30 January 2021

Revisit: Come From Away

Come From Away
multiple producers
26 January 2021 - preview
Comedy Theatre
to March 14
then to Sydney and Brisbane
comefromaway.com.au

 

'Come From Away' Melbourne. Photo by Heidi Victoria

Come From Away was my pick for Outstanding Musical in 2019

Here's my review.  I finally saw it again.

And it's back in Melbourne. After nearly a year, we're back in theatres – on our feet and cheering though, and crying into, our masks. And hoping that it really is ok to be around people again. 

If you need a gift for some one who made a difference to your experience of 2020, this is it.

Come From Away is still remarkable. It's as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking and the production hasn't changed beyond some new cast members. But how we see it has changed.

And who knew that a toilet paper joke could resonate so deeply.  

Come From Away is about the events that happened in the USA on 11 September 2001 that changed our lives. They changed how we travel, but they mostly created fear. And hate.

And here we are again in a world-changing time. One that means travel is dangerous. One that's created fear. And hate.

Come From Away is about people who were there for strangers. About 9000 people lived in Gander in Newfoundland in Canada in 2001. When about 6500 people from 38 planes were forced to land at their airport, the people of Gander were there for them.

This show is about, and for, everyone who would "do the same" when strangers and friends need help.

So maybe this time, it's for people who were there during during lock down. It's for the phone calls, film clubs, unexpected gifts,  Zoom dinners, new friends, and check ins. It's for everyone who did something for someone else because doing nothing was impossible.