Cover The cast of ‘Come From Away’ performing ‘Welcome To The Rock’ (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
The cast of ‘Come From Away’ performing ‘Welcome To The Rock’ (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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A no-spoiler review on GMG Productions’ first Filipino-led musical, ‘Come From Away’
“On the north-east tip of North America, on an island called Newfoundland, there’s an airport. It used to be one of the biggest airports in the world, and next to it is a town called Gander.” That’s the opening line of Welcome to the Rock, the first song in Come From Away.
During the events of 9/11, the United States shut down its airspace, forcing all incoming planes to land elsewhere. Thirty-eight commercial flights were diverted to Gander International Airport, and the small town of 10,000 people selflessly welcomed more than 7,000 stranded passengers for five days. Come From Away tells the story of how these individuals from different countries learned to speak a shared language—one of kindness.
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Above The initial set of ‘Come From Away’ (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
The initial set of ‘Come From Away’ (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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Upon entering the theatre, audiences are greeted with a bleak stage as a massive ‘You Are Here’ sign hangs above. The decision to have a mostly grey set captured the ‘middle of nowhere’ vibe that the actual passengers must have felt at the time.
While relatively modest with its set, the musical provided an immersive experience—from the plane to the community centre and a Tim Hortons. There was no need for flashy practical props and multimedia integrations when you have a vibrant cast that brought life to a hopeless situation. Suddenly, the bleak stage wasn't so grey. It was transformed through music, community and a heartwarming story.
Above The cast of ‘Come From Away’ performing ‘Prayer’ (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
The cast of ‘Come From Away’ performing ‘Prayer’ (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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To say that the whole cast performed their hearts out is an understatement. One could already expect a showstopping musical performance, but they especially excelled in portraying their many characters. Everyone had more than one role—ranging from airline crews to passengers and Gander natives—and audiences will have to listen intently for their accents to know who’s playing who. At a moment’s notice, they could switch from a New Yorker’s accent to French or Canadian, hinting at a different person, and they captured the essence of each one. It wasn’t perfect, but when it comes to minute details like these, it’s nice to focus on the times they got it right rather than the times they got it wrong.
Above The cast of ‘Come From Away’ performing ‘I Am Here’ (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
The cast of ‘Come From Away’ performing ‘I Am Here’ (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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If you come into the musical knowing only the synopsis, it’s fair to expect a gut-wrencher. But it is filled with moments of humour that had the theatre erupting in laughter. The jokes are incorporated into the dialogue and delivered with impeccable timing, offering levity without diminishing the weight of 9/11 or the fear the passengers experienced. Come From Away doesn’t earn its tears through melodrama; it moves you through the sheer beauty of people’s hearts.
See also: The Philippine Ballet Theatre is set to stage ‘Maria Makiling’ this July
Above The cast of ‘Come From Away’ performing ‘Prayer’ (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
The cast of ‘Come From Away’ performing ‘Prayer’ (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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One standout scene to look forward to unfolds during the song Prayer, when the stage transforms into a place of worship. An Orthodox Jewish man, an Egyptian Muslim and Catholic passengers come together in quiet reflection and prayer. The scene powerfully underscores the diversity of those diverted to Gander and highlights the town’s unwavering openness. The locals didn’t ask where anyone came from—all they know is that they needed help, and they immediately got to work.
Above A standing ovation for the opening night of ‘Come From Away’ (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
A standing ovation for the opening night of ‘Come From Away’ (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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Come From Away tells a story that resonates deeply with Filipino audiences, one rooted in community and kindness, even toward strangers. Though it depicts people from a different part of the world and a moment in history that may feel distant to a new generation of theatregoers, its message remains strikingly relevant. The musical’s themes echo the spirit of bayanihan, a cultural value we’ve seen time and again—during the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy, Yolanda and countless other times when Filipinos came together to help those in need. This altruism, this innate drive to rebuild and rediscover hope amid loss, mirrors the compassion shown by the people of Gander. It’s no surprise, then, that the Manila staging earned a standing ovation and thunderous cheers on opening night.
Come From Away runs until June 29 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
