Come From Away Review (Geelong Performing Arts Centre)

Score

Summary: Come From Away is a powerful emotional journey from start to finish that thanks to Centrestage puts the Geelong Theatre scene on centre stage!

5

Flawless

Come From Away isn’t just a show but rather, it’s a warm, enveloping hug that you didn’t know you desperately needed. I went in expecting a story about 9/11, and I got that, but I also got so much more that focused on human kindness and a much-needed reminder (especially today) that even in the darkest of times, hope and connection can bloom in the most unexpected places. With that said, the production company (CentreStage) behind this rendition of Come From Away are based in Geelong who have perfectly captured the essence of this story and made it their own.

From the moment the cast burst onto the stage, they brought a whirlwind of energy and infectious enthusiasm that they shared with the audience. Speaking of the cast, their performance was faultless as they seamlessly transitioned between multiple characters with just a change of accent or a quick jacket swap, it was nothing short of phenomenal. You felt like you knew these people, whether it was the stranded passengers or the welcoming Gander residents, intimately. It’s a true theatrical experience.

A cast favourite? That’s a hard decision because each member excelled at their multiple characters. Whether that was Duncan Esler as Claude Elliot, the Mayor of Gander or Nelfio Di Marco who played Kevin J who was questioning his relationship with his partner Kevin to his alter ego Ali, a Muslim man caught in the repercussions of 9/11, these actors successfully brought you into these personal stories. Additionally, Bronte Wright played America’s first female captain of a commercial plane, Beverley Bass who brought another personal element to this story and was a joy to watch and listen to. Again, the cast was phenomenal.

However, what truly resonated with me was the show’s refusal to succumb to sentimentality. It portrays the raw emotions of fear, confusion and grief with honesty, but it does so with a healthy dose of humour and a profound understanding of the human spirit. The music, a blend of Celtic folk and rock, is the heartbeat of the show, driving the narrative forward and pulling you into the powerful heartfelt journey. As a result, I found myself drawn in by the music that definitely tugged at your emotional heartstrings.

In terms of the narrative, Come From Away is not a show about grand gestures or heroic acts but rather, it’s about the small, everyday acts of kindness such as strangers offering strangers a hot meal, a bed to sleep or just a listening ear. This is where the story shines as we follow this community faced with an unprecedented crisis but still open their hearts to these strangers as their population virtually doubled overnight. Also supporting the story is the excellent choreography of Natalya Munro that with the music made a very interactive performance from start to finish.

The band who was visible on stage, are integral to the storytelling as their energy mirroring the onstage action. What’s striking is how the music seamlessly weaves into the narrative as these songs serve as extensions of the characters’ emotions, allowing us to feel their anxieties, hopes, and joys on a visceral level. The use of traditional instruments like the bodhrán and the fiddle adds an authentic, earthy quality that perfectly captures the spirit of Newfoundland. Lastly, the set design brings the world of Gander to life from bars to buses, planes and homes that when matched with the rotating stage and the excellent lighting, you were successfully transported to this moment in time.

Also, the ensemble numbers are particularly powerful. The way the cast blends their voices, creating a wall of sound that’s both exhilarating and moving, is truly something special. “Welcome to the Rock,” the opening number, sets the tone perfectly, immediately immersing you in the vibrant culture of Gander. And then there are moments of quieter beauty, like the poignant “Me and the Sky,” which allows Beverley Bass to share her deeply personal story.

Final Thoughts?

Come From Away left me feeling uplifted and hopeful. It’s a testament to the power of human connection and a gentle reminder that even in the face of tragedy, we are capable of extraordinary compassion. If you’re looking for a show that will warm your soul and leave you with a renewed faith in humanity, this is it. Go see it. You won’t regret it, and you might just leave feeling a little bit more like a Newfoundlander yourself, so check out Come From Away that has an extremely limited season at the Geelong Performs Arts Centre from Friday 7-March to Saturday 22-March.

For more information, please visit CentreStage Presents Come From Away – Geelong Arts Centre