By Hannah Bower; Photo Credits to Hannah Bower
Susquehanna University’s Theatre Department is proud to present their first show of the season this weekend, “Come From Away.” Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, this award-winning musical tells the true story of 38 planes being diverted to Gander, Newfoundland amidst the 9/11 terror attacks, and the kindness of humanity despite the circumstances.
This past September marked the 25 anniversary of 9/11, so choosing this show was no accident. “Come From Away” is currently being performed across the country in remembrance of this day, paying tribute to the nearly 7,000 passengers that spent 5 days in Gander and the care they were given by the locals.
The cast and crew have been working hard for the last month and are eager for an audience. With only 12 cast members, each plays multiple roles, many of which are real people.
Isabella Lapetina plays Beverley Bass, the American Airlines pilot who, in Lapetina’s words, “made history in a male-dominated field through her relentless passion.” Lapetina is extremely proud to be portraying this remarkable woman for her senior musical. After the tragedy of September 11, Beverley shows nothing but resilience. “The thing she spent her whole life fighting for is used as a weapon against humanity,” Lapetina shared. “She is a testament of goodness and strength.”
As for me, I am honored to portray a real passenger’s love story. Diane Marson, 60 at the time of the incident, met her husband, Nick, when both were diverted to Gander.
In an interview with Johnny Dodd, the couple mentioned that they would go for walks together to take their minds off of the constant news stories. That’s when Nick took a photo of Diane to remember her, and their love blossomed ever since. They were married in 2002 after Nick moved to Texas and proposed.
Today, they admit they’ve seen the hit musical over 160 times. “I think our story makes people believe in falling in love,” Diane revealed in Dodd’s interview.
These characters are only small parts of what “Come From Away” amounts to be. Those who were alive during this major historical shift in America will appreciate this story on a different level, while those who weren’t will find empathy they didn’t know they had.
Regardless, everyone can learn something new from SU’s season opener. In the words of Hannah May Bloom, who portrays Janice Mosher, “I think it’s a beautiful, very intimate show. Tragedy can tear people apart, but it also brings them together. Even at the worst of times, good people come together and create even stronger communities.”
Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. Call 570-372-ARTS for more information.