Come From Away
Book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein
Produced by Showbiz Christchurch (The New Zealand Premiere)
Directed by Michael Lee Porter
Musical direction by Richard Marrett
Associate director – Angela Johnson
Until 26 April
Isaac Theatre Royal
100 minutes running time. No intermission.
Reviewed by Kineta Knight

One more week. That’s all you have to ensure you see what could possibly be one of the best pieces of theatre Showbiz Christchurch has ever produced. Big call, I know. Let me explain.

Once in a while you will come across the ideal combination of an excellent script, cast, band and crew. Showbiz’s production of Come From Away was just this.

The script and score demands the absolute maximum from each performer and musician – all of whom are on stage, more or less, for the entire 100 minutes. The three months of cast rehearsals with director Michael Lee Porter could be felt in every single, well-orchestrated movement, note and word.

As I cast my eye around the theatre before Saturday’s matinee started, I’ve gotta say it was a surprise to see so many empty seats. Come From Away will be a show not known to many, but the story behind it known by most.

Based around the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, the story focuses on what happened to the 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers and crew when the U.S. airspace was closed – for the first time in history.

Gander, a small town in Newfoundland, Canada, was chosen as the main place for these planes to land, and Come From Away shares the stories of the unprecedented kindness shown to their unexpected guests.

Marking the half-way point through the season’s run, it was a privilege to witness the talent at Saturday’s matinee.

This production has two casts of 12 performers each. Double casting may seem a little strange but it’s becoming more popular, giving additional actors a chance at stage time – especially in such a challenging, fast-paced show where all performers are numerous characters.

The big company numbers were a true highlight, as the multiple harmonies blended beautifully with the power of the Richard Marrett-led band, and amplified perfectly by the sound team (Glen Ruske/Eve Curzon).

Speaking of sound, I must note the clever use of microphones – specifically over phones, television, and radio comms.

After 30 years since her last Showbiz show, Courtenay Washington chose the best show to mark her return. As Hannah & others, Washington showed her ability to entertain an audience with her incredible voice and wit, and at the same time lead us on the journey of finding her New York-based firefighter son. In one poignant moment, Washington held the entire Isaac Theatre Royal in incredible, sombre silence.

Another member of Showbiz royalty to return to Christchurch is Michael Sharp. Watching Sharp play Claude & others reminded me of the first time I ever saw him perform – on that very stage – in the 1994 Showbiz production of Les Miserables. Christchurch is lucky to have this wealth of talent move home.

We witnessed Andrea Koorey’s (Beverley & others) impressive vocal range as she reflected on her career as a pilot; and to have the talented and funny Sarah Kelly, Edwin Beats, Jono Cartmell, Elian Pagalilawan, and the rest of Saturday’s matinee cast on stage made for the perfect afternoon at the theatre.

Come From Away moves fast, and there’s not a spare moment for the audience’s minds to wander, or wonder whether they really needed a particular scene or a certain song. Every word, every laugh, every tear – relevant.

It wasn’t until after the show that I had a moment to reflect – on the story, on the characters’ narratives, on the level of emotion I felt and why. Was it layers from my own life that I was picking up from this story, from my career, friendships, from these relationships portrayed?

Theatre is not purely for entertainment. It’s for emotional connection, shared experiences. For some it could be a distraction, escapism, personal growth. This production was all of that.

Simply put, this production was exceptional.