Judging by how fast tickets are flying out the window for the National Tour of Come From Away, it seems the word is out in Fort Collins: Come From Away is an incredible show that is not to be missed! Earning a Tony Award for Best Direction and receiving seven other Tony nominations including Best Original Score, Best Choreography and Best Musical, Come From Away certainly has the cred to back up all the buzz. So if you haven’t seen this remarkable true story yet, make the time to do it March 22—24 while it’s in the neighborhood!
When U.S. airspace closed in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, over 7,000 airline passengers were grounded in a small Newfoundland town. Come From Away weaves together an amazingly moving story based on the oral histories of the experiences of those passengers and townsfolk alike and the message still resonates today.
At first, the premise may seem strange, especially for those too young to remember the sheer chaos following that fateful day. The consequences of canceled and delayed flights may seem like a minor story when compared to the devastation and enormity of the lives lost, however, this story deserves to be told.
For six days in an unfamiliar town, these passengers (many of whom were trying to return home) had to wait to hear answers to questions they never thought they would need to ask: “Will I be able to return home and when? Where will I sleep? Where will my next meal come from?” During their moments of pure uncertainty, these questions became as consequential as: “What does this mean for my country? Are my loved ones okay?”
Now imagine living in a small town and having your population double with hungry people who are just as afraid as they are confused and having to deal with this fundamental question: “What do you owe a fellow human being when your own future is so uncertain?”
The answer is complicated, but ultimately comes down to resilience—the resilience to do what it takes to understand others and be understood. Cultures, values and languages clash, but uneasiness slowly turns into trust and the charity of everyday people becomes a reason for celebration.
With no intermission, the musical moves fast, catching you in a similar whirlwind of events that the passengers might have experienced themselves. This feeling of immersion may come as a surprise when you learn that only twelve people portray the stories of thousands and the everchanging setting is based on how chairs and tables are arranged on stage. It’s a testament to the level of the actors’ craft and the strength of their stories that will leave you feeling absolutely transported.
Come see what all the buzz is about March 22–24 at The Lincoln Center in Fort Collins. Tickets are selling fast, with Sunday night, March 24 having the most availability. Seats start from $20 at LCtix.com.