Presented by: Therry Theatre
Reviewed: 8 August, 2025
In the chill of winter in Adelaide, Therry Theatre brings the heartwarming musical Come from Away to the Arts Theatre receiving a standing ovation on the night reviewed for their joyous and enthusiastic production which is unmissable for lovers of musical theatre and theatre goers in general.
Written by Canadians Irene Sankoff and David Hein, Come from Away has played all over the world including on Broadway, the West End and even Gander itself. It has received a number of Tony Award nominations, a Grammy Award nomination and received Laurence Olivier Awards.
Based on actual events, the production begins on the morning of September 11, 2001 in the town of Gander on the Canadian island of Newfoundland, which has a population of less than ten thousand residents but retains a large airport that was once an important transatlantic refueling stop. At the start of the day the mayor Claude, Oz the town’s policeman, Beulah a teacher, Bonnie the town’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals worker and other locals describe the usual humdrum events of the town. They then learn of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Pennsylvania.
As a result of the closure of US airspace because of the attacks, thirty eight international aircraft are diverted to the Gander International Airport bringing nearly seven thousand passengers and animals in the cargo holds to the town. The townspeople pull together to prepare for the influx as the passengers and aircrew are restricted to the planes and unaware of what has happened. Upon their release to the town, they learn of the attacks and the generosity of the townspeople.
Veteran director David Sinclair with experienced choreographer and associate director Linda Williams seamlessly move the production between the many locations and character changes throughout the show. The clever minimalist staging skillfully transforms wooden chairs into meeting rooms, airplane interiors, a bar, bus interiors and a scenic lookout. All those involved in the set are to be congratulated for the splendid use of the stage. Musical director Peter Johns and the band similarly perform excellently binding the production together.
The whole cast performs superbly shifting between multiple characters smoothly and masterfully. The cast, which includes Dee Farnell who recently appeared in the outstanding Primetime at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, boasts a wealth of musical theatre experience and they use their skills in tight and polished performances.
With the rise of international isolationism, Come from Away reminds us of the power of humanity and generosity in a time of disturbance. Therry Theatre should be justly proud of this marvellous production of Come from Away.
Reviewed by Rob McKinnon
Photo credit: Andrew Trimmings
Venue: The Arts Theatre, 53 Angas Street, Adelaide
Season: Until 23 August, 2025
Duration:100mins (no intermission
Tickets: From $30.00 (plus booking fees)
Bookings: https://therry.org.au/
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