Come From Away

On Broadway at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre

I know what most people think when they hear about a new 9/11 musical, but Come From Away may be the most delightfully unexpected musicals of the season.  Just about everyone we know was affected in some way by the tragic events of 9/11.   Some very bad things happened that day, but some very good things happened too.  This is one of the good stories, and one that will fill your heart with hope.

On September 11, 2001 the world changed forever, especially for 7,000 people on 38 flights that were on their way to or from somewhere.  When there was a forced grounding because of the terrorist attacks all of these planes were diverted to a little-known place called Gander, Newfoundland.    Not much ever happened in Gander before that day.  It was a quiet, small town with a population of not much more than the incoming flights were about to deliver.

Here is a story of kindness, sharing, and sacrifice for a greater good.   About how a group of people came together to help others when the world was in crisis, and did what may have seemed impossible if they had the time to think about it.

The community of Gander was a close knit one.  Most everyone knew each other, so it didn’t take long to get the word out about the diverted planes, and to set up an action plan on how to feed, clothe, and provide basic necessities of life to the ‘come from aways’.   In addition to using the larger facilities in the town and surrounding areas, people opened their homes to complete strangers.   Feeding them and providing them with temporary shelter and good old fashioned compassion.  It didn’t matter what your color, religion or sexual preference.  There were people from diverse backgrounds from all over the world.  Everyone was treated with equality, kindness and respect.

So how do you recreate such a story on a stage on Broadway?  Take the 12 talented members of this ensemble cast in a cascade of quick changes and non-stop movement that take on the roles to represent 16,000 people, meticulous direction (Christopher Ashley), a moving and adaptive set (Beowulf Boritt), and a lively score (Irene Sankoff and David Hein who also wrote this touching story) that is a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll and blends perfectly with the story.  Let me not forget the famous chairs of Broadway.   I’ve always loved how many uses we find for chairs in so many Broadway productions, and here again we have an assortment of chairs that change from bus to plane, or a seat at the local Tim Horton’s.  A small band adds the musical accompaniment by way of a fiddle, accordion, flute, guitar, ukulele and a large barrel drum.

The people of Gander were just another group of heroes on 9/11.  They were not looking for praise, thanks or money.  It was all in a day’s work for them.  In the end, the lifelong relationships and bonds that were formed in those few days was the greatest gift they could have asked for.  You will come away from Come From Away feeling better than you’ve felt all year.  For tickets and more information visit http://comefromaway.com and see how to find available discounts at my website here.

    –ThisbroadSway 2/24/2017