Come From Away is a musical that brings to life an extraordinary, yet largely untold, story set in the immediate aftermath of September 11, 2001. The production focuses on Gander, a small town in Newfoundland, Canada, which became the unexpected host to nearly 7,000 passengers when 38 planes were diverted there as U.S. airspace was shut down. Created by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, this powerful production is a celebration of human kindness, resilience, and community in the face of catastrophe.
Plot and Structure
The musical doesn’t dwell on the tragedy of 9/11 itself but instead highlights the humanity and generosity that emerged in response to the events. The people of Gander, a town of barely 10,000 people, were suddenly tasked with taking care of passengers from all over the world, stranded and frightened by the unfolding events in the United States. The show tells the stories of both the locals and the passengers, weaving together the individual experiences of those involved.
The narrative unfolds over a brisk 100-minute runtime with no intermission. The structure of the show is particularly unique, relying on a tight ensemble cast that seamlessly switches between various roles—portraying both the townspeople and the “plane people.” Each actor plays multiple characters, often moving fluidly between roles with a quick change of accent or physicality, adding to the dynamic energy of the piece. This storytelling approach helps create a rich, multilayered narrative that feels expansive despite the limitations of time and cast size.
Themes and Emotional Impact
At its core, Come From Away is a story about kindness, community, and human connection. In a time of global fear and uncertainty, the people of Gander opened their homes, hearts, and lives to complete strangers. This spirit of generosity is the heartbeat of the show. The musical beautifully balances moments of humour with deeply touching, emotional scenes, ensuring that the audience experiences both laughter and tears.
One of the most powerful aspects of Come From Away is its depiction of ordinary people stepping up in extraordinary circumstances. Whether it's the local mayor organizing shelter and food for thousands, or a pilot grappling with the emotional toll of the attacks, the show highlights the small but significant actions of individuals in the face of overwhelming tragedy. There is a sense of shared humanity that permeates the production, reminding us that even in the darkest times, kindness and compassion can shine through.
The musical also touches on themes of displacement and cultural understanding. The passengers come from all corners of the globe, representing different cultures, languages, and religions. As they are thrust into close quarters with each other and the people of Gander, they must navigate their differences, but ultimately find common ground. This is exemplified in a touching scene where a local SPCA worker seeks out animals stranded on the planes, leading to the discovery of not just pets but also rare, exotic animals, including a pregnant bonobo. It’s a reminder of the diversity of the world and the ways in which we are all interconnected.
Music and Choreography
The music of Come From Away is infused with the spirit of Newfoundland, featuring a lively, Celtic-inspired score that incorporates traditional instruments like fiddles, bodhráns, and accordions. The songs are catchy, vibrant, and full of energy, with each number driving the story forward and enhancing the emotional depth of the piece. The musical doesn’t rely on big, show-stopping numbers; instead, it focuses on ensemble-driven songs that mirror the collective experience of the characters. Numbers like “Welcome to the Rock” and “38 Planes” are rousing and communal, while more introspective songs like “Me and the Sky” and “Stop the World” delve into personal reflection and emotional turmoil.
“Me and the Sky,” in particular, is a standout number performed by the character of Beverly Bass, a real-life American Airlines captain and the first female captain in the airline’s history. The song is a reflection on her career and the personal impact of the attacks, as she grapples with her love for flying in the face of such tragedy. It’s a powerful and emotional highlight that leaves a lasting impact on the audience.
The choreography in Come From Away is equally impressive, with simple yet effective movements that enhance the storytelling. Director Christopher Ashley and choreographer Kelly Devine create a sense of constant motion, reflecting the whirlwind of events that unfold over the course of the show. The ensemble's movements are fluid and coordinated, often using chairs and minimal props to transform the stage from airplanes to school gyms to forests, helping the audience visualize the rapidly changing settings.
Characterization and Performances
One of the most remarkable aspects of Come From Away is how it manages to flesh out so many distinct characters in such a short amount of time. The ensemble cast is tasked with portraying a wide variety of roles, from the warm-hearted citizens of Gander to the confused and frightened passengers from all walks of life. Despite the constant character shifts, each portrayal feels genuine and fully realized.
The characters are based on real people, which adds another layer of authenticity to the performances. Standout characters include the aforementioned Beverly Bass, played with strength and vulnerability by the actor portraying her, as well as Claude, the pragmatic and compassionate mayor of Gander. There’s also Hannah, a mother desperately trying to contact her firefighter son in New York, and Nick and Diane, a British man and Texan woman who meet and fall in love during their time in Gander.
The ensemble cast works together seamlessly, and their ability to switch between such a wide range of characters is a testament to their talent and the precision of the production. The fact that the audience can keep track of so many different storylines and characters is a testament to both the clarity of the writing and the skill of the performers.
Staging and Set Design
The set design of Come From Away is relatively minimalist, with the use of simple chairs and tables to represent different locations. This minimalist approach allows for quick transitions between scenes and places the focus squarely on the characters and their interactions. The lighting design is also particularly effective, helping to convey changes in time, mood, and location with subtle shifts in colour and intensity. The set doesn’t need to be elaborate because the strength of the show lies in its story and performances, and the simplicity of the staging allows these elements to shine through.
Final Thoughts
Come From Away is a heartwarming and deeply affecting musical that highlights the best of humanity in the face of tragedy. Its themes of kindness, compassion, and community resonate strongly, particularly in a world that often feels divided. The music, performances, and storytelling are all top-notch, and the show’s ability to find light and hope in the midst of darkness is truly remarkable. Whether you're familiar with the story of Gander or hearing it for the first time, Come From Away is a must-see production that will leave you moved and inspired.
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