REVIEW: Come From Away
Image: Photo: Jeff Busby
With so many wonderful theatrical productions gracing our stages, there’s a standout that’s not only phenomenally successful but receives rave reviews and is adored by audiences worldwide. Come From Away is a startling achievement with unfathomable heart and soul. A high energy musical with occasional heightened emotional intensity that should, surprisingly, have audiences laughing joyfully throughout.
The book, music and lyrics are by Irene Sankoff and David Hein and it’s incredible to believe that this feel-good show is based on the events that followed on that tragic day in New York when terrorists attacked the World Trade Centre.
The musical takes audiences to a small Canadian town on the Island of Newfoundland called Gander, where 38 passenger jets that were flying over the Atlantic on September 11 were diverted owing to the closure of the US airspace.
Concern and compassion to strangers and taking responsibility for their wellbeing are the themes that resonate profoundly, as the people of Gander looked after 7000 passengers until their return home.
The musical has 12 actors performing on stage for a solid 100 minutes without an intermission, swiftly traversing from one scene to the next, on a jet plane one moment then creating a scene on a bus or on land with the townsfolk. Movements and interactions on stage with other performers are meticulously timed and faultless never missing a beat, highlighting the professionalism necessary to stage such intricate scenes.
The actors play many different characters and audiences should follow the scene changes with the upmost of ease. There are many musical segments, and a small band of musicians offstage accompany the actors as they individually tell their stories through music, song and dance.
Come From Away is triumphant. The storytelling process doesn’t dwell on the evil that occurred on that fateful day, but more importantly details the uplifting and inspiring true story of how a community came to the aid of strangers, the newfound friendships and the inspiring acts of kindness that were reciprocated.
This is a musical that not only entertains but strives to spread awareness concerning the importance of kindness and community aid. The perfect show for the entire family to watch especially during these unchartered and darkened times living with COVID-19.
Until Jan 09. Capital Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket. $59-$185+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.comefromaway.com.au
