It's FIVE STARS for the unique "Come From Away" at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Amid the horrors of 9/11 comes a ray of light in the form of the musical “Come From Away” at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre this week. 

Based on the experiences of travellers stranded when the US airspace was closed due to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre and across the USA, “Come From Away” has enjoyed record-breaking success both on Broadway and in London’s West End, and is now touring the UK to rave reviews.

The musical may be contemporary, but it still manages to retain the emotions and sentiments of a much more traditional piece.

Seen from the perspective of the inhabitants of the tiny town of Gander in Newfoundland and Labrador, who welcomed the passengers of countless planes into their lives making every effort to help, as well as ”the plane people”  stranded on board who were frantic to contact loved ones and return home, their stories are interwoven and sung to create a very unique and emotional piece of theatre.

The key to the success of the current UK tour is definitely the casting of the show, which is faultless. The diversity of the cast means that the characterisations appear completely organic. Every performer  moves between several characters with razor-sharp precision and although Christopher Ashley’s direction is fast and furious, the clarity of each scene and the skilled dramatic performances ensure the storyline is easy to follow.

The script is peppered with witty, natural humour which brings light relief to the obviously dark subject matter and you feel as if you are watching a snapshot of real life.

Kelly Devine’s music staging of the show is seamless, as is the movement of props to create different scenarios within a simple but highly effective set.

The upbeat, unique opening number, “Welcome to Rock” lifts the audience from the off and from then on, this short, sharp show runs like a river.

Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s book, music and lyrics, although complex, are intelligent and entertaining in equal measure and August Erikmoen’s orchestrations under the supervision of Andrew Corcoran and his outstanding “Come From Away” band are fresh, catchy and inspiring.

There are several standout performances throughout the piece, but Sara Poyzer as the female pilot Beverley Bass delivers the vocal performance of the night with her version of “Me and the Sky” which depicts her childhood dream of flying to a highly successful career with American Airways.  With such expression and emotion she sailed her way through the song, only for the scene to move on so quickly that there was no time for the well-deserved applause she deserved.

Similarly Bree Smith portrays Hannah, a mother desperately trying to find out if her New York fire-fighter son is safe or not, and her rendition of “I Am Here” brings a lump to the throat as you imagine the pain and heartache she must be feeling. 

“Come From Away” and the Grand Theatre have joined forces this week to support the Good Shepherd in Wolverhampton, an organisation dedicated to assist the homeless in our city, by collecting socks, underwear, hats, scarves and such like, as well as money of course and so audiences are encouraged to donate, which means not only is this company entertaining people but also doing good at the same time.   What more could we ask for?

And so this completely unique musical has finally put a pin here in Wolverhampton which I am sure will leave its mark on everyone who sees it.

Unmissable!  For tickets visit grandtheatre.co.uk or call 01902 429212.  Runs until Saturday.