Interview: Zoe Gertz of COME FROM AWAY at Crown Theatre

COME FROM AWAY has won a swag of big awards and it seems that it never fails to win hearts wherever it goes. The hit musical is headed to Perth this month and features a stellar cast of talented Australians, a handful of Canadians, and a healthy contingent of WAAPA graduates. One of those graduates is the talented Zoe Gertz, who discussed the show, her life, and how anyone who sees the show is changed.

"I knew the musical before I knew the musical," said Zoe reflecting on her journey to the role of Beverley (whilst the show is a true ensemble show and every performer plays multiple characters, Gertz's 'main' role is pilot Beverley Bass). "I first saw it on the Tony Awards. I was incredibly curious about a show with a group of actors standing on chairs and stomping around. My parents got the opportunity to see it before I did and they couldn't stop raving about it. I know my parents have seen a lot of theatre- I know I've dragged them along to a lot of theatre at least! Once I knew they loved it I was sure I would love it too." It was still some time before an Australian tour was announced, but Gertz jumped at the chance as soon as it arose. "There were a few auditions. I worked the lines for a few characters including Beverly at first. I really enjoyed the whole process because the show needs a certain versatility, it's a real challenge and not the sort of thing we as performers get to do too often."

Zoe Gertz has been a part of the cast of COME FROM AWAY for its entire Australian tour, which started in 2019. "Through the lockdowns I never really fell away from the show," said Gertz. "The producers and the entire creative team were committed to the show from the beginning and very much wanted to tell the story here and on Broadway. They realised that the pandemic made it more important to tell the story. It's now the only Australian show still going from before the pandemic and that feels truly special and unique."

COME FROM AWAY tells the story of a small Canadian town suddenly inundated with tourists when US airspace was closed on September 11th. Whilst the themes may be specific, Zoe Gertz believes there are themes and ideas that can apply to our time and indeed any time. "The show is a reminder that during times of tragedy and heartbreak that sometimes the best of humanity comes to light. It's a part of the story of September 11 that I never heard of until I did the show. When we look back on the day we focus on the immense tragedy, and it's easy to forget about the people that helped and reached out. Whilst the underlying story is tragic it also allows people to see and feel the good, however small, that comes from these events." Of course, no show could tell such a story without telling the whole story. "The show also understands that it was a very scary and uncertain time in the days afterwards, and whilst some people were acting out of kindness others were acting out of fear. There was a great deal of uncertainty that hit a lot of people very closely and that's also a part of the story."

One of the many things that strikes people about COME FROM AWAY is that very little artistic license is taken in regards to the true kindness of the people portrayed. "The characters are based on real people or composites of real people. Much of the dialogue and songs are based on things these people have said, in some cases the show copies what they've said in interviews. This is a real story about real people and the show highlights that." Whilst any performer may be led to worry if they've done these people justice, the Australian cast know firsthand how faithfully they've represented the characters. "A lot of the people from Gander- the real people on whom the show is based- came out for our premiere. Whilst it was nice to meet them in terms of knowing who we were playing, it was also humbling to know that they were pleased with how we'd played them." Indeed, being able to meet these people who sparked COME FROM AWAY is a constant reminder of the sort of people portrayed. Genuine, real life, down to Earth people. "They're still amazed to have started all this," says Zoe reflecting on having met the people who inspired the characters. "A few even made jokes that all this started from making sandwiches and tea for five days."

Overall, Zoe Gertz hopes that the show sparks something in those who see it. "We see all sorts of reactions from people who see the show. Some are amazed at what people are capable of, some see this sort of kindness as normal, and some are surprised to hear about this particular part of history. Either way, it's not at all unusual to see people leave with a smile on their face. That's when I know we've done well."

COME FROM AWAY is at Crown Theatre until May 28th. Tickets and more information through Come From Away Australia.

Photos thanks to Jeff Busby

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