Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
March 14, 2017
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation:
Acknowledging the Successful Opening Night of ‘Come From Away’
Mr. Speaker, today I rise in this Honourable House to acknowledge the successful opening night of ‘Come From Away’ at Broadway's Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in New York City.
‘Come From Away’, written by the team of Irene Sankoff and David Hein and produced by Michael Rubinoff, chronicles the days after almost 7,000 passengers arrived in Gander and the surrounding region during one of the most horrific periods in recent history.
Mr. Speaker, ‘Come From Away’ is about the goodwill displayed by the people of our province following the awful events of 9/11 that had just unfolded. This show doesn't trivialize those events or neglect them. Instead, its simple focus is to make theatre goers feel good about themselves, and how we as a community, when tested, can rise above any challenge.
This stunning act of theatre showcases a portrayal of our heroic hospitality under extraordinary circumstances, depicting the goodness in humanity and I’m proud to say that the show features one of our own, Petrina Bromley, starring as Ms. Bonnie Earle-Harris, manager of the SPCA shelter in Gander.
Mr. Speaker, ‘Come From Away’ spotlights the compassion shown by our local residents, as well as the enduring friendships that developed as a result. It proves that kindness, generosity, understanding, inclusion and acceptance never go astray in any circumstance.
One theatre critic stated ‘Come From Away’ was such a comforting, uplifting piece of art that ‘pushes so many emotional buttons that you wind up feeling like an accordion.’
I invite all Honourable members to join me in congratulating Ms. Sankoff and Mr. Hein, along with the performers, producers and directors on a successful opening night for ‘Come From Away’.
Thank you.
2017 03 14 2:05 p.m.