(Cover Photo: RICHARD CHAZ GOMEZ appears as "Kevin T. and Others" in "COME FROM AWAY" playing at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA. from April 11, 2025 through April 13, 2025. Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)

By Kevin T. Baldwin

METRMAG Reviewer

# 774-242-6724
     

METRMAG Spotlight On: Richard Chaz Gomez appearing in "COME FROM AWAY" coming to the Hanover Theatre

The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts

Presents the Broadway Megahit 

"COME FROM AWAY!"

Book, Music and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein

Directed by Christopher Ashley 

Musical Staging by Kelly Devine 

Music Supervisor, Musical Arrangements by Ian Eisendrath   

Cast Includes: John Anker Bow as “Nick & Others,” Kathleen Cameron as “Bonnie & Others,” Ryaan Farhadi as “Kevin J. / Ali & Others,” Richard Chaz Gomez as “Kevin T. & Others,” Jordan Hayakawa as “Janice & Others,” Andrew Hendrick as “Claude & Others,” Kaitlyn Jackson as “Beverley & Others,” Kristin Litzenberg as “Beulah & Others,” Tyler Olshansky-Bailon as “Diane & Others,” Erich Schroeder as “Oz & Others,” Hannah-Kathryn Wall as “Hannah & Others,” Andre Williams as “Bob & Others,”  

Standby: K. Bernice, Jordan Diggory, Brooke Melton, Sierra Naomi, Justin Phillips; Dance Captain, Standby - Nick Berke   

Additional Creative Team: Scenic Designer - Beowulf Boritt; Costume Designer - Toni-Leslie James; Lighting Designer - Howell Binkley; Sound Design - Gareth Owen; Orchestrations - August Eriksmoen; Direction Restager - Daniel Goldstein;  Musical Staging Restager - Richard J. Hinds; Casting - The Telsey Office/Rachel Hoffman, CSA; General Management - Gentry & Associates; Company Manager - Mackenzie Douglas; Assistant Company Manager - Kate Friesen; Production Stage Manager - Sam Kronhaus; Assistant Stage Manager - Cello Blanks.

Performances:

April 11, 2025 through April 13, 2025 

(Contact Box Office for Exact Times) 

Presented at the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester.

TICKETS:

For More Information:  877-571-SHOW (7469) info@thehanovertheatre.org

BUY TICKETS

COVID 19 PROTOCOLS

Contact Venue for Most Updated COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Information.

METRMAG Spotlight On: Richard Chaz Gomez appearing in "COME FROM AWAY" coming to the Hanover Theatre

With the National Tour of "COME FROM AWAY" landing at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA. this April, METRMag spoke with actor RICHARD CHAZ GOMEZ who plays "Kevin T" (no relation) and "Others" on tour for the smash musical. 

GOMEZ, an Abilene Christian University graduate, received a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and Theatre Directing. 

But, long before that… 

RICHARD CHAZ GOMEZ was born in Houston, Texas and lived there his whole life. 

"I attended William B. Travis High School in Richmond, Texas and graduated in 2009," GOMEZ says.

Before high school, college and his ultimate advent into a professional acting career, RICHARD CHAZ GOMEZ  recounts his very first moments performing before an audience and what was that experience like. 

“Well, ‘professionally’ speaking I probably made my 'debut' in middle school as a zebra in a competition with our middle school theatre program," GOMEZ recalls. 

“Going back even earlier, I was probably dancing to ‘Barney’ when I was three years old and was putting shows on for my parents all the time. There was always a show going on.” 

After making the decision to pursue acting as a profession, GOMEZ says his family stood by his decision.

“They were very supportive,” GOMEZ says. “My dad is a cop and my mom works in credit, working a lot with numbers. They would always be the first ones signing me up for classes. I also played baseball for 13 years and was good at it. But it was my dad who signed me up for a drama class in Houston and, after that, I just knew that this was what I wanted to do.” 

Looking at GOMEZ's bio, it seems a lot of his professional work lean towards what one might refer to as “family friendly": 

"Little Mermaid" "Wizard of Oz" "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and even "COME FROM AWAY." 

Was that a conscious choice or just random chance? 

“No, not by choice," GOMEZ says. "Truthfully, I loved my theatre department at Abilene, even though I would not say I subscribe to their ‘ways.’ They did make theatre a safe haven for queer students to find their faith AND sexuality. So, I’m grateful for that. But I am Cuban-Mexican and gay as they come and would have no problem doing anything risqué. It just hasn’t presented itself.”

Among his noted “special skills” on his resume, under “dialects” GOMEZ lists: “Russian,” “Cuban/Mexican,” “Southern” and that old standby “Demon Voice” – is that last one just in case a tour for “Harry Potter” or “Hadestown” comes up? 

“It's just like one of those things I threw in there,” GOMEZ says. “But you know, I have put in for ‘Beetlejuice’ a few times and I used it. But I would talk in that 'Demon Voice' and people would ask if it hurts and I would just say no, it is just something I can do.” 

Prior to "COME FROM AWAY" is there a moment that serves as pivotal for GOMEZ, making him more confident in the career path chosen? 

