Do you remember where you were when you first heard about 9/11 and saw the news footage of planes being flown into the twin towers? I do. This was one of the most horrific events to happen during my lifetime, and it has since shaped the world.
There are so many ways that a musical about 9/11 could go, but this one focuses on a small Canadian island that opened its arms and welcomed 38 planes (7,000 people) that were diverted due to the closure of American airspace. And, not only that, it portrays the real life stories of people who were on those planes.
This is a stunning production. The set is simple, with chairs being moved and set up in different configurations to indicate a different setting/place/scene. The actors each play several parts, the change between them being indicated by a simple costume change - a different hat, jacket, shirt etc. It is all very simple but very effective. The music is that of a ceilidh band, and the numbers are bouncy and memorable. And, above everything else, the production deals with the tragedy of 9/11 beautifully. It is comical (but not too much), clever, simple, poignant, heartwarming and sensitive. There are some truly heart wrenching moments, and they are given the respect that they deserve, but then the show moves on to continue telling the heart warming story of this small Canadian community that became a worldwide hero.
This is a wonderful production, and all the actors are incredible. It is a true chorus piece, with everyone having their moment to shine - I can’t pick out anyone to mention specifically because they were all so fantastic. My only slight criticism is that some of the lines got lost due to the accents. The difficulty in understanding the accent is specifically referred to in a comic moment early on in the show, and although my ear became accustomed to it, I still lost a couple of lines.
I’ve been listening to the soundtrack since seeing this show, and I’m finding it a lot more heart wrenching and emotional than when I saw it. This is absolutely no criticism of the production, which sweeps you along in its story. I think that it’s because, with distance from the magic of theatre, reality hits you. This is a true story; these are the true stories of real people; and two planes really were flown into the twin towers on 11 September 2001. Although it was a horrific event that has shaped the world and how we think, feel etc., with time and distance it also feels unreal; like a nightmare that we had long ago. This show, and listening to the soundtrack, brings it all back and reminds you how awful humanity can be. However, it also reminds you how wonderful, caring, loving and supporting people can be. It’s clever and very powerful stuff.
As I said before, this is a stunning show, and I can’t wait to see it again - I already have tickets booked!