I received a wonderful email from Steve and Sonia, the "strandees" who were able to see the show, thanks to the intercession of some wonderful participants in these Broadway chat boards.
"So… thoughts on the show. I hardly know where to begin. It was a show I desperately wanted to see for reasons we discussed over that breakfast. Being stranded in Newfoundland over 911 has had such a profound effect on my life in terms of the life-long friendship that it established and the experiences that have been gained as a result.
In truth, it was not without some trepidation that I went along. It is after all, such a complex story to tell and how can one turn such a terrible tragedy into a lively, witty, comedic musical based upon a calamity that back in Newfoundland, if you include the locals and the plane-people (strandees!?), had a cast of many, many thousands.
In truth, I need not have worried. The simplistic and very clever stage easily was easily and simply converted to represent the complexity of the many locations being at once the passenger section of an aircraft, a coffee bar, the Lions club and others. The transformation of the stage was instantaneous, easily and slickly undertaken as indeed, were the variety of personas adopted by the cast - very often humorously completed.
It is amazing what can be accomplished by a few tree trunks, chairs, tables and a talented cast of actors, actresses and musicians along with the audience’s imagination - which did not need to be stretched too far!
The musical itself got off to a rocking start with an opening number and that continued throughout the show. The music as a whole was reminiscent of two bands I have come to know on our many subsequent visits to Newfoundland, Blue Rodeo and especially, Great Big Sea. I later mentioned this and was told that Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea was a musical advisor.
As an aside: I have collected most of their music and have long wanted to see Alan Doyle in concert. I was delighted to see that was going to play one show in London… sadly and ironically, while we are in Newfoundland! We cannot always count on things working out!
The show itself was magnificent in every way. Through a series of disconnected events and experiences that the real plane-people and Newfies encountered, a superb and witty storyline has been woven that encapsulates so many actual incidents, some humorous, some sad but all that would be recognised by anyone who was there.
I had forgotten some of them… the back-aching uncomfortableness of the aircraft seats. I boarded at London Gatwick at 10.00 am on the 11th and we were disembarked late afternoon on the 12th… around 30 hours later. Yes, we could walk around, but space was limited and everyone wanted to do the same! I was reminded of that sweet moment when the doors were opened and fresh air circulated. The moment when we could (taking turns) standing at the rear passenger exit 30 feet above the ground and see out!
Not mentioned in the show… my recollection of breakfast on the 12th that consisted of a packet of crisps (chips?) and a curly-whirly!
But I was saddened to think that I was short changed because unlike the passengers depicted in the show, the duty free was not broken out on my flight! I have no recollection of imbibing any alcohol… sadly.
My recollection was of a sleepless, uncomfortable night being interrupted by a police car or cars circulating slowly around the aircraft reappearing every few minutes throughout the night which for some reason it had blue lights flashing that permeated the cabin like a strobe preventing any rest. Considering this was inside a secure airport perimeter, this was the only thing I recall being irritated by!
Otherwise the show revived many memories. The baggage being offloaded and searched on the tarmac. Only being able to take carry-on and your blanket and seat cushion. Being met at the airport and given a sandwich and a drink of water and filling out a form with your name and address. Getting on the school bus. I also recall complete calm and organisation and no panic. We knew somehow that we were in good hands and all was going to be well.
I laughed at the moose scene when the bus stopped and waited for the moose to move on. So true and so funny as it is something you have to be careful of driving in Newfoundland.
I recalled standing outside the church In Gambo and watched as a pickup drove by bearing a huge horse sized animal (obviously dead) with its head hanging over the tail board. “What is that”? I asked a local lady standing nearby. “A moose”, she replied, “have you ever eaten moose”? My response was not surprisingly, in the negative.
That night, she called me out of line to go and get my supper first as had cooked a moose stew for me that was also enjoyed by many of my fellow passengers!
The show perfectly captured the rapport that was built up between the passengers and the Newfies. I recall a particularly lively evening at the Lions Club where the beer and music flowed and we all became close friends and honorary Newfoundlanders because the evening ended with many of us partaking in the initiating ceremony involving a shot of Screech and kissing a cod! Only in Newfoundland!
So many and too many aspects of that time were encapsulated by the show bringing memories that invoked tears and laughter - often at the same time!
An amazing evening that was superbly rounded off when we were invited to meet the cast after the show. We met just about everyone involved and they were delightful. The one question that I was asked by all is; “Did we get it right”?
“Unquestionably”, was my response “Yes, you did!
Sonia and I have thoroughly enjoyed our all to brief sojourn in New York and we are now continuing our journey that will take us through to see all our friends in Newfoundland.
Next stop Boston before going on to Halifax and then on to what we consider our second home, Gambo."
