Come from Away

This was a stunning, thought provoking production which captivated and enthralled a most appreciative audience.

Based on a real life event, this heartwarming true story tells how passengers on 38 planes were grounded in Gander Newfoundland immediately following the 9/11 attack and how a small community rallied round to help the people on board offering friendship, kindness and compassion.

A magnificent innovative set depicting the airport opened up the whole Churchhill theatre stage and was enhanced with fabulous lighting. I loved the suitcase phone booth. The set was simply a dozen chairs and a few tables which were constatntly moved by the 12 cast members who worked with almost military precision in a slick, unobtrusive manner resetting the many varying scenes. This was done so smoothly and skillfully never holding up the flow of the action. The pace of the entire production was fast moving but still allowed time to appreciate the many poignant moments along the way.

A rousing opening ‘Welcome to the Rock’ with its dynamic footstamping choreography and powerful vocals immediately set the scene for what was to be a most creative, riveting production.The cast were a perfect ensemble with each person establishing their own individual character with conviction. The many ‘other’ characters with thier varying costume changes plus the switching of accents along the way was done with complete ease and never faltered .

The vocal strength of this cast was quite outstanding with all the big ensemble numbers strong and emphatic and with harmonies a joy to listen to. ‘Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere’ was mind blowing. It was so good to be able to hear every word spoken or sung! Choreography too was vibrant and imaginative and delivered with verve and precision particulalry ‘In the Bar/Heave Away’ where the atmosphere was electric.

Chris Cotter portrayed a masterful Claude, the mayor, arguing with the union leader over a possible bus strike but mellowed somewhat and had fun with his many other characterisations. The pilot of the plane, Beverley, was superbly played by Sarah Haddath who not only commanded the plane but commanded the stage. ‘Me and the Sky’ was an absolute tour de force. The bouncy, fun loving school teacher Beulah was in the most capable hands of Ciara O’Brien whose infectious smile lit up the stage. Her more sombre moments building up a sympathetic bond with Hannah as they talk about their fire fighting sons was most touching. One could feel a real empathy with Rachel Haynes, Hannah, trying to go along with what was happening round about her but constantly distracted demonstrating her real maternal pain not knowing what has happened to her son. Her distraught ‘I Am Here’ was one of the most hearbreaking, poignat moments in the show. A little light relief was brought to the proceedings by Judith Leeson’s Bonnie, the SPCA worker frantically searching and caring for the animals on board and so excited about the arrival of a new chimp.

The upper crust Englishman Nick was very well portrayed by Colin Cairncross who befriended the recently divorced Diane, Janet Kirkwood. Amidst all the tragedy and chaos the build up of their relationship was beleiveable and the realisation of the feelings they had for each other was demonstrated in a most moving ‘Stop the World.’

There was a  real connection between KevinT, Sean Quinn, and Kevin J, James Dawoud. They paired well as the young gay couple with their friendly, light hearted banter and well timed comedy and facial expressions.

Come From Away embraces different ethnicity and religious beliefs. The scene in the chapel was most heart wrenching as the different cultures and faiths came together to pray. Sean’s powerful ‘Prayer’ was most impressive and with the gradual build up of voices this was so emotive and one of  the highlights of the evening. James’ account of the discrimantion towards him as a Muslim and his humiliating body search at the airport was extremely hard hitting.

Amidst all the highs and lows, Sally Quinn gave a joyous, crisp energetic performance as the loveable reporter Janice. One felt a genune sympathy for the nervous, insecure Bob played with sincerity by Harry Dozier. Greg Robertson was in his element playing multiple roles including the bus driver and the constable of Gander with a real twinkle in his eye.

There is a huge variety of musical styles ranging from the raucous to the romantic and the onstage band were were fabulous. They had their moment too as they joined the cast centre stage in a most rousing, mind blowing finale .

100 minutes of non stop action and drama  was spell binding. The highs and lows, frivolity, heartache, anxiety, love and caring were an absolute roller coaster of emotions which these most talented performers conveyed through powerful singing, choreography which was enrgetic with a real sense of purpose and most convincing characterisation  and acting.

This story of camerderie, reslience and human kindness is perhaps something we could all learn from. I have seen ‘Come From Away’ several times and this flawless production could easily surpass any professional production. Congratultions to this most talented cast and superb production and technical team whose clear vision resulted in a superb performance. FABULOUS !

 

 

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.