“This is a very hard career and the amount of times I ask myself why I do this, well that is just the reality of the business,” GOMEZ admits. “You constantly need to check in with yourself and make sure it is till something you want to do.” 

“Tours are very unforgiving as you are on the road constantly,” GOMEZ says. “It is brutal. It really is. I think in this past year and a half I have actually physically lived in my apartment maybe about a month. There is an old saying that 'if you can do anything else, do that thing.'"

"I was a public-school teacher for two years and taught both middle school and high school theatre. I loved the kids, and was always involved with youth theatre.” 

“I just got to see one of my former students perform in ‘Betty Boop’ on Broadway - and she was wonderful and so was the show. I could go on about my former students but, at the end of the day, teaching wasn’t for me so ‘The Prom’ at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, NH came at the right time and I was ready. It was the best experience of my life.” 

GOMEZ recalls a moment in "The Prom" finale where (spoiler alert!) two major female characters kiss and the reaction from one member in the audience.

"There was this young teenage girl in the audience watching the show, wearing a hoodie and, when that moment happened, you could hear her scream wildly over everybody else," GOMEZ remembers. 

"She was most likely identifying with that need to express herself after holding back her own feelings for so long," GOMEZ says. "To have that ability in this moment to be able to release all that emotion just meant the world to her. That's why doing 'The Prom' was special and means so much to a lot of people and meant so much to me." 

And now GOMEZ finds himself in a show that is similarly special to many people in this latest tour of "COME FROM AWAY." 

"COME FROM AWAY" is a musical with book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. 

The show was a hit with audiences before even premiering on Broadway, with record-breaking runs in Seattle, San Diego, Washington, D.C. and Toronto. 

"COME FROM AWAY" opened on Broadway in 2017 and was an instant smash. 

While it was not the darling of every NYC theatre critic at the time - with some denouncing it as pure “saccharine” for its overwhelming “feel good musical” approach - audiences simply fell in love with "COME FROM AWAY," which is why the show is still popular everywhere the tour “lands.” 

In 2017, the show was nominated for seven Tony Awards, winning for Best Direction of a Musical (Christopher Ashley). 

Other nominations included Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical. 

The Broadway production ran until 2022, closing after 25 previews and 1,669 regular performances. 

Since then, the show has been on tour and sells out virtually everywhere it goes. 

A live video recording of the production debuted in 2021, on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. 

How familiar was GOMEZ with "COME FROM AWAY?" 

“I had only been to New York City twice before anything and I think it was 2017 and I had never ‘rushed’ a show before,” GOMEZ says. “I would just pay for a ticket. But, for some reason, in the freezing cold as it was -14 degrees outside, I rushed that show.” 

“The person in line before me got the last ticket, but it was a 'standing room only' ticket. So, he didn't want that so I took it.” 

“I saw the original Broadway cast and, even while standing, you felt like you were in the ‘Gander Legion’ (community center) with them the whole time. I sobbed throughout the whole thing.” 

GOMEZ recounts the casting process for "COME FROM AWAY." 

“For the first tour I was asked to submit for ‘Kevin J’ (not ‘Kevin T’) and after a callback never heard back. But while I was doing ‘South Pacific’ in Florida I was asked to submit for ‘Kevin T’ and did.” 

“I didn’t memorize - I had the words right there in front of me," GOMEZ remembers. "I did it in a couple of takes and didn’t think anything of it.”   

“Flash forward: I'm doing ‘The Little Mermaid’ and got a call to come back and audition again. So, I did that, and at least a week and a half went by. You know, the best thing an actor can do is forget about auditions. Because if you sit there and stew over it it’ll drive you crazy. But I got the call to come back and this time audition for BOTH ‘Kevins’ and, personally, I felt closer to ‘Kevin T.’" 

“They asked me to level out my vibrato and straighten out my tone to fit the sound and style of the music. I then did a one-on-one dance call on Zoom (all of this was done on Zoom). I was extremely grateful to be flexible and allow a Zoom process.” 

Finally, as GOMEZ recalls, “I was in the middle of a ‘put in’ rehearsal for ‘Little Mermaid’ when I got the message on my phone: ‘Kevin T COME FROM AWAY offer.’”  

(Photo: A moment from the smash musical "COME FROM AWAY" playing at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA. from April 11, 2025 through April 13, 2025. Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)

"COME FROM AWAY" is based on the events in the Newfoundland town of Gander during the week following the September 11, 2001 attacks, when 38 planes, carrying approximately 7,000 passengers, were ordered to land unexpectedly at Gander International Airport. 

The characters in the musical are based on actual Gander residents and the stranded travelers they housed and fed. 

GOMEZ discusses his approach as an actor toward his portrayal of the real-life “Kevin T” for this "COME FROM AWAY." 

“I think the beauty of the show is that it is not a bio piece,” GOMEZ explains adding, “You know, you aren’t performing like you're Daniel Day Lewis playing ‘Lincoln.’” 

“Ninety-five percent of the dialogue is taken from interviews with these people to remain true to the actual experience. So, even though I am playing ‘Kevin T,’ all the characters are ultimately universal and relatable.” 

