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Do you remember where you were when you heard about 9/11? For days afterward our eyes seemed forever drawn back to mainstream media looking for more detail and some sort of explanation. The focus of the world was on New York, yet, a much larger picture of those affected was not given due attention.
It may sound like an odd topic for a Musical Theatre show but, what happened to all the planes that were suddenly grounded? They didn’t all go back to where they came from, particularly when on a long journey such as crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
The show is set on the island of Newfoundland which sits to the east and is a part of Canada. A big international airport was built there as a place to touch down and refuel before continuing on long journeys flying west from the UK and Europe into the USA.
As airplane technology and fuel improved, planes no longer needed to stopover. So, by 2001, the airport only tended around 6 flights a day. Yet, on 11 September 2001, 38 planes were suddenly instructed to land with almost 7000 people on board. They would be looking for a place to sleep and something to eat for what turned into 5 days and nights.
Next to the airport is the little town of Gander, population 9,000 with 550 hotel rooms. The story follows through the logistics of caring for the unexpected guests. It also delves into the human stories, the frustrations, prejudice, relationships broken and created; dealing with multiple languages …. even the animals traveling in the hold.
COME FROM AWAY was originally workshopped in 2012 in Ontario Canada. By the following year it was a smash hit playing in California, then Washington DC. As the word spread, success blossomed including a run on Broadway with more than 1600 performances (5 1/2 years). It’s been running on the West End, London since the beginning of 2019 and is currently touring the USA.
The production played in several Australian cities in 2019/2020 – difficult years for show business – and we are lucky to have it open once again here in Sydney at the Sydney Theatre Royal.
Opening night, the cast and audience were full of energy. It’s the opposite of a glamour event with all characters dressed down, a rustic set and excellent live musicians discretely set along the edges upstage.
There are no distractions of fancy lighting, costumes, magic or special effects required. Focus is on the talent of the performers and an incredible story. The script is beautifully written with lots of humour and staccato, foot stomping choreography. Interesting to discover the accent and music of Newfoundland has a strong Celtic influence which is used throughout the work. The performers are mostly Australian and did a wonderful job. Only one suggestion would be to make the storytelling crystal clear. With a foreign accent and very wordy songs, it’s easy to lose the details that make all the difference.
There are no specific lead roles, all performers play multiple characters, sometimes very quickly shifting between basic garment changes and accents. This was executed brilliantly. Award for the best chameleon goes to Joseph Naim. Best solo goes to Zoe Gertz for her rendition of “The air and me”, a powerful life changing story of the pilot, Zoe drove the audience into a frenzy.
Another fun running joke was a story that was bent towards something more sexy than it might, in truth, have actually been. The Australian casting was perfect, closely matched to the Northern Hemisphere casts. With a long run, their connection to each other and development of characters will only get stronger.
There was also great balance in showing how reactions can widely vary when faced with challenges. Some struggled whilst others chose to make the most of it. The emotional journey is most memorable showing how love and consistently warm hospitality can ease the pain of so much trauma.
The script is based on the true events of what actually happened in Gander. The impact included the beginning of lifelong bonded friendships and faith in humanity restored for thousands of people. Travelers real-time letters sent back to Gander show this faith then rippled out into the world as they continued on their way.
Don’t let the informal costumes put you off. This is an outstanding show with a great story to tell.
Tickets here https://www.theatreroyalsydney.com/events/season-2022/come-from-away/
Australian Show website: https://comefromaway.com.au/
Westend cast performing a number from the show: https://youtu.be/th5id1jS2LY?t=442
COME FROM AWAY is closing its Sydney season on the 29th January 2023.
