COME FROM AWAY is of a topic no-one could’ve ever guessed would become that of an upbeat musical when faced with the reality of what was happening when it was happening on September 11, 2001. Everyone who is old enough to remember this day would be able to tell you where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news of the Twin Towers’ attack in New York.
For people on planes around the US at that time on that shocking day something unprecedented would occur. All air traffic would be halted and suspended until further notice, including those in the air re-routed to the nearest safe landing space regardless of whether or not it was near their final destination. They would land. They would wait.
However, don’t wait for tickets to see what happened next: https://nationaltheatre.org.au/come-from-away/
In the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, the once largest airport in the world remained. Though no longer the major re-fueling hub it was since long-range aircraft took to the skies, on 9/11 this runway would become the landing designated for 38 commercial planes holding 7000 passengers from 92 countries (and some animals including a pregnant bonobo chimpanzee).
These passengers would land on “The Rock”, so called because it is a lump of stone in the middle of the North Atlantic. The locals of Gander hurry to find supplies and a way to host thousands of unexpected guests. They work voluntarily around the clock. The passengers would be let off the planes with only their carry-on luggage, having no idea where they were or why they were there. A scary situation on both sides (and someone must take care of the animals).
As the entertaining locals at Gander take turns to introduce themselves to us in the audience, we are made to feel as welcome as those on the planes would have been. The team at CLOC and those they cast in such important roles have a natural ability to draw in everyone sitting in front of them.
A stellar cast is testament to “there are no amateurs here”. True! All roles are filled by extremely talented individuals deep breathing life into their characters so well that you wish you had been privy to their stories long before now. No-one holds anything back in the honour of telling this story. I am sure that many of the sadder moments are felt internally and not just by excellent acting. Come From Away sums up the fact that humans are mostly good. Good people doing good things, because they believe “you would’ve done the same”.
Terrorist tragedy is what we think of when we recall 9/11 and I expect this show therefore to be full of crying and yelling, but it isn’t. It is more, full of joy and humanity at its best. The world watched on in horror that day, but on ‘the rock’ something incredible was evolving – people in a dire situation pulling together, dealing with each challenge as best they could.
Will they have enough food, enough clothes, enough nappies, enough tampons and will they be able to get the toilets cleaned to a sanitary level approved by the group of sexy cardiologists on board?
I cannot single out a particular cast member from the 12 in this show practically on stage the whole time through both tears and smiles. They are all just as outstanding in their role as the next person and not only play their main character, but others also whilst moving chairs, changing costumes and layering accent upon accent.
When you read the program you learn all about cast members and what this lot have done in “other shows” is extensive to say the least. So, when you put that much talent and experience together you get a very well executed undeniable WOW right down to the finer details mentioned in the script and the body language that goes with those words.
Set design is simple with a revolving stage circle in the centre working perfectly and adds that little bit extra with well-timed lighting and an orchestra that makes the whole thing come alive for 100 minutes, no interval.
My favourite number was the bar scene, amp up the fun and include some fish kissing and the audience is in total awe. No wonder CLOC is restaging the show for the second time in two years and still selling out seats to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11. I had heard of the hype around Come From Away before, but until you actually go and see it yourself you cannot possibly imagine just how fantastic it is. Patrons I know are returning to see Come From Away a second and third time.
9/11 changed the world. COME FROM AWAY changed what can be put into a musical.
Book, Music and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein.
CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who pulled this off the runway and ran with it!
Directors: Rob Robson and Tailem Tynan
Musical Director: Malcom Huddle
Creative Team: Sally Martin (set), Jason Lord (lighting), Marcello Lo Ricco (sound), Samantha Gore (costume), David Clausen-Wisken (hair & make-up), Bek McLaughlin (stage), Grant Alley OAM (technical), Paul Belli (stage), Alannah Woods (production), Lisa Nightingale (company), Taylor Prokopiou (costume), Pam Christie Birkett (props).
CAST:
Natasha Bassett as Beulah, Elyse Batson as Bonnie, Ric Birkett as Claude, Shaun Kingma as Oz, Jacqui McCallum as Diane, Rosa McCarty as Beverley/Annette, Hayley Nissen as Janice, Jayson Paul as Bob, Richard Perdriau as Nick/Doug, Shane Pritchardas Kevin J/Ali, Nic Russ as Kevin T, Sharon Wills as Hannah.
Note: All cast members play other (multiple) roles.
ORCHESTRA:
Malcolm Huddle (Conductor), Greg Leibel, Thomas English, Eugenie Lyons, Charlie Wood, Marty King, Adrian Close, Sophie Barker, James Ward, Ali Soebardi, Nathan Firmin.
VENUE:
National Theatre, 20 Carlisle St., St Kilda, Melbourne. I always cover park at paid-parking a short walk away at Acland Court Shopping Centre, but there is street and outside car parks around the area and a number of close restaurants.
More information: www.cloc.org.au
COME FROM AWAY is playing until 24 October 2026.
To book tickets to Come From Away, please visit https://www.cloc.org.au/comefromaway2026.html.
Photographer: Ben Fon