Riverside Public Schools

10 students from Riverside's Junior High Speech team traveled to the Merryman Performing Arts Center in Kearney to watch a performance of "Come From Away", produced by the Crane River Theater.  The play, which is currently the number one most produced play in America, details events of 9/11 and the involvement of Gander, Newfoundland, where 20+ jumbo jets were forced to land and remain grounded for days until US airspace reopened.  The population of Gander doubled within a day, and locals rose to the challenge of feeding, housing, entertaining, and caring for the "Plane People".  Attendee Reagan Dobson said, "We all know the tragedy of 9/11, but the story of community and hospitality makes this play really heartwarming." The actors, a mix of individuals from Nebraska and nationwide, produced a fantastic musical.  After the performance, Kyla Weltruski commented, "There were times when I didn't know whether to laugh or cry." The choreography, vocals, live music, acting, and costume changes were all top-notch, similar to shows at the Lied Center, the Orpheum, or Broadway!  "I've been to a lot of plays, and none of them were as good as this was!" reflected Hailey VanDeWalle.  "Come From Away" is currently on Amazon Prime; while a recording is never as exciting as a live performance, we highly recommend watching the performance as soon as possible!