“I am the first Hispanic man to play ‘Kevin T’ but they have only had a couple of actual gay men to play the part.” 

Conversely, GOMEZ explains that “Garth” another character he plays, is a composite character. 

“’Garth’ represents all the Gander bus drivers who were on strike at the time of the 9/11 attacks, who went off the strike to help these stranded passengers at Gander.” 

“It has been such a great experience,” GOMEZ says, speaking of the cast and creative team on the tour. “We had six returning people from the last tour. They came in and were all able to find our mode together and our overall vibe.” 

GOMEZ notes his gratitude toward the creatives as he points out how they are “always seeking to make the show unique.” 

“They approach the show by saying to us that, while this particular blocking may have worked previously, each cast is its own experience," GOMEZ says. "They are always working on certain things that can be adjusted to fit the needs of whatever company member might need it.” 

GOMEZ praises "COME FROM AWAY" for not being a “cookie cutter” show. 

“This is basic storytelling at its finest with no 'magic set' or anything. It is just US up there and it is such a great cast,” GOMEZ says. “These are actors who care about the show and the story. Nobody is here just here for the check.” 

(Photo: A moment from the smash musical "COME FROM AWAY" playing at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA. from April 11, 2025 through April 13, 2025. Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)

The show has a cast recording that is a favorite among many theatre lovers and fans of the musical, but does GOMEZ have his own favorite song from the show? 

“I love ‘Prayer’ for so many reasons – it is a very personal song for me.” 

GOMEZ says among his other favorites is “I Am Here.” 

“When I listen to ‘I Am Here’ it brings me back,” GOMEZ explains. “I was raised by a single mom once my parents got divorced." 

“My family is very important to me and ‘I Am Here’ being sung by a mother trying to reach her child – that is something that hits me as the son of a woman of who has fought for me, a child coming from women of color - and it just stops me every time.” 

While having performed just north of Massachusetts in New Hampshire, this will be GOMEZ's first time performing at the Hanover Theater in Worcester, MA. 

“I love Massachusetts and when I get back there, I’m really going to try and make it over to ‘Tatte Bakery’ in Boston,” GOMEZ says.

(Photo: The CAST of "COME FROM AWAY" playing at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA. from April 11, 2025 through April 13, 2025. Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)

After his performance...and pastry...what comes next for RICHARD CHAZ GOMEZ once this "COME FROM AWAY" tour experience ends? 

“Great question and that’s the game we’re sort of playing out now,” GOMEZ says. “I have a callback for a show and then we’ll see where things go from there.” 

Before then, though, ultimately what does GOMEZ hope Hanover Theatre audiences will come away with after the "COME FROM AWAY" experience? 

“Every time we perform I’m hoping people will see that maybe as a community, even with things the way they are playing out right now, we still have this collective heart inside of us that beats for our fellow man, or fellow woman, or fellow LGBTQ+ or whatever.”

"COME FROM AWAY" runs from April 11^th through April 13^th, 2025 and concludes this year's Hanover Theatre's Broadway Series.

For tickets and more information, contact Hanover Theatre at # 877-571-SHOW (7469) or via email at info@thehanovertheatre.org

Approximately one hour, 40 minutes with no intermission.

Kevin T. Baldwin is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)

@MetrmagReviews

@Theatre_Critics

ABOUT THE SHOW

On 9/11, the world stopped. 

On 9/12, their stories moved us all. 

Celebrate the best of humankind and the best in all of us at "COME FROM AWAY."

"COME FROM AWAY" chronicles the real-life experiences of the people of Gander, Newfoundland, and the almost 7000 airline passengers who were forced to land there when U.S. air space was closed on September 11, 2001. 

Twelve actors tell the story of both the Islanders and the Plane People, revealing the fear and uncertainty that came with the terrorist attacks – as well as the profound generosity and compassion of strangers. 

While some characters and stories are an amalgamation of several people and experiences, others are grounded in true people, such as Captain Beverly Bass, the first female captain for American Airlines; Kevin Tuerff and Kevin Jung, the couple from L.A.; and Nick and Diane, the couple who met in Gander.

The music of "COME FROM AWAY" blends both traditional musical theatre styles (“Me and the Sky,” “Stop the World”) as well as traditional Newfoundland orchestrations (“Heave Away,” “Screech In”). 

The Islanders are distinguished from the Plane People by their use of a Newfoundland dialect, which they point out in “Welcome to the Rock.” 

Along with acting out the events of the four days, characters step out from the story to narrate the events. 

Staging is minimal, making use of only a few tables and twelve chairs to be the airplanes, the buses, and the various locations within Gander.

The creators of "COME FROM AWAY" have stated that this is not a September 11th story, it is rather a September 12th story - a story of the best people have to offer each other, and a reminder that we are all capable of doing good for each other, especially in the darkest of times. (STAGEAGENT)

For More Information:  877-571-SHOW (7469) info@thehanovertheatre.org

BUY TICKETS

ABOUT HANOVER THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Worcester Center for Performing Arts is a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which owns and operates The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

HANOVER THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

2 Southbridge Street

Worcester, MA. 01608

# 877-571-SHOW (7469) 

info@thehanovertheatre.org