**** Highly Recommended Come from Away is on my list of top 10 musicals ever! I can’t remember another play which moves me like this one does. In 2026, with the 25th anniversary of 9/11, it’s particularly poignant. Out of that tragedy comes a marvelous story of hope and friendship. No kidding, it’s an emotional rollercoaster; you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll cheer. Marriott’s production of Come from Away is a must-see. 4 Spotlights
As a result of the 9/11 attacks, the FAA grounded all flights across the United States. After that action, the Canadian government launched Operation Yellow Ribbon, which diverted all international civilian flights away from U.S. airspace, instead ordering them to land at military and civilian airports across Canada. 38 wide-body airplanes from around the world landed at Gander International Airport in Newfoundland.
The Come from Away cast members all play multiple parts – both Gander residents and airline passengers.
The cast includes: Justin Albinder (Oz & Others), Sarah Bockel (Bonnie & Others), Matt Crowle (Nick & Others), Devin DeSantis (Kevin T. & Others), Denise Devlin (Beulah & Others), Alex Goodrich (Claude & Others), Sharriese Hamilton (Hannah & Others), Madison Kauffman (Janice & Others), Heidi Kettering (Diane & Others), Michael Earvin Martin (Bob & Others), Jonathan Shaboo (Kevin J. & Others), Lexie Dorsett Sharp (Beverly & Others). Understudies: Tafadzwa Diener, Jodi Gage, Darian Goulding, Mary Heyl, Makenzy Jenkins and Tommy Thurston.
After Gander’s Mayor Claude introduced the audience to Newfoundland – emphasis on land – and the people of Gander, the show opened with a rousing song, Welcome to the Rock, a foot-stomping anthem to Gander and its people.
Gander was in the middle of a strike by the school bus drivers. Negotiations were interrupted when several locals, including the mayor and the air traffic controller, got an alert about a plane landing at the airport – which used to be busy as a refueling stop, before jumbo jets – and another and another.
So, what does a town of fewer than 10,000 residents do when 38 planes with close to 7,000 passengers land? The sing about the 38 Planes, they started getting organized, and then they welcome all the people from away.
Singing Blankets and Bedding, they set up shelters in the school, the Salvation Army, the day care center, even the hockey rink (games were cancelled – gasp!). The mayor went to the grocery warehouse for food and other supplies; then he went back for baby food, formula, diapers, toothbrushes and other personal products.
On the planes, the passengers had no idea what was happening as they were warned to brace for an emergency landing. Once on the ground, they were kept in the planes until the authorities checked for terrorists and bombs. When they finally were allowed off, they were loaded on buses. Multiple languages made communication difficult, but the locals figured it all out.
Some highlights:
- The number one priority for the passengers – access to a phone.
- The RSPCA organized food and water for the cats, dogs and monkeys (even a pregnant monkey) on the planes,
- A gay couple from the city trying on clothes – Costume Party
- Residents and locals gathering in churches to pray in their own unique ways – Prayer
- Accusations of terrorism against one poor Muslim man – who turned out to be a master chef
- When they desperately needed someone to clean the bathrooms, six surgeons in white coats and rubber gloves volunteered
- One couple broke up - another fell in love
- Everyone gathered for a giant cookout ending with music and song
- The goodbyes and pledges of friendship and the rousing Finale
Come from Away is a Canadian musical with book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. Hein actually spent time in Gander in 2011, interviewing local residents and returning passengers. The characters are based on real Gander residents and some of the passengers, sometimes even using their real names. Come from Away, which was nominated for seven Tony Awards, won the Tony for Best Direction of a Musical.
The Marriott production is directed by Jessica Fisch with choreography by Katie Spelmsn.
The Come from Away orchestra includes Celia Villacres (Conductor, Accordion, Keyboard), Carmen Abelson (Violin), Sean McNeely (Flute, Whistles), José Guzmán Electric/Nylon/Steel String Guitar, Dave Saenger (Steel String Acoustic Guitar, Bouzouki, Mandolin), Trevor Jones (Acoustic/Electric/Fretless Bass), Andy Wilmouth (Bodhrán, African, Latin, Irish Percussion), Tom Hipskind (Drum Kit, Percussion) and Kailey Rockwell (Associate Cover Conductor, Accordion, Keyboard).
Come from Away runs through October 18th at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriot Drive, Lincolnshire. Parking is free; valet parking is also available.
Running time is 105 minutes, no intermission. Performances are Wednesdays at 1:00 & 7:00 pm; Thursdays at 7:00 pm; Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 4:00 and 8:00 pm; Sundays at 1:00 and 5:00 pm with select Thursday 1:00 pm matinees. Tickets start at $78. FYI (847) 634-0200, www.ticketmaster.com or www.marriotttheatre.com.