I have to start at the end and in particular the FULL standing ovation that the audience bestowed upon this stellar cast the moment the show ended.
No messing around with Come From Away thinking, “am I going to be first up on my feet?” None of that. I have never seen a packed Leeds Grand Theatre auditorium move so fast. Reflecting on the way home I think in addition to showing support for the multi skilled cast of actors and musicians I felt it was also a nod to the inhabitants of Gander in Newfoundland who we all felt are owed a serious debt of gratitude. To that they’ll say, “no need, it was our pleasure. . .”. Allow me to explain.
Cast your mind back to 9/11/2001. Where were you when you heard the dreadfully, shocking, earth-shattering news that the Pentagon and the Twin Towers had been attacked from the air?
How did you react?
Like everyone, I was stunned, full of disbelief and like the rest of the world I watched the news unfold and observed the devastation, particularly at what was later to become Ground Zero. I have even visited the monument – twice! It’s heart breaking.
What I never really considered was the displacement of thousands of people who were in the air at the time trying to get home, or to get to meetings, going on holiday maybe, seeking an adventure, putting another tick on the bucket list.
Come From Away tells the story of over 6,500 people who were rerouted to a former refuelling, international airport on Gander. Affectionately referred to as The Rock by the inhabitants. The new arrivals were welcomed with open arms by the local community; fed, clothed, showered, watered and nurtured. Having spent 28 hours on the tarmac before they were even allowed to disembark the planes then began a military operation to absorb and accommodate the multitudes of people . . . and animals! Actually, the 28 hours gave time for Gander to galvanise everyone and once the doors went to manual they simply said “You’ve all Come From Away but you are welcome . . . and while you’re here we’ll take good care of you”.
I could never imagine how a musical theatre production with this as its plot might work, but let me tell you from the moment the band start up and the house lights go down, the habitants of Gander gather the audience up and you cannot help but be swept along.
There’s no interval! There’s no need! The show is in full flight (pun intended) and I didn’t want to stop the flow and go to the bar. I just wanted to know what happens next.
The twelve talented actors take on multiple roles and change seamlessly from one character into the next; one minute a dedicated Ganderite, the next a visiting guest made up of flight crews and passengers from 38 commercial and 4 military aircraft.
Cleverly switching dialects, singing, dancing, narrating, moving, re-staging. There are laugh out loud moments but a fair few dark moments as despite the all singing and dancing nature of the show, the underpinning story is still one of the most tragic atrocities of our recent time.
I usually highlight stand out performances, but honestly, the entire cast deserve full credit for keeping up the energy, flow and momentum whilst using every tool in their theatrical kit. Same for the band who take centre stage at the end to raise the roof and send the audience out, buzzing. The set and lighting are (seemingly) simple and non-fussy which puts all that talent centre stage. The score is full of energy and at times has you tapping your feet, wanting to dance in the aisles. The libretto and script are cleverly interwoven and get straight to the heart of the matter and this show has a BIG heart!
HUGE!
In researching this very true story and in seeing the show, I now know a lot has been said about the “community” that has built up around both. It’s all good. Very strong bonds have been forged between the residents and the visitors who were on the Rock for five days. Come From Away is doing a grand job of ensuring that this story lives on. If ever there was an example of the very best of kindness and humanity at its best, it is this. It’s heart-breaking and heart-warming in equal measure.
On until Saturday 11th May and selling very well, I urge you to get organised and book today.
https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/come-from-away-2024
Images supplied
Review by Deana Morgan @deanamorgandance
