Entertainment
9 December, 2024
Show will be a tear-jerker
THE Cairns Choral Society is set to kick off its 2025 season with the tear-jerker and uplifting musical ‘Come From Away’, a production inspired by the true events of September 11.
January 2025 will start off strong when the Cairns Choral Society introduces its first production of the year with ‘Come From Away’ presented by a strong ensemble of 20 cast members for nine shows at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) from January 10-18, 2025.
In one of the first Australian non-professional productions of the 2019 Olivier and Tony award-winning musical, Cairns Choral Society will deliver the incredible story of when 38 planes, forced out of US air space on September 11, were unexpectedly diverted to the small town of Gander in Canada’s most easterly province, Newfoundland.
Come From Away director Shaneen Mason said the story was, not about the catastrophic events of 9/11 itself, but September 12, when overnight, the town’s population doubled following the unexpected arrival of 7000 stranded passengers.
Nicknamed ‘come from aways’, the plane people find themselves welcomed into the open arms of the ‘Islander’ locals who rally together, providing shelter, food, and comfort in the wake of global tragedy and one of the 21st century’s darkest days.
“This is a truly uplifting story, albeit is creatively grounded in community,” said Ms Mason.
“This is also a story that demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit, highlighting how kindness and compassion shines brightest in adversity – a quality every Far North Queenslander has experienced, most recently following the catastrophic floods following Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
“As the creators of the musical explain, it is not a story of September 11 but of September 12 – a day when ordinary people performed extraordinary acts.
“Our seasoned audiences will recognise some of the stellar line-up but will also be astonished by cast members making their Cairns Choral Society debut,” she said.
The production will also have a musical score that blends traditional musical theatre styles with Newfoundland-inspired orchestrations that echo the region’s Irish influences.
“We are incredibly proud to bring this powerful production to Cairns audiences in January. Celebrating hope, generosity and the enduring bonds of friendship, this is a feel-good story that speaks to the heart,” Ms Mason said.
“I can think of no better gift to give your loved ones this Christmas than a seat at Come From Away.”
To buy tickets, visit https://bit.ly/4idbEnp
