Come From Away

PMOS’s production of Come From Away was far more than a theatrical success; it was a moving tribute to unity and compassion. Set in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the show tells the remarkable true story of airline passengers grounded in Gander, Newfoundland, and the small community that welcomed them without hesitation. In staging this production, PMOS honoured a pivotal moment in modern history with sensitivity and heart.

At its core, Come From Away carries a powerful message: in the face of fear and uncertainty, kindness prevails … after all, it is nice to be nice. In a world that can often feel divided, this production stood as a timely and beautiful reminder of what can be achieved when people simply choose to care for one another. In bringing this story to life, the club created a production that felt both timely and timeless, serving as a beautiful reminder of the strength found in community.

This vision was realised with care and precision by the production team. Under the direction of Director Gillian Gray, the storytelling was slick, focused and heartfelt. Every moment felt purposeful. The flawless characterisation across the full cast stands as a testament to both the production team and the performers, each of whom carefully crafted believable portrayals, frequently transitioning seamlessly between multiple roles and accents.

Supporting this vision was Assistant Director and Choreographer Lisa McConnell, who ensured that the movement was dynamic, fluid and meaningful. The staging never stood still, scenes flowed effortlessly into one another, creating a non-stop momentum that mirrored the urgency and emotion of the story itself. The simple set pieces, particularly the chairs and tables, were used to great effect, and I can appreciate the dedication and rehearsal time required to execute each movement with such precision.

A particular highlight of the production was the live band under the Musical Direction of Chris Bensalem, positioned on stage and featured prominently throughout, including during the final musical number as the house lights rose. The talent of the eight-piece band was outstanding, and their visibility on stage meant they were not simply accompaniment but an integral part of the storytelling.

The pace of Come From Away is relentless, yet the audience experienced only seamless transitions and polished storytelling. Behind the scenes, the backstage and technical crew were undoubtedly working at extraordinary speed; managing rapid costume changes, shifting set pieces, coordinating props and ensuring every cue landed precisely. Their dedication and efficiency made the complex appear effortless, and their contribution must be acknowledged as integral to the overall success of the show.

As noted at the start of this report, the purpose of this production was not simply to entertain, but to commemorate and remember individual stories. In keeping with this sentiment, it is only right to recognise the extraordinary individual efforts of the entire cast. Each performer carried multiple roles, accents and emotional journeys with commitment and professionalism. Together, they created a true ensemble piece, supporting one another and sharing the storytelling with generosity and trust.

I would like to acknowledge and thank Jonathan, Blair, Aileen, Aly, Rachel, Carly, Caroline, Ross, Claire, Gerard, Mark, Craig, Alessandro, Kevin, Jenny, Lewis, Holly, Kimberly, Craig, Pamela, Bob, Scott, Gillian and Laura for their distinct contributions to the warmth, humour, heartbreak and hope that made this production so special.

I am certain that this production will hold a special place in PMOS’s history as a show the club can look back on with immense pride as a pinnacle moment in its history, just as the story it tells marks a pivotal moment in the world’s history.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.