A musical about September 11, 2001? Yes. Come From Away tells the story of some passengers who were diverted to Gander International Airport in Newfoundland on 9/11 when U.S. air space was closed because of the terrorist attacks. The small town (about 10,000 people), took in the 6,000+ passengers of 38 planes, fed them, sheltered them, and entertained them for six days until air space opened back up. It won a Tony for Best New Musical for the 2016-17 season. We don’t often get to see a Tony Award winner in Indy, so grab the opportunity if you can.
Most of us remember the terror and fear of that day, and also the humanity as communities gathered to help the families of those who were killed in New York, Washington D.C., and Shanksville Pennsylvania. The passengers in Come From Away had no idea why they ended up in Newfoundland, only to find out once they get into town what had happened. Friendships form as the passengers and the townspeople reach out to each other for mutual support and understanding. A romance blooms, a relationship breaks apart, and at the end the “come from aways” leave, only to return 10 years later to catch up and celebrate the small town that had embraced them.
The Indiana Repertory Theatre chose this complex show as its season closer, with fresh faces from all over the country in the cast of 12. The actors play different characters from the town and from the planes, putting on or taking off jackets, caps, and aprons for the different roles. The band sits behind the simple stage and at times become part of the play itself. Directed by James Vasquez, the script and music by Irene Sankoff and David Hein come alive with despair to hope to joy to anguish. The music is remarkable in conveying the many emotions running through the characters, particularly “Prayer” with its heartfelt spirituality, the uncertainty of “Darkness and Trees,” and the raucous party scene when the town throws a shindig.
Expect to laugh and cry as stories unfold in this ambitious, extraordinary production of Come From Away. It is an astonishing play in the capable hands of the team at the IRT. The play runs through May 10, and it has been drawing big crowds. Visit irtlive.com or call 317-635-5252 to reserve tickets.
