The ever-impressive, award-winning Portlaoise Musical Society take to the stage in the Dunamaise Arts Centre once again this evening, beginning a week-long run of their latest performance.
This time they’re putting on ‘Come from Away’, the musical based on the events of the Canadian town of Gander in the weeks after the September 11 attacks in 2001.
Almost 40 planes, carrying 7,000 passengers were ordered to land unexpectedly at Gander International Airport.
The story of that time was later made into a musical which has made it to Broadway and London’s West End.
Now the wonderful Portlaoise Musical Society have taken on the story which is sure to be a big hit once again.
Madly, there is a strong Portlaoise link to the story as the Brophy family from Market Square were one of the families effected.
John and Maureen Brophy, as well as their son Brendan, were only an hour from landing in New York when their flight was diverted to Gander. The family were among the people housed in a Pentecostal church for a couple of days as the world was getting to grips with what was happening.
For the Brophys, it all had a happy ending but the quirk of their experience meant they were invited to speak with the Portlaoise Musical Society as they began their rehearsals in recent months.
Of course the Brophys would be familiar faces to those involved as videographers over the years with Brendan and John regularly on duty in the Dunamaise.
Following on from ‘Guys and Dolls’ last year, ‘Made in Dagenham’ in 2023 and ‘Sunshine on Leith’ in 2022, there are high expectations again for ‘Come from Away’.
In the days that followed the September 11 and the massive influx of people to Gander, the community opened its homes and hearts to complete strangers, offering kindness, music, food and friendship at a time when the world felt uncertain.
At its heart ‘Come from Away’ is a celebration of generosity, resilience and community spirit, values that shine brightly within Portlaoise Musical Society.
“Much like the people of Gander, our members have come together with dedication and heart, putting countless hours into bringing this incredible story to life,” said the organisers ahead of the event.
The show is directed by Art McGauran, Lea Carroll is choreographer and Mairead McKenna is musical director.
Among those playing leading roles as Gander natives are Andrew Docherty as Claude, Lisa Langan as Annette, Gearoid Herraghty as Oz, Laoise O’Connell as Janice, Dawn Kavanagh as Beulah and Hilary Treacy as Bonnie.
Among the passengers are Helena Begley as Beverly, Shane Kelly as Kevin T, Caolan Moriarty as Kevin J, Georgina Ireland-Cathcart as Diane, Rory Chadwick as Nick and Teresa Lynch as Hannah.
Come From Away runs November 15 to 22 and tickets are limited.
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