Come from Away

I was delighted to be asked to attend your performance of ‘Come from Away’ an award-winning piece which was constructed after the Irene Sankoff and David Hein spent time in Gander during the 10th anniversary of 9/11, 2011. They spent a great deal of time there gathering stories, conducting interviews and from these reviewed testimonials, this incredible musical was produced.

The details included in your programme gave me a show synopsis and interestingly the ‘True stories of come from away’. There was certainly and an anticipatory buzz of enthusiasm in the foyer with a large audience awaiting to be entertained.

I understand that you as a company like many others had decided to make use of the replica package to produce this complex piece of theatre. Notwithstanding this Katy O’Brien Morse and her assistant Liz Smith had to transfer the information about stage set, performers moves and costumes had to be shifted into the performance created for the audience to view.  Their clever visualisation and clear attention ensured every aspect of the piece and every player understood their expectation. Every move whether it was physical or related to props was understood and carried through. An excellent piece of direction, many congratulations.

The set design was as anticipated relatively minimalist but extremely effective. The back wall comprised of horizontal wooden slats with gaps between them set in six vertical sections with two added at the end adjacent to the back section. The second vertical section on stage left had a door which opened to depict the cargo bay. Long vertical lengths of wood were attached either side of the stage exits with horizontal piece and a cylindrical piece decorated like a tree truck on stage right and an additional one on stage left with a wooden crate which we realised was a crate for an animal. The central section had four cleverly made boxes which looked like garden planters which were effectively used by the cast to store props etc that they needed during the performance, the ‘Come from Away’ logo projected on the wooden structure.  The main part of the stage was set with thirteen wooden chairs, a wheelable metal chair and two tables on casters. Nine of the chairs were draped with various jackets/coats which were well used by the cast. Changing the scenes was accomplished by the twelve on stage. They seamlessly moved from one position to another; this must have involved countless practices to ensure the props they needed were in the correct place and formation.  We were transported between meeting rooms, a bar, aeroplanes, a bus, a school, a church, a control tower and Dover Fault.  Any additional props were moved by those on stage with pace and precision. I particularly liked the simple effective use of torches in the control tower and the transfer of chairs for the Dover Fault.

A variety of lights were set on stage left and right, on the stage and in boxes on above either side of the circle, follow spots were also positioned there.  The lighting design created different effects related to where the scene was set but there were some issues with members of the cast being left in darkness. I thought the use of the projection of the 9/11 image was very impactful.

There were speakers set at the side of the staging and the sound design made sure the radio mics worn by the various characters were set at an appropriate level so the audience could follow the story line. I did appreciate the addition of sound effects especially the animal noises which added to the realism of them being in the planes. A good balance was set between the orchestra which was on stage behind the set and the vocals although at a few times feedback happened when the members of the orchestra were performing with the cast and this distorted some of the dialogue.

The orchestra was led by your gifted direction Gary Hawkins who always ensures a high-quality musical interpretation from his 8 musicians who handled the Celtic/ Irish styles of music from foot stamping folk rock to reflective ballads with expertise. It was great to see some of their skills shown on the stage during the jig and finale.  He can also be guaranteed to spend much time with the members of the cast to produce an excellent level of vocal harmonies to the wide range of complex songs in the show and ensured emotion led understanding delivered by all cast members.   From the beginning to the end of the performance the power of the music made sure the audience was fully immersed in the story and it fashioned a remarkable experience for all those attending.

Claude, the mayor of Gander, was brought to life as an approachable, confident, empathetic leader who did his best for those in his community. He took his role seriously and was use to negotiating various issues such as the bus drives strike with Garth the union rep but, the scale of the problem following 9/11 was out of his comfort zone.  His leadership skills came to the forefront and with the co-operation of others he sorted the issues that arose. His performance was outstanding from his opening vocals to his final monologue. I enjoyed his transformation with the aid of various facial accoutrements finally landing on a bucket hat to the mayor of Appleton. Derm’s compassionate manner was able to alleviate Bob’s worries.

Kevin T was on holiday with his boyfriend Kevin J when the incident found them stranded in Gander. He was the head of an environmental energy company and was Initially cautious of the of the residents in Gander reaction to a gay couple. Through their friendly accepting manner his attitudes were changed and he began to fall into suggested activities. Their relationship began to become strained as his outlook changed. His clear, powerful vocals in the ‘Prayer’ was one of the high points of the performance.  He demonstrated sobriety as the President, loyalty to his workers as Garth the union boss and a kind friend to the African family on the bus.

Kevin J played the ‘sexy-tary’ to his high-flying boyfriend. He did not take easily to their change of destination and was certainly very vocal when incidents happened that were not under his power or to his liking. He appeared happier when he was in contact with his family at home and was struggling to understand Kevin T’s softening attitudes to the locals’ ways.  His portrayal of Ali who faced antagonism, Islamophobia and hostility from authorities and fellow passengers was memorable. He endured many issues, one very personal one to a Muslim was sung about in ‘The Edge’ bu,t all the time he related to others with generosity.  With a change of headwear, he portrayed the head of an African family.

