Wonthaggi Theatrical Group delivers a masterpiece with Come From Away
The Wonthaggi Theatrical Group's production of Come From Away received a standing ovation on opening night. Come from Away runs on Thursdays to Sundays until Saturday June 6, book through the Wonthaggi Theatrical Group or TryBooking.
WONTHAGGI’s Union Theatre was filled with an electric energy for opening night of the Wonthaggi Theatrical Group’s highly anticipated production of Come From Away.
With a long and proud history of bringing high-quality live theatre to the local community, the company has not just maintained its stellar reputation with this production, it has set a breathtaking new standard for regional theatre.
Directed by Dan Lawrie, this moving musical is based on the inspiring true events surrounding the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. When US airspace was closed for the first time in history, 38 planes were forced to divert to Gander, Newfoundland.
In an instant, this small Canadian town of 10,000 people found its population nearly doubled by stranded travellers from all over the globe. What followed was an extraordinary masterclass in human kindness, generosity, and resilience.
Lawrie, who personally pitched the production to the theatrical group's committee, guides the complex narrative with a masterful hand. His passion for the material shines through.
Alongside musical director Malcolm McCaffery, choreographer Emily Laughlin, and vocal coach Kerryn Lockhart, the creative team has crafted a seamless, fast-paced, and deeply emotional experience that takes the audience on an unforgettable journey.
The brilliance of Come From Away lies in its ensemble storytelling. The production features a core cast of 14 actors supported by a six-piece vocal ensemble, with each performer effortlessly cycling through multiple roles.
One moment they are anxious global travellers trapped on the tarmac, the next, they are quirky, open-hearted Newfoundland locals scrambling to organise thousands of meals and housing arrangements.
The vocal harmonies, conditioned under Lockhart’s precise coaching, are soaring and robust, delivering McCaffery’s driving, Celtic-infused score with infectious energy and perfect timing.
Visually, the production relies on a minimalist aesthetic that demands absolute precision from its cast and crew. The only primary set pieces on stage are chairs and tables, which the actors constantly rearrange to transform the space from the inside of a Boeing 777 to a smoky local pub, or a chaotic emergency shelter.
This fluid choreography, designed by Laughlin, keeps the momentum moving at breakneck speed. Behind the scenes, the immense scale of this eight-month production is evident.
WTG president Karen Milkins-Hendry noted that 50 to 60 people worked tirelessly to bring the show to life. The physical environment of the show is anchored by incredible craftsmanship. In the foyer of the theatre, audiences are greeted by a sobering, beautifully constructed replica of ironwork from the World Trade Centre at Ground Zero.
On stage, the attention to detail is equally stunning, Milkins-Hendry revealed that creating the realistic trees lining the stage required hundreds of hours of manual labour. Every single prop, expertly managed by Sara Skate, plays a critical role in anchoring the realism of the historical setting.
At its core, Come From Away is a celebration of the powerful connections formed between strangers in extraordinary circumstances. It does not shy away from the ambient fear, xenophobia, and grief of the 9/11 tragedy, but it chooses to focus its lens on the best of humanity.
For Ms Milkins-Hendry what has impressed her most about this production has been the community spirit and humanity of the piece reflected in the cast and crew and clearly appreciated by the audience which rose to its feet at the conclusion of the performance.
Lawrie said he was absolutely delighted to have such an enthusiastic audience.
“Newfoundlanders are beautiful and hospitable people,” he said.
“It really is an uplifting story.”
Every cast member takes a feature role on stage. Mary Ross-Heazlewood born and raised in Newfoundland and now calling Leongatha home, is a member of the vocal ensemble lending an additional poignancy to this remarkable story.
On September 11, 2001, Mary was at St John’s airport after visiting family, when diverted flights brought thousands of stranded travellers to the island. Ms Ross-Heazlewood volunteered alongside family and friends because in Newfoundland “strangers are never strangers for long”.
“Mary helped with tips and pointers on accents,” said Mr Lawrie.
The Wonthaggi Theatrical Group has delivered a production that is simultaneously heartbreaking, hilariously funny, and profoundly uplifting. It is a timely reminder of what can be achieved when a community opens its heart to those in need.
Do not miss this theatrical triumph. Come from Away runs on Thursdays to Sundays until Saturday June 6, 2026. For more information and to secure your seats, visit the Wonthaggi Theatrical Group or book directly via TryBooking.
