Come From Away

9/10

Found on Apple+, this is a televised recording of a performance of the successful musical Come from Away. It retells how when the 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred multiple planes had to be grounded. One of those landing spots: an airport in Gander, Newfoundland. Soon the town and other surrounding ones had to pay host to approximately seven thousand people for a few days.

I really liked the choices here. This is one of those minimalist musicals that does a lot with a little. It doesn't rely much on fancy props, clothing, and sets. The majority of props here are chairs and tables. The story is mostly given through the dialogue and performances of the actors. Great cast by the way, they have the unenviable position of performing multiple roles they often have to switch immediately. I'm not sure how often they get the chance to leave the stage if at all. The band is onstage off to the sides mostly.  

If you're not a fan of musicals in general, I could see how the style could potentially annoy some. It's so intentionally "performancey" and giving exposition directly to the audience that it could feel a bit artificial. When I first started this it almost felt a little like a skit making fun of educational music performances, however that feeling quickly passed as I got wrapped up in everything.

The driving force here is the story. It is one of unexpected basic generosity and kindness during times of struggle. Of course, since this story is specifically related to 9/11 the musical also deals with the loss, initial confusion, and general fear and anxiousness of the event. The entire logistics of all the planes having to land and the care and housing of the passengers was interesting of itself. 

I admit that most of the songs in this aren't earworms and the styles are similar enough that they can run together. Don't get me wrong; they are good songs and help drive the mood of the whole thing. There is a sort of vaguely folk music/local color feel to them. In terms of musical performance, credit should especially be given to Jenn Colella as pilot Beverley Bass who has the most demanding solo performance.

Highly recommended. This is just a really well put together and entertaining and interesting work.