Come From Away
When Americans think of Canada, if they do at all, warmth is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Irene Sankoff and David Hein's throbbing musical Come From Away, both from Toronto, might be able to change that. Its unlikely subject is a true account from the days following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, when 38 international flights carrying about 7,000 passengers were forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland (population roughly 9,000). A small ray of human decency in a world covered in ash, the kindness and hospitality of the locals, who fed and housed the stranded travelers for days, made the news.
Come From Away's multiple narratives mostly have low stakes; it's essentially a show about a lot of people inconvenienced at once, despite the residual shock of 9/11 giving it a strong current of emotion. It struggles when it tackles heavier subjects—one passenger is the mother of a missing firefighter—but excels when celebrating less significant events, like a rowdy initiation night at a neighborhood bar where guests are encouraged to try local rum called screech and kiss a cod. The lively, Celtic-influenced score is performed by an eight-piece band and features a lot of fiddle, bodhrán, and flute.
The 12 talented actors work as an effective ensemble under Christopher Ashley's fluid direction, taking on a variety of roles as both the Plane People and the commoners who welcome them to their rock. Come From Away makes a strong argument for the importance of good intentions despite some minor technical errors. You don't need planes for this kind of uplift.
- Ratings: 4.0/5
- Website: https://comefromaway.com/
- Theater: Schoenfeld Theatre
- Ticket Price: Starting at $42
