Brother Mark arranged for our staff to see the ‘Come From Away’ musical when the cast from Toronto’s theater visited St. John’s, Newfoundland for a 10 day tour last January. It was magnificent. An emotional roller coaster that brought forth so many memories, teasing our sentiments without ever allowing us to fully embrace the feelings they evoked. Just as you felt a tear begin to well, the writers and their characters quickly switched to another ridiculously powerful pull on our emotional baselines; reminding us of the anger, fear, worry, joy, laughter, confusion, bewilderment we experienced on September 11, 2001. It was quite extraordinary.
“… our staff sees ‘Come From Away.”
Soon after this we attended a ‘Hospitality Newfoundland’ conference in the town of Gander where our first evening of entertainment was a true celebration of the town’s people, their 911 story, and an inspiration for a better world. Like that found in Newfoundland.
Thus, the first time I heard Kim Wiseman sing, she made me weep.
Thankfully everyone in the room was affected in the same way and there was not a dry eye in the house, for we each shared a very kindred connection to her songs. Especially those borrowed from the Broadway musical ‘Comes From Away’.
Without the shifting cues from the musical, Kim’s songs lulled us into a convoluted state that caused our tears to burst forth, cleansing us of all we’d experienced during the 911 attacks. Tears of joy. Tears of sorrow. Of rage, frustration, resentment, praise, thanks, and gratitude. It was beautiful.
I was so moved by the experience that I charged the stage the minute she finished, apologizing as I jumped “cue”, stepping in front of Canadian Minister of Tourism Melanie Joly and the provincial minister of the same department, Chis Mitchelmore. I hoped they’d forgive me for I simply couldn’t wait to share my thoughts and praise. They did.
“:.. attended a Hospitality Newfoundland event…”
The great news is that we have developed a very close relationship with Kim, and she has since created a “Home Grown” performance that celebrates these memories with a real focus on our “Now” and our “Why”
‘Here to Stay’ is Kim’s new passion and a brilliant entertainment option for guests travelling on any McCarthy’s Party 8 and 12 day Cross Island tour, as well as anyone who is fortunate enough to find themselves in Gander this summer, as all are welcome.
Here is how she describes it in her own words;
This summer myself (Kim), John and Neil are excited to share our show – ‘Here To Stay’ every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evening from 7:30 to 9:30PM
We are all from Gander and love to show visitors what our town is all about. As the focal point for the ‘Come From Away” musical, we have many stories and a little bit of foolishness to share about that time in our history. We most often sing Newfoundland music with a few Irish favourites thrown in. And of course, some jigs with a little step dancing. We also do a couple of the actual tunes from the musical ‘Come From Away’ that are sure to delight.
‘Here To Stay’ is an inspiring performance that captures our life in Newfoundland; from the heart wrenching songs of our past, to beautiful ballads, and side splitting comedic songs. People are sure to laugh, cry and even sing along with the lyric sheets we provide. We pride ourselves on providing a genuine taste of the local culture and in true Newfoundland fashion everyone is welcome to tap their feet and get up and dance along.
The band consists of keyboard, guitar, banjo, mandolin, bodhran, cajon, harmonica, tin whistle, and three-part singing.
Other important notes include;
1. The performance will be held at the historic ‘Flyer’s Club’, located only 500m from Sinbad’s Hotel and right next door to ‘Thingamajiggers’ pub and eatery
2. A cash bar will be open before, during and after the entire show
3. Tickets are available for $25 cash
4. There is an ATM at ‘Thingamajiggers’ pub and eatery. Another at the Corner Pocket at the end of the mall, and one more at Sinbad’s hotel
5. The show runs every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday night from 7:30 to 9:30PM
