By Kim Jones
This rousing, remarkable musical can do no wrong. Gripped from start to finish, the whole audience fairly screamed their applause and appreciation at the end of this show with a storyline that – to all intents and purposes – shouldn’t have been so heartwarming or humorous. After all, it’s ostensibly about 9/11; the most horrific attack on America in its history.
Come From Away centres on the true story of what happened when air traffic in the US skies was diverted immediately following the attacks. And how 38 planes, containing almost 7,000 passengers landed in Gander, a small town in Newfoundland, almost doubling its population overnight.
As soon as the small town inhabitants know there’ll be visitors, or ‘come from aways’ as they call them, they rally round, collecting clothing, toiletries, nappies and other necessities. After all, they say, when a stranger knocks on your door, you don’t ask who’s there – rather you say ‘come on in, we’ll take care of you!’
When the passengers land on the ‘rock in the middle of nowhere’ – they’re scared, anxious and overwhelmed. But also bowled over by the generosity of the townsfolk who give them all they could want, asking nothing in return.
Homes are flung open and people welcomed with open hearts, casseroles are cooked, whisky is shared and listening ears are offered, making the situation bearable for these ‘refugees’ far from home. In fact, true, lifelong friendships are formed as we’re drawn into this story of resilience, humanity and the power of community – and unity.
The talented cast play multiple roles – as townsfolk and passengers – with swift changes of jackets or hats. And all characters are perfectly drawn and played. There’s the first American Airlines female pilot, the mother of a New York firefighter desperate for news of her son, the man-of-action town mayor, and rookie local news reporter thrown into the biggest story of her life. There’s a love story to follow too, and no shirking away from other realities, like the gay couple hesitant to come out to ‘small-town’ people for fear of prejudice, or the Egyptian Muslim chef who experiences Islamaphobia.
The cast solos are beautiful and the collective, soaring, chorus voice an absolute riotous, spine-tingling joy to listen to. And the seven piece band situated stage left and right are spectacular, too. Simple choreography – like foot-stamping and stance-changes to the beat – are really effective. And staging and lighting is dramatic and clever. Seats are moved around for scenes in the bar, then swiftly pushed together to replicate an airplane.
It’s not difficult to see why this exceptional piece of theatre is the winner of four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical in London and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical on Broadway. Go to it – and get your Come From Away tickets fast.
Come From Away is on at Wales Millennium Centre until 6 April – tickets can be booked here
More details about the musical can be found on the comefromawaylondon.co.uk website
Photos by Craig Sugden