Come from Away

This is the celebration of a true story and showcases the best elements of the human spirit, based on the events in the isolated Newfoundland town of Gander during the week following the September 11 attacks, when 38 planes, carrying approximately 7,000 passengers, were unexpectedly diverted to land at Gander Airport. It features the stories of both the locals and the disparate group of stranded, temporarily homeless passengers, gently bringing both together, with compassion and humour, over this harrowing time.

Therry Theatre is well known for premiering community theatre at a highly professional level, and Come from Away with book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, is no exception. Award winning Director, David Sinclair has led the production that strongly adheres to the original look, style and pace of the much-loved professional production. A wonderful ‘touch’ is the inclusion of the brilliantly chosen, multi-talented band, conducted by Peter Johns, who more than once are included in the stage performance. Through them, Gander ‘comes to life’ with whistles, pipes, mandolins, guitars, fiddles and haunting drumming including an Irish Bodhran drum.

The play is written with the choreography as the star, and the slick, finely rehearsed work by Linda Williams, who is also Associate Director is outstanding. Every movement and gesture is carefully choreographed, well-placed and meaningful, allowing the multi-talented performers to seamlessly inhabit the variety of characters that each portrays. One minute they were a harried traveller, the next, a townsperson making the looking after of strangers, possible.

Whilst some may call this an ‘actor’s musical’, songs such as ‘Prayer’ showcase the vocal harmonies and the work of the five Covers providing backstage vocals provide added depth to what is a poignant tableau. It is a fine example of a finely honed ensemble performance.