Despite being at different stages in life, Eric Solomon and Jacob Scott have found common ground in their shared role as Kevin T. in the hit musical “Come From Away.”
“Come From Away” tells the story of nearly 7,000 airplane passengers who had to seek refuge at the Gander International Airport in Gander, Canada, following airspace closures caused by the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The airport was essential in grounding incoming flights from Europe that were headed to the U.S.
“We owe our Canadian neighbors a debt of gratitude for helping us as we redirected flights and their passengers to airports in Canada,” U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta said at the time.
Solomon, a Southern studies and English instructor at the University of Mississippi, played the role of Kevin T. over the summer in a production of the musical at Arts! Oglethorpe in Crawford, Ga. Solomon said he fell in love with the musical at first listen.
“I love this show. I had the good fortune of seeing it with my friend who directed me in the show and runs the theater in Georgia,” Solomon said. “We saw it when it first came out a few years ago and fell in love with it.”
The UM Department of Theatre & Film’s performance of “Come From Away” opens the night of Oct. 2.
Kevin T., the lead in the musical, is based on Kevin Tuerff, a real-life passenger whose flight was diverted on 9/11 and landed in Gander.
Scott, a senior theatre arts major with an acting on stage and screen emphasis, is starring in the university’s production of the musical. Scott recognized the importance of the play and how his role as Kevin T. differs from roles he’s done before.
“There’s a lot to pull from. Normally, when (you) attack a role, there’s a lot of circumstances and backgrounds that you create for yourself,” Scott said. “For Kevin T., specifically, you have that all at your fingertips.”
Despite the heavy theme surrounding the musical, Solomon believes the plot serves as an inspiring story for the audience and the actors.
“It’s about what happens in the aftermath of a disaster and how it can bring people together,” Solomon said. “As much as it can bring out the worst in people, it can bring out the best in people.”
Solomon shared a specific moment that moved him during his performance at Arts! Oglethorpe, and encapsulated the overall meaning of “Come From Away.”
“(Kevin T.) at the end has a little solo moment… and there was this older man sitting in the front row just bawling his eyes out,” Solomon said. “I think the show just facilitates a closeness and an honest reflection on what it means to connect with people.”
The show resonates with an older generation who experienced 9/11 firsthand. However, according to Scott, it may be even more important for the younger generations, born after the attacks, to see the musical.
“9/11 itself is something that, with this generation, is being desensitized,” Scott said. “(“Come From Away”) is definitely going to be a bridge between a generation that went through and was impacted by 9/11, and the ones who necessarily don’t have a connection to it yet.”
Solomon read Tuerff’s book titled “Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11,” which emphasizes the hospitality Tuerff was shown by the Gander community after his plane was grounded.
Solomon said Tuerff wondered why similar hospitality and kindness can’t be shown in everyday life as well.
“This is from his book, and I think it sort of speaks to what the whole ‘Come From Away’ story and the Gander experience is all about,” Solomon said.
The UM production will have four shows on Oct. 2-4. With one show already sold out, Solomon encourages everyone to come and witness “Come From Away” before the production’s run is over.
“I just hope that anybody that goes to see this show is moved by it,” Solomon said. “That’s part of why I wanted to do this story — so that as many people will go see this show that the theatre department’s doing as possible.”
