Meadow Brook Theatre’s ‘Come From Away’ Finds Hope in Humanity
I was in fourth grade when the Twin Towers came down, and yet I can remember it like it happened yesterday. Images of the billowing smoke and the mass hysteria are seared in my mind, mixed with flashes of spelling words and math equations, as my teacher attempted to keep our routine. However, I can never forget the fear in her eyes as she kept gazing at the horrors on the silent television behind us. Here we were, hundreds of miles west of ground zero, and still our lives came to a standstill, as everyone waited with bated breath to discover what was next. As scary as it was, I’m sure it was just a fraction of that felt by those grounded in Gander, Newfoundland, as told in Come From Away.
This powerful musical is based on the real experiences of 7,000 passengers stranded in the unlikeliest of places during one of the greatest American disasters in recent history. Cut off from the world, with only those either stranded or living in Gander, these strangers became a family in spite of all their differences. At a time when people were polarized against one another, Come From Away shows humanity at its best, with a story brimming with hope when the world needed it the most. Meadow Brook Theatre is premiering this show here in Michigan, bringing the level of professionalism and love needed to do Come From Away justice.
[Warning: spoilers from MBT’s Come From Away are below!]
A moment forever frozen in time
For the people of Gander, Newfoundland, September 11, 2001, began like any other day. The citizens woke up for work, journeying to Tim Hortons for coffee and donuts, but things quickly took a turn. New York City is ablaze with the World Trade Center’s burning, and the whole world has stopped spinning. At least, that’s what it feels like for those whose feet are planted firmly on the ground; the same can’t be said for those flying high in the sky. Gander, which was once the epicenter for airplane travel, hasn’t had a plane visit in years, but all that’s about to change in a matter of moments.
7,000. That’s approximately how many passengers are en route to Gander amidst the terrorist attack. Seven thousand bodies are converging on a singular point at the exact same time, which would be overwhelming for any major city. However, as the planes land, those in Gander rise to the challenge, finding places for all the stranded individuals to stay. Over many days, the Ganderites make meals, clean clothes, and find ways to entertain those who came off the planes. But most importantly, they find a way to cross language barriers, lifestyle differences, and the fear that binds them all, to create a special moment frozen in time for everyone involved.
What happened at Gander was nothing short of humanity at its finest, as people from all walks of life came together for just the smallest of moments. However, when they could have been filled with fear, which I’m sure was still a driving emotion throughout all of this, many of them found reasons to laugh and smile. It reminds me of how, even during the darkest moments in life, we can always find just a bit of joy. A spoonful of sugar might help the medicine go down, and if so, then those in Gander found the sweetest confectionery possible. Hope becomes infectious among all present as they escape not just the darkness worldwide, but also the worry and strife in their daily lives. Come From Away reminds us why it’s important to take a moment, to breathe, and to find happiness in spite of all the darkness enveloping us. And above all, to love unconditionally for those in your life for a long time, or those who arrive for just a moment, because the world needs more love.
Come From Away lives and dies by its cast
There’s no denying the power and impact that Come From Away has, as this show is an emotional rollercoaster in all the right ways. As someone who was a child when the 9/11 attacks occurred, I remember the emotions that came from that event. I can still picture the look of horror on my mother’s face as the events played on every television wherever you went. Come From Away captures that horror perfectly, but also makes you realize the beauty that can come from the tragedy.
However, for as easy as it is to get this show right, it’s just as easy to get it wrong, as Come From Away is a relatively simple show in so many aspects. Visually, there’s not much going on with the set, which can easily turn audiences off; however, truly, this is by design. The story of Come From Away is person-centered, meaning that those who are on stage should be front and center at all times. This musical finds its beauty in the acting and singing happening before you, which is the driving force of Come From Away and its biggest draw. Which Meadow Brook Theatre nails it with such excellence.
Each of the twelve actors on stage gave a career-defining performance, handling the material with delicate finesse. You can tell that all those involved understand both the weight of the story at hand and the importance of exploring a special moment within that. Jennifer Byrne was dynamic in her roles of Beverley and Annette, among others. Beverley, specifically, is captivating as a person, having pushed the boundaries to become one of the first commercial women pilots, only to have her one chance at freedom snatched away in an instant. There’s such a complexity to the emotions she’s experiencing. The responsibility of getting these people home, and the fear of what might happen to her career as a result of the attacks. Byrne gives such depth to an already dynamic character that gave me chills each and every time she slid into her pilot jacket.
Francis Kelly as Nick was another that I just couldn’t keep my eyes off of for the majority of Come From Away. Nick goes from being uptight and rule-following to finally listening to his heart. While all the characters go on an emotional journey, you see the ramifications even more clearly in Nick, which speaks to the level of talent Kelly exhibits. He provides Nick with such charm that you can’t help but cheer him on as he finds himself for the first time in his life.
Tyrick Wiltez Jones continues to shine as a performer, with his role of Bob and others. Jones has to volley between a collection of very distinct characters, sometimes requiring him to slip in and out of them in a matter of moments. Also, juggling the responsibility of choreographer, Jones is putting his blood, sweat, and tears into this production, and it shows. He’s a pure joy to watch on stage, as he steps into the spotlight once again.
The relationship between Beulah (Stacy White) and Hannah (Virginia Ann Woodruff) continues to be one of the most warming and heartbreaking stories in Come From Away. The bond these two women develop as Hannah attempts to reconnect with her son in New York City takes my breath away. White and Woodruff infuse these characters with so many emotions that as the harsh reality of the situation sets in, you’re crying tears of sadness and joy. Your heart is breaking for Hannah, but you’ve become so thankful that she’s found another to share the burden of life. For this relationship alone, Come From Away will always be a must-see.
Final thoughts on Meadow Brook Theatre’s Come From Away
The duality of life is that there can be sorrow with our happiness, which Come From Away is a testament to. You’ll feel immense sadness, especially if you’re old enough to have lived through the traumatic event. However, and perhaps more importantly, you’ll feel immense joy at this example of incredible resilience. Over the course of the show, you see humanity at its finest and wish nothing more than to live in that feeling forever. It makes you believe that, as a species, we can overcome just about anything if we lead with our hearts. MBT has perfectly captured what makes this musical so special, amplifying the positives and leaving everyone feeling just a bit lighter.
Come From Away closes at Meadow Brook Theatre on April 12, so get your tickets now before it’s gone! Have you seen this production yet? What did you think? Share your thoughts on social media and tag @bsb.insider to keep the conversation going!
Exclusive Interview: Tyrick Wiltez Jones and Jennifer Byrne of Meadow Brook Theatre’s Come From Away
