Ahead of the show’s first performance yesterday evening and official ‘opening night’ tomorrow, I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek of Come from Away Brisbane season at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s Lyric Theatre. With the official opening mere hours away, I would like to share another preview snippet we received during the preview – featuring a song early in the show titled ‘Me and the Sky’.
The song focuses on Beverly Bass, the real-life first ever female captain of an American Airlines plane. Especially with the political controversy around treatment of women, having a song dedicated towards this motivational individual is very much welcome. In the show, Beverly Bass is portrayed by Zoe Gertz.
Produced by NewTheatricals in Australia, Come from Away adapts the real-life story of 7,000 air passengers who find themselves grounded in Gander, Newfoundland, Canada in the wake of the tragic September 11 tragedy. The small community, not necessarily equipped to manage such an influx of visitors, welcome the “come from aways” into their lives and provided hope and compassion to those in need.
Come From Away was originally directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley, with choreography by Kelly Devine, music supervision by Ian Eisendrath, scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Howell Binkley and sound design by Gareth Owen. The book, music and lyrics were created by David Hein and Irene Sankoff, who travelled to Newfoundland and through hundreds of hours of interviews, compiled their stories to share with the world.
Tickets for Come From Away are available to purchase exclusively through the QTIX Box Office, either online or by calling 136 246.
