"Come From Away" is landing on the stage at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall and lifting audiences up with thunderous applause in response to its message of compassion and community in the midst of turmoil and violence.
While each of us recalls where we were when the 9/11 attacks occurred in 2001, what most of us don't recall is an excessively sweet experience. But now, nearly 24 years later, "Come From Away" allows you to see the compassion that couldn't be seen in the moment.
For those not familiar, it's the true story of events in the town of Gander, Newfoundland, directly following the Sept. 11 attacks when the Federal Aviation Administration shut down its airspace, forcing dozens of planes to land in the tiny town in the wake of tragedy.
It's a story of a small community pulling together through a tough time as worldwide travelers were stranded and cut off from the rest of the world. It's a time before most had cellphones with texting capabilities and breaking news alerts, let alone social media as we know it today. That by itself is hard to believe.
I've seen "Come From Away" twice now, and I think I appreciated it more the second time than the first.
The real magic of this production truly lies in its 18-member cast, which performs dozens of characters, seamlessly swapping clothes and accents as they portray multiple roles. It's truly nonstop from the minute the show opens until the very end, with unforgettable songs filled with energy and passion.
It's infectious entertainment that tells a story that could otherwise have gone unnoticed in the chaos of the events the world was dealing with.
While the entire cast is amazing, a standout performance is given by actress Kaitlyn Jackson who plays Capt. Beverley Bass, a trailblazing American Airlines pilot who lands a stunning performance of "Me and the Sky."
Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up and prepare for takeoff as "Come From Away" delivers a smooth landing on the stage of Barbara B. Mann through March 2. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 239-481-4849 or purchasing online .
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