SINCE she was 18, Birkdale’s Vanessa Wainwright has performed in more than 30 concerts and shows.
But none has been as exceptional as her current experience, playing six different roles – including Hannah, the mother of a New York firefighter – in the musical Come From Away.
The show, being staged by Wynnum’s Savoyards at Iona College in June and July, tells the true stories of people who arrived in Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001, after their planes were diverted from New York.
That day, 38 planes were redirected, bringing 7000 people to the small community – effectively doubling its population.
“It is a story that is told respectfully and truthfully. It is a joy and an honour to play a role that is real and true, rather than two-dimensional,” Ms Wainwright said.
Ms Wainwright, 42, said she had seen the show in Brisbane, and when it toured professionally in Melbourne and Adelaide.
“I was just drawn to it. This is a unique piece of theatre, one that is character driven,” she said.
“It is a sincere piece of truth and character.
“It is quite something to have the chance to play a real person.”
She is one of 12 performers in the production who play 50 roles, using costume pieces such as different hats or glasses to switch characters.
“It is up to us to make a plausible character shift with a new accent,” Ms Wainwright said.
“There has been energy from the first rehearsal.
“And there have been tears.
“This is so raw and there is a need to be vulnerable and to tell a real and gut-wrenching story.”
A kindergarten teacher for the past 15 years, Ms Wainwright said she was drawn to the theatre because of her love for the creative process.
“I also enjoy the sense of community,” she said.
“There are people in this show who I know from other shows, but there are also new people, and we instantly started a sense of family.”
The cast rehearses three times a week, working on musical numbers and mastering various accents.
“The show is an all-in, physically, emotionally and vocally,” she said.
