There was a moment of silence during musical ‘Come From Away’ at Wharton Center for Performing Arts in East Lansing, MI on September 10, 2019.
For those who regularly attend theater productions, they’re aware that quiet moments aren’t unusual. This award-winning production, however, takes place shortly after September 11, 2001.
On that day thousands of American lives were lost during calculated terror attacks that basically used occupied commercial airplanes as missiles.
Because of this, 38 planes were ordered to land unexpectedly in Gander, Newfoundland, stranding their 7,000 passengers temporarily in need of food and shelter. ‘Come From Away’ brilliantly brings this true story to life, especially a scene where the displaced paid their respects to the tremendous death toll.
Many of us gathered inside Cobb Great Hall, the day before the terror attacks’ anniversary, found ourselves flashing back to that frightening moment in time. We’d landed safely in our seats to watch what’s already considered an all-time great musical but found ourselves colliding with the emotions and fear we felt on 9/11. That moment of silence at Wharton was real.
With its cast recreating the diverse travelers lodged in Canada at the real-life order of Operation Yellow Ribbon, ‘Come From Away’ daringly delves into how explosive fear-driven ignorance can be. What’s best about it, though, is its depiction of the defusing power of love.
In the face of tension and uncertainty, the residents of Newfoundland opened their hearts and homes to thousands of strangers. What we felt from each character, song, and scene that made us laugh, cringe and cry was very real. |THIS
[Written by Mr. Joe Walker | Follow THIS on Twitter @THISENT1]
