Review: COME FROM AWAY, Kimmel Cultural Campus - US National tour
Photo credit: Matthew Murphy
Come From Away is a Canadian musical that is as heartwarming as it is poignant while it celebrates the indominable human spirit. Come From Away opened on Broadway as a critical and box office success that played for standing room only audiences during previews. The music, book and lyrics were created by husband and wife team Irene Sankoff and David Hein. They conceptualised this story after visiting Gander on the 10th Anniversary of September 11 and interviewing hundreds of locals and returning passengers because they knew that they had to share this unknown story with the world.
Come From Away is the remarkable true story of 7,000 passengers that became stranded in and around Gander, Newfoundland, Canada just hours after the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001. The airspace above the US was closed and 38 international aircrafts were forced to land on this small island in the North Atlantic. The island’s population was only around 9,000 people and the planes brought 7,000 stranded passengers, nearly doubling their population. The locals sprang into action and housed, fed, clothed and comforted the people and the 19 animals in cargo. For hours, everyone was kept on the planes with little information about what was going on. This was before the average Joe had a cell phone so rumours circulated and fears festered. Eventually the passengers were allowed to de-board and they were transported to emergency shelters set up all around the island. Tensions rose and fell over the five days the plane people were stranded but through faith, inclusion, and immense kindness good overcame the heinous evil.
Come From Away features 12 thespians who play a myriad of roles each; the generous and hospitable Newfoundlanders, the terrified and confused plane passengers, and the brave aircraft personnel. These actors are in near constant motion for the entire 100-minutes of the show. They do full characters switches (including costumes and accents) and give each performance and character a chance to shine. They all deserve not one, but two standing ovations. Thank you Kevin Carolan, Harper Clingman, Christine Toy Johnson, Julie Johnson, James Earl Jones II, James Kall, Julia Knitel, Ali Momen, Kristen Peace, Danielle K. Thomas, Jeremy Woodward, and Cailin Stadnyk for an amazing performance. Each actor plays three or more characters that are seamlessly woven together to capture the multi-cultural tapestry that blanketed Gander in those devastating and beautiful few days.
The music in Come From Away is a blend of Celtic and folk rock with British Isles influences and world music elements. The eight-piece band plays onstage for the entirety of the show and are featured as performers in several scenes. In keeping with the traditional music of the island, the fiddle, bodhran drum, accordion and ugly stick are used. The ugly stick is a percussive musical instrument native to Newfoundland that is made of recycled household materials, such as mops, brooms, tin cans, etc. It sits in a boot (or wellie) and the “head” is on top. It’s hard not to tap your toes along to the perfect blend of Broadway ballads and drinking songs.
Come From Away is flying through Philadelphia and only here for about a week, so buy your tickets for this fantastic show.
Uplifting and heart-filled.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Jamie Flowers
Come From Away plays at the Academy of Music until 12 February, with tickets available here.