Come From Away

Rugby Theatre performed the musical “Come from Away” based on a True story of the Tragic events of 911 and small town called Gander in New Foundland.

The cast play many roles from the people of Newfoundlanders and Come From Aways. The cast of twelve were nothing short of superb (Consisting of Kenny Robinson, Emma Bright, Libby Lowe, Jon Andrews, Harriet Wain, Steve Bingham, Hollie Barnes, Steven Mellin, Hayley Dawes, Ian Meikle, Georgie Blacker and Chris Porter.  It would be unfair  to single out any one performer, as every member gave their all. The energy from the opening number “Welcome to the Rock” through to the finale was unwavering.  Although I would like to give a Special Mention to Georgie who took on the roles 3 weeks before the end of show.

The direction by Mark Tolchard and choreography by Carrie Gamle were faultless. It is rare, for an audience to sit and listen to the exit music — but under the leadership of Jamie Payne, that’s exactly what happened. 

Unfortunately on the night I was suffering with ear problems and I was really hoping that this wouldn’t cause too much of an issue with hearing and I can honestly say everyone word in the production and this a testament to all those involved.

The set was true to the show’s traditional staging: the band positioned upstage and been part of one of the numbers helped with the flow of the show, while twelve chairs, a few signs (including, of course, Tim Hortons), and large tree trunks set the scene perfectly. Downstage right, the hold of an aircraft — where live animals were discovered — was particularly effective in design and execution.

This was an emotional performance for many reasons, my sister in law is from New York and was there on that very day and it brings back a lot of memories for all those involved whether in the heart of it or far away watching the TV Screen.

Alison Smith and Andy Brown

District Representative  - District 4
NODA West Midlands Regional Councillor NODA West Midlands.
 

From Andy: -

It was superb to be invited to Rugby Theatre, for the first time as Regional Councillor for the West Midlands. I was most certainly made “Welcome to the show.”

If you ask most people, they can tell you where they were or what they were doing when they first heard of major world events. One such event must surely be the attacks on the USA on 9/11. I can vividly recall that day and the horror as events unfolded.

On a far lighter note, I also remember my wife telling me she had booked tickets for a new show opening in the West End. It was described as a one-act musical — which at the time made me wonder whether that meant it wasn’t very good, and that there would be no interval escape! That show was Come from Away. The performance we attended, while the show was still in preview, was also attended by visitors from Gander in Newfoundland — the very community whose remarkable story inspired the musical.

I was pleased to speak to several people after the performance, and I can honestly say you did Rugby proud — delivering both an outstanding piece of musical theatre and a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11.

Thank you for the opportunity to witness this remarkable production. I look forward to future visits to Rugby Theatre.

Andy Brown, Regional Councillor NODA West Midlands.

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