Come from Away

What a joyous film from start to finish. The tone of the story was well done. The musical numbers are great and the songs are catchy. As a Canadian I even loved it more. One of the best musicals.

I'm not positive this is a great "film," but it sure is great theater. The director's previous experience was mostly with the stage, and that comes through - he wants us to experience the magic, from scene changes to choreography. So eventually it feels like you are in the best seat in the house. And that lasts long enough to be genuinely moved by these stories that refuse to be anything other than optimistic about humanity.

Come from Away is one of my favorite Broadway shows and should have beat out Dear Evan Hanson for the majority of the Tony awards in their award year (not because Hansen is bad, but because Come From Away is Soooooo good). Come From Away is very carefully written, directly and constructed musical about one of the most memorable sad days in many people's lives today (9/11), but provides a different optimistic and less dark lens for remembering the day and next few days after. And it's a great vehicle for young people to learn about 9/11 as well.

The cast was fabulous, the direction was great, the music is catchy, emotional, and excellently pays homage to the setting of this story. It's only about 90-100 minutes long and without an intermission. And that decision really is perfect for this particular story which they're telling. The fact that the cast is minimal and every cast member plays at least one Newfoundlander and one visitor is a very poignant and clever directing decision. The script is quickly paced for a musical and most of the songs keep moving the narrative forward. Overall the piece effectively fits lots of interesting actual stories into one big story in a heartwarming way. Everyone with AppleTV should feel exhilarating and excited for the chance to watch this for such a small cost, if any. Do yourself a favor and see the movie and the musical when it's in your area.

We saw the show on Broadway twice - in back to back weeks. It may be the most relevant, important show you'll ever see. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll laugh some more and this show will give you hope for humanity in these dark times.

COME FROM AWAY is a true story of the sleepy town, Gander in Newfoudland (a Canadian island). They get a big shake-up when told to accommodate up to seven thousand passengers stranded on 9/11 as all flights cease in US airspace. What occurs is the joy of humanity when the town opens it's heart and welcomes all in this uplifting musical full of hope.

The stunning 12 cast members take on all roles, telling stories from the view-points of the passengers and the town folks, all done in a simple but very creative way. It looked at all aspects of the human condition, from politics to religion, and everything else that makes this crazy world go round.

Took me a while to clinch onto the musical style, but once the characters had me, I was all in. An absolute heart warmer that shows what we are capable of in trying times...