OBSERVER: Come From Aawy
Come from Away at the National Theatre is the remarkable story of how the residents of Gander, in remote Newfoundland, Canada, opened their hearts and homes to total strangers, in the wake of the attacks on New York on September 11, 2001.
Welcome to the Rock introduces town residents. The Mayor, Claude (Rick Birkett), teacher Beulah, (Natasha Bassett) and others, reveal how they responded when 38 planes carrying 7000 passengers and crew were diverted to Gander. Some 12 talented actors play multiple roles, seamlessly transitioning between residents and passengers.
The confusion and ignorance of the passengers, marooned for hours on the runway, is clearly expressed. And their shock on learning the truth is palpable.
Frustration is expressed by Airline Captain, Beverley (Rosa McCarty). American passenger Hannah (Sharon Wills) and Beulah bond as their sons are firefighters. Sadly, Hannah’s son does not survive.
A gay couple, both called Kevin (Shane Pritchard and Nic Russ) provide humour in their anxious request for vegetarian food. Tension sees love burgeon between American passenger Dianne (Jacqui McCallum), and English passenger Nick (Richard Perdriau); and wither as the relationship of the Kevins founders.
The easing of tension is terrifically expressed in the scene at the local bar. Band members move down stage and accompany the spirited dancing, as the visitors are made honorary residents.
The townsfolk manage, innovate, cope. The ice-rink is turned into a ‘fridge’ and barbecues are commandeered. Passengers are invited into residents’ homes. People of different faiths are embraced. An amusing song has ‘Cardiologists’ in white coats and orange gloves, preparing to clean the loos in the local schools – a symbol of everyone hopping in to help.
On departure, passengers and residents acknowledge their unique experience.
A reunion in 2011 concludes the show with the song: Finale.
Under Malcom Huddle’s excellent musical direction, songs were superbly executed and wonderfully accompanied. Congratulations to Malcolm, Co-directors Rob Robson and Tailem Tynan, the fabulous cast and CLOC Musical Theatre.
Review by Juliet Charles