Few musicals capture the profound power of human kindness in times of crisis as deeply as Come From Away. Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, this Tony Award-winning production tells the incredible true story of how the small town of Gander in Newfoundland became a beacon of compassion after the tragic events of September 11. The show is gracing the stage at Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre, a venue renowned for its intimacy and warm, welcoming atmosphere. It is the ideal setting to bring this uplifting tale of humanity, compassion, and resilience to life, leaving a lasting emotional impact on the audience.
The heart of Come From Away lies in the extraordinary events that unfolded in Gander, a town that found itself at the centre of a global crisis when 38 planes were diverted there due to the sudden airspace closures following the 9/11 attacks. With 7,000 stranded passengers from around the world, the tight-knit community of Gander opened their doors and their hearts, offering not only shelter but emotional support.
In the face of uncertainty and fear, the people of Gander extended unparalleled kindness, providing refuge to passengers of diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs. It was a remarkable display of solidarity, where human connection transcended borders and beliefs, and compassion became the most powerful form of resistance.
Directed and choreographed by David Wynen, Come From Away still honours the essence of the original Broadway production, while adding extra layers of intimacy and personal touches that resonate with the crowd. As he explained in an interview with The Scoop, “We have a different set, different choreography, different cast size… it’s doing it in a different way.” His approach is more than just a technical alteration—it is a means to craft a closer, more communal atmosphere, allowing the audience to connect with the characters and the story on a completely different level.
Wynen brings a deft hand to this production, ensuring that every moment is imbued with authenticity and heart. As he mentioned, the challenge of Come From Away lies in its fast-paced, ensemble-driven storytelling, where actors seamlessly transition between multiple roles. This production embraces that challenge with remarkable fluidity, allowing the narrative to unfold with a natural, almost documentary-like immediacy.
Wynen’s production brings together both seasoned professionals and passionate community members, which helps create a vibrant and genuine portrayal of the characters. The community’s involvement plays a pivotal role in the emotional power of the production. This combination of diverse performers adds a layer of freshness to the show, and it is clear that the cast work together with a shared sense of purpose and pride.
The cast is uniformly excellent, embodying a diverse range of characters with warmth and nuance. Each actor shifts effortlessly between their roles, demonstrating an impressive ability to craft distinct personalities with just a change of posture, accent, or expression.
Particular credit must go to Dan Stewart, who masterfully portrays both Kevin T and Garth, bringing bright, infectious humour to his performances. Stewart’s comedic timing and excellent character work were key to creating a light-hearted and engaging atmosphere in the show.
Jon Maskell also deserves special recognition for his portrayal of Claude, the town’s mayor. Maskell’s brilliant accent work is a highlight, as it brings authenticity to his character and adds both depth and humour to the show. His nuanced performance as the mayor is both endearing and relatable, expertly capturing the balance between leadership and vulnerability.
Additionally, Christopher Thomson’s portrayal of Oz is nothing short of phenomenal. Thomson’s performance is full of depth and sincerity, and he brings a raw, emotional honesty to the role.
A special mention must also go to Jess Berwick, who stepped up to play Beverley, the pioneering female pilot. Although she had to rely on her script a few times, her powerful voice and commitment to the role were impressive, and she handled the challenge with grace, delivering a remarkable performance despite being thrust into the deep end.
Come From Away boasts a powerful score, known for its energetic, folk-inspired melodies that help carry the show’s themes. The music is undeniably captivating, with its blend of harmonious vocals and infectious rhythms creating a sense of collective solidarity. However, the volume of the sound system at the Empire Theatre didn’t quite deliver the same level of energy as other productions I’ve seen of the show. While the score is meant to be uplifting and emotionally charged, the sound occasionally felt muted, which dampened some of the music’s impact.
Despite these audio limitations, the performers still brought the score to life with passion, and the heartfelt lyrics resonated with the audience. There were several issues with performers’ microphones not being turned on at the right times—or at all—which caused further disconnect with the power of the show.
The Empire Theatre’s Come From Away is an unforgettable experience. From the exceptional direction of David Wynen to the standout performances by the cast, this production takes the audience on an emotional journey filled with heart, humour, and hope.
It is a production that not only honours the legacy of the people of Gander but also offers a timely reminder of the enduring power of compassion and human connection. Whether you are already familiar with the story or are hearing it for the first time, Come From Away is a production that leaves a lasting impact and proves that kindness truly can change the world.
Come From Away runs until 23 March at The Empire Theatre, 54-56 Neil Street Toowoomba 4350.
Tickets: https://tickets.empiretheatre.com.au/event/come-from-away-b1whiu
Website: https://empiretheatre.com.au/whats-on/come-from-away
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/empire_theatre/
Photo credits: Justin Nicholas
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