Come From Away by Creators Theatre Company Review
Photo by David Fawbert Photography
Written by Roni for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Earlier this year, previous West End and Broadway smash hit Come From Away was released on an amateur license, and societies up and down the country have been snapping it up. This week, it’s the turn of Creators Theatre Company, with Solihull’s premiere of a very beloved production. Can an amateur production live up to an already established hype?
Come From Away is a story based largely on true events and real people, telling the more untold tale behind the terrible events of 9/11. When the planes hit and US airspace shut down, over 4000 aircraft were forced to divert and make emergency landings, with 38 flights holding almost 7000 passengers landing in Gander, Newfoundland. The musical follows the lives and stories of both the locals and the ‘plane people’ in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, as they navigate unimaginable tragedy and displacement, and join forces to welcome those who have ‘come from away’
This is the final performance of Come From Away for Creators, and every seat in the house is full, with supporters ranging from proud families and fellow societies to those who are simply intrigued to see something new. A VT of various news clips and advertisements from 2001 plays to welcome the audience in and set the scene suitably, before the show starts with a bang. The opening number, ‘Welcome to the Rock’, introduces the locals with an incredible punch that has the audience roaring by its final phrase, and the energy doesn’t let up from there. The ever changing setting and characters are cleverly done and well handled by the entire cast, who each spend the vast majority of the 100-minute runtime entirely on stage; it is worth saying that this is an ambitious show for an amateur company to tackle – but there is nothing amateur here. This could easily pass on a professional stage, and director Richard Agg has done an incredible job with the source material. The accents are impeccable (and there is a wide range!), the dance breaks look natural and effortless, and the sense of community shines through. This is a very talented cast who deserve recognition for the massive feat they are pulling off to such a high quality – bravo indeed.
With such a small cast doubling or tripling up on roles, there is little room for error – and thankfully, there were none. No weak links, no obvious faults (though I’m sure the cast themselves may think differently), and nothing appeared to be even a step out of time. All this to say, that every member of the cast and creative team should be feeling rather proud. With that being said, several individuals just shone. Gabby Baldwin brought an entire audience to tears as Hannah, a mother desperate to hear from her firefighter son at Ground Zero, and her lamenting number on being so far away at that time was hauntingly beautiful. Ravin Thakrar played both of his roles well, but his turn as Ali, a frightened Muslim man personally facing the aftermath of a terror attack, was just heartbreaking. Those unfairly persecuted for others’ horrific actions have their own difficult stories that can be even more difficult to tell respectfully, and Thakrar’s portrayal felt all the more poignant in the current political climate. Emily Holtom was lovely as Bonnie, and her work in the ensemble, particularly the dance numbers, did not go unnoticed. She brought a fierce energy alongside a gorgeous smile that elevated the entire performance, tying with a ribbon what was already a spellbinding show.
Overall, there are no notes. The show was emotional, fun, pitch perfect, technically excellent, and left every audience member leaving saying ‘wow’. Amateur dramatics can get a bad rep, but there are of course hidden gems. This one was a 24-carat diamond.
