Trumpeting community and compassion, Come From Away is a layered, people-powered production that morphs the tragedy of September 11 into a remarkably uplifting musical.
Immediately after the 2001 September 11 attacks, 38 planes were abruptly forced to land in the small town of Gander in Canada. With 7,000 stranded passengers floating through the town, the residents took it upon themselves to open their doors to their unexpected visitors to showcase true hospitality.
Placed between the folksy music and lyrics of Irene Sankoff and David Hein, Come From Away crisscrosses between multiple characters played by a 12-strong cast of exceedingly talented performers. The razor-sharp ensemble pivots between multiple accents and roles as they celebrate real heroes, including the town's mayor, a journalist and a police officer who worked to support the stranded plane people of Newfoundland.
Contained on the Lowry stage with a hands-off approach that lets the performances sing, wooden chairs and tables sit along the wooded staging used to morph the set into a plane and bar. As the story conveys the different cultures and backgrounds from around the world, the show's minimalist approach, placed alongside director Christopher Ashley’s grounded group choreography beautifully and modestly reflects on community. With its cast fluidly weaving back and forth to showcase its festive characters, the dramedies interconnected themes of unity and resilience shine through.
Despite the story being in the midst of a tragedy, the focal point of Come From Away is on community, putting the spotlight on people's similarities with a moving production that represents the best of us. Bonding over new friendships as opposed to a retelling of the events of 9/11, this intimate production is a rich character study that holds detailed and joyous performances.
Sara Poyzer’s wholesome solo of Me and the Sky tells the story of the first female captain to fly for American Airlines, offering a triumphant and personal ode to reflect on the history of one of the grounded pilots. However, the soundtrack favours ensemble performances and platforms them at the heart of the show. With its live musicians entertaining from the sideline allowing its unified soundtrack to place more value in the company regardless of its long line-up of talented performers.
Come From Away is committed to comforting audiences with a real-life miracle performed for the Lowry audience just in time for the holidays. The Lowry’s feel-good festive treat is a magnetic production that allows you to be wowed by its cast and their cathartic performances. Sankoff and Hein’s Celtic soundtrack is a touching reminder of the importance of real connections in times of tragedy and joy.
Tickets are available via the Lowry link