Review: One Night Only Presents… Come From Away, SimG Productions & Musical Theatre Radio
The ‘One Night Only’ series is a testament to how far we have come in this digital age. The Remo cloud platform, on which the experience is hosted, sets the grandeur and tone of the event and gave me the closest I have gotten to a foyer “buzz” since theatres closed in March. The virtual series (produced by SimG Productions and Musical Theatre Radio) reunites casts and creatives, both past and present, from a musical theatre production for a few incredibly enjoyable hours of panel discussion and performances.
How it works: upon entering the arena, you find yourself on a random table in a virtual conference space. Here you can have a wander round, visit stage door, chat to hosts and sponsors; sit at any table with an empty seat and interact with fellow attendee’s or you can remain in the shadows. My first encounter was with Sarah who was on the hunt for her five friends, moving from table to table, much like being in a theatre foyer. Spread over six “floors” with 15 tables per floor, you definitely get the vibe of being a part of a huge event, despite sitting alone in front of the computer screen.
I had the pleasure of attending the fourth ‘One Night Only’ event, celebrating hit musical Come From Away. During the 30 minute pre-show “mingle”, I met Lauren and her mother Catherine from Maryland Pennsylvania, Christine from Orlando and Debbie from Washington. Pop-ups appear with the remaining time until show time, building the anticipation and excitement as we all discuss our previous Come From Away experiences.
Split into three Q&A sessions punctuated with previously unseen performances and videos from various casts from around the globe, this event has something to serve all supporters and aspiring participants of theatre. From understanding the birth of the show and the creative process; how the show found its feet, lifting from the page to stage and finally; as actors, what it is like to be a part of telling the story.
Producer Simon Greiff does an excellent job of hosting the event, introducing the various cast and creatives whilst responding to the digital audience with a relatability that reminds you that you are part of the conversation. Greiff keeps the conversation flowing, expertly navigating the transitions between interviews and performances and not once having to say “you’re on mute”, which 9 months on is still a recurring theme in most work places…
Once the main presentation is complete, you have the opportunity to visit “stage door”. Here, I met the excited and overwhelmed Elizabeth who, as an aspiring actor, wanted to know all the details of how to achieve a successful career in musical theatre. The cast engaged, asked her questions back and wanted to give the best advice they had. This surpasses the traditional stage door experience and is well worth the ticket price alone.
Finally, before leaving, I chose to sit at a random table because I was seeking to ask its participants how they found the event. I will note I rarely have this confidence “in real life” but there is something safe about being online; only to find myself sat with Nick and Diane Marson, the real inspiration of “Nick and Diane” and Helen Hobson, who played “Diane” in the Original Dublin/ London cast.
At a time when we are all so isolated, One Night Only presents…. Come From Away was the perfect antidote. Being surrounded by people, albeit virtually, who have a shared love and appreciation of this musical, is a beautiful reminder that this is temporary. The opening of four different casts sharing ‘Welcome to the Rock’ and the opportunity to meet the casts and creatives to give thanks or ask questions is special and unique.
This event is for people who are already fans of the show or are curious about the creative process of making a musical. Thankfully, I am both…
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Alanna Boden