'Come From Away' by Irene Sankoff and David Hein
5 December 2024
On 11 September 2001, when US air space was closed following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre, 38 transatlantic flights that were in the air en route to America were diverted to the airport in Gander, Newfoundland. This tiny Canadian town had a usefully large airfield because it was built as a refuelling stop in the days when planes couldn't make it from Europe to the States in one hop. Suddenly, on 9/11, the 9,000 inhabitants of Gander were faced with accommodating the unexpected arrival of 7,000 tired, confused and scared passengers who had not yet been told why their flights couldn't continue to the USA. In 2013 the remarkable story of the Newfoundlanders' hospitality became a very successful stage musical, 'Come From Away' with book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and on Saturday we were at Milton Keynes Theatre to see it. 'Come From Away' is a lovely show - moving, poignant, funny and inspirational. It uses ensemble narration, with each member of the large cast stepping up in turn to tell us the story of those few incredible days, while constantly rearranging chairs to become passengers on an airplane or customers in a bar etc. The music - provided by a lively on-stage band - draws on the folk music of the Canadian maritime provinces with its Celtic influences. The musical doesn't shy away from the painful reality of the terrorist attacks but it's ultimately a celebration of humanity and the entire sold out audience of 1,400 people rose to their feet at the end in genuine warmth. Do go to see 'Come From Away' if you get the chance.
posted by Robin Simpson @ 5:36 pm
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