Twenty-five years ago, on September 11, our country experienced a devastating attack in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. by Middle East terrorists that has scarred our memories forever. To honor the thousands of lives lost that day, The Black Box Theatre is staging Come from Away that chronicles how the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland, population approximately 10,000, made a massive impression on the entire world when it became the host to 38 incoming European flights after our government completely shut down our air space, effectively stranding about 7,000 people and leaving in its wake a world stunned by both by the horror of the day but equally stunned by the generosity exhibited by the people of Gander. An interesting side note is that Gander was chosen because during World War II, it was a major military hub that Gander had just never gotten around to doing anything about.
Those acts of compassion were chronicled by investigative reporter Jim Defede in his book The Day the World Came to Town. His book was adapted for the stage (book, music and lyrics) by the Canadian husband and wife team of David Hein and Irene Sankoff. Before reviewing Circa 21’s production of this show last September I read the book and couldn’t wait to see the show to see how it was adapted for the stage. As inspiring as that production was, the impact of BBT’s production, directed by the incomparable Lora Adams, hit me on a visceral level that took me totally by surprise. I knew the story and I had seen a superb earlier production and yet as the show opened something stirred in me. In an intimate venue like BBT this show reaches out, grabs you and enfolds you in the story. You literally feel the vibration of the cast’s stomping the stage in the opening number. It is superb.
You might think that a show surrounding the tragic events of 9/11 would be depressing...if so, you couldn’t be more wrong. The ingenuity that rallied this tiny town to accomplish just short of a miracle was phenomenal and demonstrates how even in our darkest moments our better angels emerge. They literally created an experience those passengers will never forget.
This 15-member ensemble cast delivers a jumbo jet performance playing multiple characters, both passengers and townies. The musical talent on that stage is professional grade and will knock your socks off. The songs are touching (“Prayer”), heart-wrenching (“Lead Us Out of the Night”), inspiring (“Welcome to the Rock”), uplifting (“Me and the Sky”) and, yes, even hilarious (“Screech In”) as the town folk go above and beyond to accommodate all those people.
The set is simple with rough wooden planks, corrugated steel and lots of chairs. None of the chairs are alike but come together to support the show...just like the people of Gander came together for those passengers on that fateful day.
Under the able leadership of Music Director Amy Trimble live music accompanies the actors and even brings one of the percussionists into the action.
The performance I attended on Saturday was packed to the gills and the audience rewarded the cast with a lengthy and well-deserved standing ovation.
At this point in the review, I would be urging you to see this show. Instead, I need to tell you that even having added another performance BBT’s website will indicate that all the dates are sold out. However, Lora Adams shared with me that there may be some seats available “here and there.” I also heard a rumor that there may be a waiting list if seating should open up. So, I urge you to call the theatre to see if you can be seated and, if you already have a reservation but for whatever reason you are unable to attend, please call BBT so they can fill your seat.
Come from Away continues at The Black Box Theatre, 1623 – 5th Avenue in Moline, September 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday September 6 at 2:00 p.m.
I’m Chris Hicks…break a leg.