Come From Away is such a special show. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time, the third time (like me), or the tenth time or beyond, you’re guaranteed to have an emotional and connected theatre experience. We all have 9/11 stories. We’re all connected by those stories and that collective event. Come From Away wonderfully and respectfully weaves the stories of those who experienced it from Gander – both the locals and the come-from-aways. This show has such heart, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a show with more. (Here is my original review post from the first time I saw the show.)
Come From Away is a family, and as soon as you step into that theatre, you’re part of the family. Forever. Come From Away has settled in nicely to its new home at the Elgin Theatre, and I hope it’s there for a long, long time so as many people as possible can experience this heartwarming, yet heartwrenching, show. It’s an emotional ride, for sure.
Now that the show has been around for a couple years to wide audiences, the audience is changing and evolving. There were laughs before the punchlines this time around. It feels like family; like you’re with a bunch of friends and you’re sharing an experience together. It may sound weird to say a show about 9/11 is comforting, but that’s what it is. It’s comforting. It’s communal. And it’s special.
We got an extra special treat at this opening performance, as many of the people the characters are based joined the cast on stage during the curtain call. I even snagged a selfie with the Mayors of Gander and Appleton.
Do your heart and soul a favour and see this show.
