What an outstanding show!
CLOC has excelled in staging the superb musical Come From Away.
This is the first Victorian non-professional production of the remarkable work by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, who are responsible for the book, music and lyrics.
To say it soars is an understatement.
Photos by Ben Fon
Moving, uplifting, funny, energetic and melodic, I defy anyone not to be in raptures about Come From Away.
Who would have thought anyone could turn the dastardly deeds that constituted 9/11 on its head and create something so positive and theatrical?
The story is set in Newfoundland, an island off the far northeast coast of Canada, after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
As a result, for the first time, American airspace was shut down.
Thirty-eight commercial aircraft carrying 6,579 passengers from 92 countries were diverted to the sleepy hollow that was Gander International Airport.
At the time, Gander’s population was 9,651 (and the city had only four traffic lights).
Ill-equipped to handle the deluge, led by the Mayor of Gander, the citizens of Newfoundland rallied and found a way through.
When the planes landed, those on board had no idea what had just happened.
When they found out, like the rest of the world they were traumatised and just wanted to get home … but they couldn’t, for five long days.
In the meantime, the townsfolk went far beyond the call of duty to lend a helping hand.
By so doing, they entrenched Newfoundland into the psyche of all who inadvertently found their way there.
Amongst the chaos, that place became an unexpected haven, which the weary travellers took to heart.
Sure, there was tension, distrust, anxiety and heartbreak, but there was also overwhelming good will from the locals, which won out.
In the story, love is lost and found, and new, life-long friendships forged … all in the space of just a few days that changed those involved.
The musical’s unusual title comes from the fact that Newfoundlanders refer to those not born on the island as “Come From Aways”.
To create the show, Canadian writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein went straight to the source.
They travelled to Newfoundland for the 10th anniversary of that fateful week.
Further, they collected hundreds of hours of interviews that they distilled into the completed work.
The 12 CLOC cast members who assume multiple roles and the eight-piece band do a wonderful job.
I say that as someone who has previously seen three iterations of Come From Away performed by a professional company at the Comedy Theatre.
Each of them was astounding.
So, I entered the National Theatre with the bar set very, very high and yet I was suitably impressed.
The cast delivers big time. Massive plaudits to all. Vocally and musically, they excel.
Rosa McCarty is authoritative as the American Airlines captain, Natasha Bassett empathetic as local Beulah, Ric Birkett keen to set the tone as Mayor … and on it goes.
The balance between pathos and humour is beautifully struck by director Rob Robson.
Choreographer Tailem Tynan is akin to a chess master, orchestrating movement with dexterity and drive.
Musical director Malcom Huddle has the band humming in a stirring iteration of the score.
The set design adaptation by Sally Martin is in keeping with the spartan nature of the original: a few trees, a little signage and some chairs and tables.
It works a treat, ensuring the onus is on the performers.
A handful of costume changes (Sam Gore is the costume designer) – a coat here, a cap there – and hey presto, job done. Again, simple but effective.
Lighting (by Brad Alcock) and sound (by Marcello Lo Ricco) are integral in focusing our attention where it needs to be.
Time and again the spotlighting and shadowing is spot on, while the sound quality is crisp and clear in a work that moves along at pace.
We witness shock, sadness, frustration, fear, apprehension, romance, appreciation and the milk of human kindness in the most arduous of times.
Ultimately, the show is about a triumph of spirit, strength and resilience.
Inspired by fact, what a special, feel-good production this is.
Celebrating its 60th year, CLOC shows yet again that it can step up on the big stage.
And don’t forget to purchase the excellent, detailed program.
Come From Away is triumphant and on at the National Theatre until 26th October, 2024.
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