerings. The ensemble’s cohesion, the clarity of its overall arc, and the steady warmth woven throughout make this a production well worth seeing.

Highly Recommended.

Runs through October 18^th at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.

One hour and forty‑five minutes with no intermission.

Tickets and additional information: www.marriotttheatre.com/show/come-from-away  

I thoroughly enjoyed Drury Lane's enchanting stage production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid from start to finish. While few are overly familiar with Hans Christian Andersen’s original, darker tale of ill-fated romance, the Disney animated film and this stage adaptation, with a book by Doug Wright and music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, beautifully transform the fairytale into a heartwarming story of love and triumph for the heroine, Princess Ariel.

The mermaid Ariel, portrayed with sunny enthusiasm and skillful vocal stylings by Sarah Kay, is a Princess and the beloved daughter of King Triton, convincingly played by Anand Nagraj. Ariel is captivated by the world above the waves, yearning to experience the sunshine and the joy of walking through green fields. Her fascination with the human world deepens when she falls in love from afar with a human prince.

During a fierce storm, Ariel saves the Prince from drowning, and in that moment, she finds herself falling for him. The Prince, portrayed with sensitivity and earnestness by Patrick Johnson, is captivated by the voice of his rescuer, though he never sees her face as Ariel swiftly returns to the sea, hiding her mermaid identity.

The chemistry between Kay and Johnson enriches their characters, making their blossoming romance both believable and heartfelt. Kay's Ariel exudes innocence and curiosity, while Johnson's Prince captures sincerity and a deep longing to find the mysterious singer who saved his life.

King Triton, wary of humans and deeming them dangerous, has commanded his daughters to stay away from them. This forces Ariel to make a desperate deal with Ursula—her powerful, estranged, octopus-like aunt, who was once banished by King Triton, her brother.

Anand Nagraj as King Titan and Michael Earvin Martin as Sebastian. 

Ursula, portrayed by Sawyer Smith, casts a spell on Ariel, compelling her to give up her extraordinarily beautiful voice in exchange for a chance at love. Ariel must win the heart of the Prince, who must love her so deeply that he is compelled to kiss her. Only True Love's kiss can break Ursula's twisted spell. If Ariel fails to find true love and receive the Prince's kiss, she will be banished to the underworld, and Ursula will claim her soul. Sawyer Smith, as Ursula, is a showstopper! Smith's costumes, makeup and movements are menacing, powerful, yet glamorous all at the same time. Smith’s talent is fully on display during a commanding rendition of “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”

The cast delivers uniformly strong performances throughout. Matt Edmonds also stands out with his impeccable comic timing as Chef Louis, eliciting plenty of hearty laughs with his hilarious solo number “Les Poissons.” 

I valued the emphasis placed on the power of a single woman’s voice and the profound impact of a young woman losing her voice, especially in today’s context. It was heartwarming to see so many young girls in the audience, their faces glowing with delight. They were captivated by the show's humor and romance, yet also deeply moved to tears by the poignant theme of Ariel sacrificing her voice to win the love of a man.

This production, under the skillful direction of Scott Weinstein, with choreography by Kasey Alfonso and a vibrant set designed by Tijana Bjelajac, excels in providing delightful musical theater entertainment for both children and adults. It is truly a pleasure to watch.

Patrick Johnson as Prince Eric and Sarah Kay as Ariel.

The puppetry in this production was extraordinary, among the finest I've seen on a Chicago stage. For instance, the two eels, Ursula’s sinister accomplices, glide gracefully through the audience and across the stage with glittering lights encased in sheer black chiffon, creating an absolutely magical effect. The puppet characters were all exceptionally well played and designed. Notable performances include Sebastian (Michael Earvin Martin), Scuttle (Landree Fleming), Flounder (Maya Lou Hlava), Jetsam (Ryan Michael Hamman) and Flotsam (Leah Morrow). The impressive puppet design was crafted by Chicago Puppet Studio, Caitlin McLeod, and Zachary Sun. 

The set design, featuring the imaginative light projections by Anthony Churchill and the atmospheric lighting by Ryan O’Gara, brilliantly conveyed the sensation of being under the ocean. Their work uniquely and creatively transported the audience to an enchanting underwater world, making the experience both magical and mesmerizing.

The Little Mermaid is a fantastic ensemble piece, and the entire cast brings the house down with their rousing, colorful, and energetic group number in “Under The Sea.” This performance beautifully captures the splendor of the mermaid's underwater home and castle, making it a mesmerizing highlight.

I highly recommend this colorful, ingenious, and lively production for audiences of all ages who wish to experience one of their favorite Disney fairytales come to life! 

Disney’s The Little Mermaid is being performed at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook through January 12th. For tickets and/or more show information, visit https://drurylanetheatre.com/the-little-mermaid/.