Come From Away
On Sept. 11, 2001, tiny, out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere Gander, Newfoundland suddenly found itself hosting thousands of people stranded mid-route as their planes were diverted from U.S. airspace.
Thirty-eight planes landed, delivering passengers from all over the world. And what these passengers found in Gander were hosts so gracious, donations poured in and in the ensuing years, folks would return to Gander to keep saying, Thanks.
Maybe it’s because there’s been so much ugliness in the world of late, but I found myself overwhelmed by this production, recalibrated even. This show reminds us that even during our worst times, human beings are capable of showing extraordinary generosity. The acting, the staging, the breadth of real-life characters on stage are each powerful in their own right. And did I mention the story has been woven into a Celtic rock musical? One of the best shows from any genre that I have ever seen.
If you go: Come From Away, Seattle Rep, now through Dec. 13 (Tickets start at $22)—F.D.
Tituss Burgess and the Seattle Men’s Chorus
Few press releases ever elicit an OMG, OMG! But the one announcing Tituss Burgess would be guest starring with the Seattle Men’s Chorus? Thank you, Baby Jesus and the Universe, because Tituss Burgess with the Men’s Chorus is like panettone bread pudding served with rum-laced egg nog. You don’t actually need both but the combination makes you as happy as Rudolph getting kissed by Clarice. Burgess is most famous for playing the Emmy-nominated character Titus Andromedon in the Netflix series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. The Men’s Chorus is wildly popular for being a holiday staple and for putting on shows that are theatrical, funny and also quite moving. The Chorus’s holiday schedule includes performances in Seattle, Everett and Tacoma between Nov. 28 and Dec. 21. A full schedule is available here.
Burgess will be performing at only the first two Seattle concerts.
If you go: Tituss Burgess Sings With The Seattle Men’s Chorus, Nov. 28 and 29, Benaroya Hall ($25-$78)—F.D.
