By Conor O’Neill
Photography courtesy of the Grand Opera House.
We all remember, that fateful day, the day that changed the world. But we didn’t think about the people in the air. What became of them? So many planes were redirected and somewhere had to take them.
Newfoundland did. from 9000 inhabitants to 16000 people. With budgets and resources pushed, a tiny island put up all they could manage, and some they couldn’t. A pivotal moment for many, for us, through the book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, we’re brought into a musical like no ther.
Think of as musical that the opposite of a big musical. No jazz hands here. No power ballads, just the odd dance number, and a brilliant telling of a story that just won’t rest. It really does feel like a play with music as an embellishment. And it totally works.
I’ve yet to see a recent production that hits the mark so often. May it be the female captain with a captivating voice, the two Kevins, Nick and Dianne, the Mayor, the animal rescuer who cares more about bonobo chimps than the stranded. It’s all here, a microcosm of the terrible day.
There are wee senes that you’ll never forget, all easily joined together. Director Christopher Ashley, this comedic yet touching piece of theatre movies along at a smashing pace. No big names scream out from the cast list, and that to me is a sign of the strength of the musical. No big names are needed to support the writing, plot and story.
Things are relaxed. I don’t know how long this play has been on the road but everything is effortless. ‘Understated’ is the key word to all review this show deserves. Understated and possiibly ‘under rated’. If you must see one piece of theatre this month, let this be the one.
Come From Away is on at the Grand Opera House up to and including Saturday June 29th. For booking details visit http://www.grandoperahouse.co.uk or phone the box office on 02892241919
ENDS
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