Nick was a polite English gentleman who travelled a great deal for his work as an oil engineer and was going to the USA when his flight was diverted to Gander. His move on the plane finds him sitting next to Diane, who he tentatively begins a conversation with. Your player created a kind, awkward, reticent, likeable character who made a connection with Diane who then used her womanly wiles to capture his heart.  They created a wonderful connection and their heartfelt duet ‘Stop the World’ brought a tear to many of the audience. He delivered some wonderful comic lines with Bonnie as Doug.

Oz one of the two members of staff employed as the police force in Gander’s was depicted as a friendly down-to-earth member of the community who took his responsibilities seriously especially when related to driving to excess.  He was ready to assist anyone when the emergency happened in any way as was demonstrated by his abundant trips to Shoppers.  He was a fantastic fiddle player and these skills were well shown during the jig and in the finale.   

The character of Bob showed many of the preconceptions on the attitudes of other humans whether grounded in religion, skin colour or conflict-related anxiety.  His wariness of others was shown in his expectations of how others would treat him.  Drem the mayor of Appleton took him in and gradually allayed these fears and gave him a taste for Irish whisky, thereafter the New York attitude within Bob was replaced and he embraced their generosity. This actor’s portrayal of the self-assured Captain Bristol was a great comic moment and his melodic voice brought meaning when he was the Orthodox Jewish Rabbi.

The character of Beverley was wonderfully delivered your actor, she created a talented, driven lady who from a young age had a dream, to become a female captain, which she was determined to fulfil.  Her breathtaking, controlled, heartfelt delivery of ‘Me and the Sky’ showed the great versatility of this player. She was able to demonstrated both sides of her personality; her professionalism as the female captain of American Airlines and her fortitude as a wife and mother when conversing with them, she kept her tone light and positive.  What a great contrast her portrayal of teacher Annette was. She worked with Beulah preparing the school for their unexpected visitors. Captain Bristol certainly proved to be her secret desire and their interaction was comic.  An outstanding performance.

Hannah had been persuaded to go on holiday by her son Kevin. ‘“Mom, you've never gone anywhere." When I get back, I'm telling him this is exactly why’ but of course the most poignant part of the story is she doesn’t have the chance to.   She clearly showed the desperation of a mother trying to locate her firefighter son back in New York and contrasted this between vulnerability, strength and determination to find answers. Her expressive delivery and powerful vocal added to the part. Her friendship with Beulah was heartwarming to view.

Your player portraying Diane was able to demonstrate clearly the juxtapose in character between the anxious divorcee from Texas who is tremendously concerned about her son who was also flying on the same day to the more relaxed personality who connected with the other passengers and locals.  She firstly meets the diffident Nick on her plane and a hesitant relationship grew into love and marriage.   It was wonderful watching their closeness develop through many awkward and comic events. Brilliant characterisation and fantastic vocals, ‘Stop the World’ was a touchingly depicted song expressing hope and longing.

Janice had just started her new job on 11th September 2001, as a local TV news reporter and what a day it was!  She was expected to relay all the information from Gander to the wider world and developed quickly from a rookie reporter to an assured journalist.  Often popping up during tense scene she moved the events forward and was able to demonstrate how the fear which people felt and the humanity and kindness of the community had an effect on the passengers. She professionally worked as one of Captain Bass’ flight attendants although fearful of some of the passengers. Her comment ‘Thank you for shopping at Walmart, would you like to come back for a shower’ brought much hilarity to the audience.   

The character of Beulah was  wonderful, she was a truly organised headteacher who took on the role of managing the needs of the stranded passengers from the planes. With the help of members of her community she ensured the 7000 were provided with everything they required. She perceptively picked up on Hannah’s needs and they empathetically developed a sincere friendship which assisted both of them. Beulah was able to use her skills to support Ali and seemed to thoroughly enjoy her moment in the limelight singing ‘My Heart Will Go On’.

The SPCA worker Bonnie only concern was for any animals that were in the holds of the planes. She kept hitting a brick wall when requesting information so in the end, against the rules and her husband’s advice, she entered the planes and discovered 19 animals which she then took care of. Your player created a driven character who was determined to complete her task.  Her enjoyment at caring for the animals was tangible and her goodbyes heartfelt.

‘Come from Away’ is powerful piece of theatre which is in a class of its own, a story of everyday people who do extraordinary things.   The energetic ensemble bursts onto the stage and this standard of performance remained throughout the show, they swapped between characters and positioning with ease.  The singing was outstanding with various numbers displaying countless emotions ‘Welcome to the Rock’, ‘Screech In’, and ‘Prayer’ were wonderful.  The audience was taken through a gamut of emotions, one minute they were crying the next laughing, the ‘cleaning cardiologists’ and ‘becoming a Newfoundlander with the jig’ were brilliant.   Every member of your team brought their top game; this was truly a remarkable performance.

Disclaimer 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what she sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable that his assessment will be affected by that knowledge. 

The NODA Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular, the performance.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre. 

 It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.I was delighted to be asked to attend your performance of ‘Come from Away’ an award-winning piece which was constructed after the Irene Sankoff and David Hein spent time in Gander during the 10th anniversary of 9/11, 2011. They spent a great deal of time there gathering stories, conducting interviews and from these reviewed testimonials, this incredible musical was produced.

 

 

 

 

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