Michael Cox reviews ‘one of the most moving and humane productions to come along in some time.’
Come From Away is a theatrical hug—the type of production that doesn’t desire to amaze but instead holds up a mirror to the audience and reassures us: we can be better.
It is thrilling, moving and inspiring stuff.
The musical is actually fairly short: roughly 100 minutes without an interval. And yet its characters are so rich and its themes so heartfelt that it has more substance than most far longer shows.
It also doesn’t have much of a plot but instead works as a theatrical snapshot of a time, place and moment in history.
The time is September 11, 2001.
The place: Gander, Newfoundland.
The moment: due to the closing of airspace, planes are being directed to the ground with immediate effect, and a small community sees its population double for five days.
What we have is a dozen actors playing multiple roles: both islanders and those caught mid-commute during one of recent history’s most tragic moments. The islanders are earnest, hard-working people who step up to the challenge of being gracious hosts; the travellers are stuck in limbo—some rise to the occasion and grow from the experience while others close themselves off.
Unlike most Broadway/West End musical tours, this does not rely on large moving sets and technical razzmatazz. Most of the spectacle comes in formations formed by the ensemble. Tables and chairs do most of the lifting to shift scene settings, and lights express time instead of giving lush texture. It is a simple staging—one which hints that this is a show destined to be a future fixture within community and school drama programmes.
And as it is an ensemble show, there really isn’t a stand-out performance: each individual plays at least two main characters you care about and root for. And yet, what it really comes down to isn’t the triumph of individuals but the human spirit in general.
In short, Come From Away is one of the most moving and humane productions to come along in some time. Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s book, music and lyrics are filled with warmth and insight—everything stirs and entertains. Director Christopher Ashley has stitched together an embracing theatrical quilt that will be remembered and cherished for some time.
In these dark times of economic hardship, war and political uncertainty, how refreshing—how vital—it is to be reminded that we as humans can be better. That we deserve better. That we are better.
To each and every creative behind this wonderous production, a sincere and heartfelt: thank you.
Come From Away is at the Edinburgh Playhouse until September 19, 2024. It goes to Glasgow’s Kings Theatre (September 24-28) before continuing its UK tour. The recording of the Broadway production is available on Apple TV+.
Photos by Michael Wharley.
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