Newfoundlander in New York: Petrina Bromley talks Broadway debut

The BarenakedLadies songGrade 9played in PetrinaBromley's head as shewoke up in New York City one morning.

It didn't make sense, until the Newfoundland actress clued-in to its relevance.

"Grade 9 me is losing theirnut right now," Bromleysaid Monday, a day after making her debut on Broadway, in a musical centeredon her home province.

• Emotional standing ovation as Come From Away opens on Broadway

The musical epiphany came after the cast recording of Come From Away a show inspired by the actions of Newfoundlanders during 9/11was released. It's been climbing the iTunes charts ever since, with its Newfoundland folk meets rock numbers.

Dream come true

"None of that seemed like obtainable dreams but they werecertainlydreams that you had," Bromley said.

"Grade 9 me thinks it took too long, but I'm here!"

Asked what a day-in-the-life on Broadwaylooks like, Bromleylaughs.

"Sadly, not all that different from normal life."

Prior to the show's opening night, the cast was busy each day rehearsing, making sure every step, song and movementwas right in preparation for the big night.

But the twists and turns weren't daunting because of the trust the cast has in the show and itsdirectors, Bromley said.

"It's all about reminding each other to really enjoy the moment and be presentin that moment of being on that stage, on Broadway, and soaking it in and storing it ahead for the old folk's home for later," she said.

New York Timescritic's pick

As the cast and real life characters celebrated opening night, the reviews started flooding in a mixtureof critique and praise for the Canadian-born show.

The New York Times chose Come From Away as its critics' pick.

"I've heard people call it a rave, and I read it and said, 'Well, it'snice!,'" Bromley said.

Among the good were the negative, with some reviewers criticizing the depth of the characters and the celebratory toneagainst the tragedy of the terrorism attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

If you're cynical person, Come From Away may not be the show for you, Bromley said.

"It's probably not going to break your icy heart if you go in saying, my icy heart will not be broken."

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