If someone told you they had created a good news musical out of the 11 September 2001 terror attacks in the US that changed the world, you’d be querulous, right? But believe me, Come From Away does exactly that, plus much much more.
I laughed and laughed, and cried and laughed again. And marvelled at the energy and talent of the performers, the creativity on stage and the amazing kindness of the people of Gander. I was informed, entertained and lifted by this story that had gone largely unnoticed – in my life, at least.
This Tony Award-winning Broadway musical is a lesson in the capacity of people to open their hearts and their homes – while hate was running amok not far away.
Come From Away – the term Newfoundlanders give to anyone not from the island – tells the true story of how the inhabitants of the small Canadian town of Gander in the province of Newfoundland welcomed and cared for about 6700 visitors – almost doubling its population – from 38 flights that had been re-routed when American airspace was closed for days at the time of the terror attacks.
Stuck on planes for up to 31 hours since taking off from Europe and with no knowledge of why they were in Gander, the visitors were shell-shocked when they were finally allowed off – without checked baggage for security reasons – and taken into town.
But the residents had been busy. Every available space had been transformed into accommodation. Shop doors had been thrown open for toiletries, clothes, toys, towels, toothbrushes, pillows, blankets and bedding. Kitchens across the town were pumping out meals. The local hockey rink was transformed into the world’s largest refrigerator. Doors were open, arms were open, hearts were open.
This musical is big on impact through paucity – stunning through ingenuity rather than extravagance. The acting is strong with every performer seamlessly fulfilling multiple roles, the songs are catchy and the onstage orchestra delivers a vibrant aural backdrop.
There is humour – so much laugh-out-loud humour – and vignettes that showcase real-life dramas and relationships from that period: the gay couple whose relationship is under pressure, the lonely hearts who discover love, the Muslim man who finds distrust is set to be a lifelong companion, the vet who cares for the flights’ animal cargo, the female pilot who pursued her dream. There are also moments of intense sadness for what was lost when those planes found their targets.
But Come From Away is engrossing entertainment, a lesson in life and a reminder that kindness can have a big impact. I left enthralled, energised and humbled.
Come From Away, with music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, is playing at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne.
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