Come From Away, Phoenix Theatre

Stereotypical Canadian niceness seems to find a way through everything, even the immediate aftermath of 9/11. Based on the true and rather unknown story which defined a small Canadian town and provided a glimmer of light in a rather dark time, musical Come From Away seeks to put this extraordinary story into the heart of the West End.

Following a successful run in Toronto, Come From Away became Canada’s hottest new export and won a Tony when it transferred to Broadway. Now this hit musical is destined for the Phoenix Theatre in February 2019.

Set in Gander, Newfoundland, the town doubles in size over night when planes carrying 7,000 passengers are forced to land after 9/11. Looking both at the initial clashes between townspeople and these sudden stranded visitors, and their growing relationship, we’re promised a heart-warming 100-minute rendition of the capacity for human kindness after one of the largest tragedies in recent memory.

Musical power couple Irene Sankhoff and David Hein, who wrote the book, music, and lyrics comment: ‘we discovered that this isn’t just a Canadian story – it’s a universal story of how, when faced with global atrocities, the world comes together to respond with kindness and cooperation.’

The fully British cast may help add a local twist to this story, but since previous credits of Sankhoff and Hein include My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, we think that there’ll be enough good little surprises as it is. Christopher Ashley (Memphis, Xanadu, Rocky Horror Show), who directed it in North America, has kept hold of the reins for its London debut.

If reviews are to be believed, it will be a hit. Variety praises the clear-cut direction which, ‘keeps the traffic moving smartly on Beowulf Boritt’s rustic set,’ and the New York Times states that, ‘even the most stalwart cynics may have trouble staying dry-eyed during this portrait of heroic hospitality under extraordinary pressure.’

Offering exciting new, but well tested, writing, a veteran director, and many uplifting hits, Come From Away is set to be a true crowd pleaser.