We reviewed the current production of 'Come From Away' earlier in its run. This review is an updated version of a previously published one.
It's rare, with the variety of shows touring the UK that something makes you jump out of your seat in awe. That's not to say other tours aren't brilliant, just that you become so overwhelmed with the talent on stage that it takes something very special to stand out.
When I first saw the show some six months ago, the cynic in me had dismissed its popularity as hype. It's a production which has garnered huge support on social media and there's always a risk that the end product doesn't live up to your expectations.
This musical is the antithesis of hype. It is - in every way - brilliance and I remain completely besotted with this show.
Come From Away is a musical based on the events in the Newfoundland town of Gander during the week following the September 11 attacks. The aftermath saw 38 planes, carrying approximately 7,000 passengers, ordered to land unexpectedly at Gander International Airport almost doubling the population of the town in hours.
Come From Away is a story of courage, bravery, humanity and friendship and absolutely everything about this show is mind blowing.
The story is unique in a landscape of similarity and the production uses a singular set and is performed in one act with a limited band on stage. It features exquisite choreography - and perfect placement of furniture - dictating different scenes. And when I say exquisite choreography, this was like watching a ballet. Not one member of the cast missed a beat in what became a slick, well-rehearsed spectacle in its own right.
The soundtrack to the show is also amazing and, for many, is the thing they most enjoy. Featuring what can only be described as a folk ensemble, who punctuate the piece with the most infectious sound, it's the synergy of all of the elements - set, music and cast which makes this show so impressive.
Come From Away debuted in San Diego back in 2015 and has taken many forms over the years both on Broadway, where it was nominated for seven Tony Awards and in London where it picked up four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical.
During its time there have been some amazing performers and the cast on stage this evening were nothing short of exceptional. I'm not going to single out performers because, to coin a phrase I've used many times before, this is truly an ensemble piece - and more so than any other musical. Each performer plays 2-3 roles, all reliant so heavily on each other.
I was also privileged to see a handful of understudies and alternates on stage this evening, giving a different perspective to four of the roles. All of them were exquisite and really hammered home how tight-knit the performers on stage really are.
What I will say, however is that the show feature what is, for me, the most amazing story-telling song in musical theatre; 'Me And The Sky'. It's Come From Away's 'Defying Gravity' and it's what so many of the audience are waiting for. It's been performed by some amazing vocalists in its time too; from Jenn Colella in the Broadway production, to Rachel Tucker and Alice Fearne in the West End. Our Captain was Sara Poyzer and, without hesitation, she goes straight into that list.
Come From Away receives a standing ovation at every performance - and it's an immediate, impulsive ovation like I've never seen before. I've never experienced an audience get on their feet with such urgency as a final note hit and an outpouring of emotion which felt like it had been held back for the previous 90 minutes...but also one that was so richly deserved.
I don't think it's an overstatement to say this was a masterclass in musical theatre. This is a stunning cast, a vibrant soundtrack and, ultimately, a story which is refreshingly different to everything else on offer. If six stars was an option, this production would definitely qualify.
Come From Away plays at Wolverhampton Grand until Saturday 9th November 2024. For more information, or to get your tickets, visit grandtheatre.co.uk.
