COME FROM AWAY

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https://comefromaway.com.au/tickets/melbourne/

Date Reviewed: 27/01/2021

Come from Away is a powerful and energetic musical that takes us back to the unimaginable sorrow that rippled across the globe as a result of September 11, 2001 terror attacks. The show tells the true story about thousands of passengers diverted to Newfoundland from the American airspace that shut in response to the horror.

Whilst these attacks shocked the world and displayed the worst in humanity, the people of Newfoundland remind us of the humanity and warmth when 6597 passengers are diverted to this tiny rock in the Atlantic, doubling the small population of Gander overnight. The musical cleverly juxtaposes the suspicious, exhausted and bewildered passengers with openness, kindness and overflowing generosity of the local Gander community who offer food, clothes and shelter.

In a fast-paced, believable way the small cast moves seamlessly between characters: airline pilot; town mayor; chef; passenger; air traffic controller; news reporter. The cast also morph into people of different culture and religion: a gay couple; a Jew; a Muslim; a Christian.  Along with each character there is the addition of an accent or a jacket, a hand gesture, creating a wonderful tapestry of characters and personalities. Chairs, space and mime are the minimalist props used to suggest where the action is taking place - on a plane, a bus, at someone’s home or at a pub. It takes enormous skill to create such clarity for the audience with such minimal props.

In the hour and a half, short vignettes of relationships unfold between the locals, passengers and their families back home. The storyline comes alive through high-energy music, poignant lyrics, uplifting humour, dance and an entrancing, Celtic live band.

This musical reaffirms one’s faith in humanity where people look after strangers whom they have never met and are unlikely to meet again, expecting nothing in return. It is a celebration of human kindness and a must see musical after such a difficult year where we have endured lockdowns and challenging times.

This national tour is playing in Melboune at The Comedy Theatre until the 14 of March 2021. 

This review was written by Irena Begelfor