Tackling one of the most traumatic events in modern history with heart, humour and a touch of the Newfoundland way, Come From Away shares the story of passengers stranded in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the US.
The musical opens at Tim Horton’s (Canada’s arguably superior answer to Starbucks) with residents of the small town of Gander beginning their day. Then time stands still; each character recalls what they were doing when they heard the news of the attacks in New York City. Being told to expect up to 200 planes on their tarmac, the townsfolk get to work.
Switching scenes, and pilots are told they need to land, now, while passengers are kept in the dark about what has transpired. Thirty-eight planes carrying 7,000 passengers land in Gander with some waiting on the tarmac for 28 hours. Through catchy musical numbers, fast-paced dances and set changes, audiences are shown the connections that were made in the small island town over five days.
The cast plays a host of characters; with the change of a shirt or hat and accent they seamlessly transform from Newfoundlander to come-from-away. Each performer is fantastic in their role; Zoe Gertz shines as Captain Beverly Bass, capturing the raw emotion felt by the barrier-breaking female pilot.
During the 100-minute performance, the audience gets to know the characters – the mother worrying for her firefighter son in New York, a quibbling gay couple, and a general uneasiness mixed with an outpouring of kindness – they are people we know. While dealing with grief, fear, anger and racial tension, the production is genuinely funny with an enthusiastic pet carer, fish kisses, and a couple of bad jokes.
The live band enhances the numbers, especially the Ugly Stick solo. From the opening beat to the band’s farewell, Come From Away is a production not to be missed. 5 stars.
Fly through the highs and lows with the cast in Come From Away at Canberra Theatre Centre until 9 July; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Read more:
Get the latest Canberra news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
