by Paula Kaplan-Reiss
It makes perfect sense that the musical, Come From Away by Irene Sankoff and David Hein is making the rounds of theaters as we just commemorated the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Sharon Playhouse, a bastion of celebrated musicals, magnificently takes on this show which represents the best of humanity found in Gander, Newfoundland when 38 planes carrying 7,000 passengers were diverted to their airport as air travel came to a halt for five days following the tragedy.
First performed on Broadway in 2017, and winning a Tony award for best direction of a musical, my memories have been completely surpassed by Sharon Playhouse’s production directed by acclaimed actor and director, Hunter Foster. A true ensemble, the cast tells the story of how the small town of Gander takes in passengers from all over the world, and houses, feeds, and comforts this group who is in fear and in crisis, with no advanced notice. We watch a cast of 12 believably play both Newfoundland residents and plane passengers, while developing strong relationships as the week unfolds.
The entire cast opens the show with a sense of urgency as the residents of Newfoundland, presided by the mayor, sing “Welcome to the Rock.” With percussive movement and the use of multiple wooden chairs, we see the cast move in sync. Many cast members are veterans of Sharon Playhouse, and it shows. The chemistry is remarkable.
With rapid changes of accessories such as hats, jackets, scarves, and vests, each cast member plays multiple roles. We watch the citizens of Gander get ready to welcome the travelers. We see chairs lined up in two rows holding the passengers of the plane stuck for hours on the tarmac, while having no idea what has happened. We watch Beulah (Meagan Lewis-Michelson) and Annette (Chelsie Nectow) prepare the schools with cots and food after new reporter Janice (Sophie Nassiri) informs Mayor Claude (Max Bennett-Parker) about the terrorist attacks and the grounded planes. Bonnie (Tracy Liz Miller) is most concerned about caring for the animals onboard. She is sure others may have forgotten these pets, who also need attention.
What becomes most important to the passengers, after watching repeated footage of the attacks, are phones and computers to reach their loved ones. Hannah (Cherish Love), in particular wants to hear from her son, a firefighter in New York City. Her inability to reach him only increases her worry. Her frustration intensifies for not being able to search for him as she sings “I Am Here.” Cameron Sirian plays Kevin J., a partner in a gay couple with Kevin T. (Ricky Oliver), fearful that his homosexuality will make him a target. He also plays Ali, a Muslim man who is profiled and questioned, suspected of being a terrorist. In fact, he is a master chef who is desperate to help cook for the others.
The passengers come together receiving donated clothes, as if they are at a “Costume Party”, a song everyone sings. Changing clothes is a wonderful metaphor for bringing a unified identity to this disparate group. Even more moving is the song “Prayer” showing people of different religions hoping to be the “channel of peace.” No matter the religion, prayer can feel universal. Striking is seeing the Muslim man on his prayer rug next to the Orthodox Jewish man singing in Hebrew near the Catholic women praying in church.
Yet, as is true for most of the continent, anxiety is rising the longer the airways are closed and no one can go home. “On the Edge” is sung by all expressing how everyone is suffering, in a state of terror, and feeling on the edge of the world. In an attempt to loosen everyone up and emphasize community, all descend on the local bar to be initiated as Newfoundlanders by kissing a cod, while singing “Screech In.” Band members, under the musical direction of Eric Thomas Johnson, join the cast on stage adding to the festivities.
Obvious feelings are developing between Nick (Michael F. McGuirk), a Brit, and Diane (Erin Lindsey Krom) who chooses to kiss Nick over the cod. They are not eager to leave each other when they finally fly home.
Recognizable as a true New Yorker of color is Bob (Willie Mart). He fears being robbed and being accused of stealing, while eventually letting down his guard, enjoying the local whiskey and becoming more trusting in Newfoundland’s completely laid-back environment.
Nectow, also playing the pilot, Beverley, stands out in her solo, “Me and the Sky,” describing her growing up wanting to fly planes and the resistance she received being a female. Ultimately, she rejoices reaching her goal of flying for a major airlines. Every time Nectow sings, her glorious voice commands our attention.
From the minute they take the stage, Foster directs the cast to act together as a village while enabling each character to shine. He makes every scene with actors talking on top of each other seem realistic and chaotic. Veteran Sharon Playhouse Choreographer, Krystyna Resavy moves the cast in rhythmic and joyful ways, always in concert. Music Director Johnson leads 14 songs sung by the entire company, without it sounding like a big chorus. Everyone in this cast is connected. The wonderful orchestra plays upstage.
Scenic Designers Christopher and Justin Swader create a perfect set with various hanging lamps and signs giving the impression of the town of Gander and the interior of a plane without any part of the set looking literal. The swift rearrangement of an assortment of wooden chairs accomplishes the change in scenes. Lighting Designer Aidan English creates several lighting flourishes which draw our attention in all the right places.
Unfortunately, there were some minor sound snafus when actors were not always on mic when they started to sing. Hopefully, Sound Designer Graham Stone can correct this issue with the run of the show.
Resident Costume Designer Kathleen DeAngelis provides the perfect street clothes for each character while assigning the appropriate accessories to enable quick changes of characters.
Allowing the tragedy of 9/11 to be told in an entertaining and moving way is the true masterpiece of the work of Sankoff and Hein. On this 25th anniversary where we have been subjected to the horrors of that day and the months that followed, we need to see the true story of Gander, Newfoundland and the incredible selfless acts which brought these terrified passengers together. Sharon Playhouse and the cast and crew of Come From Away do this musical incredible justice and restore our faith in the good people in this world. Fortunately, the talent on this stage is worth traveling to see from any distance.
The Sharon Playhouse presents “Come From Away” Book, Music and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, directed by Hunter Foster, Choreographed by Krystyna Resavy, Music Direction by Eric Thomas Johnson, from September 11-27, 2026, at the Sharon Playhouse, 44 Amenia Road in Sharon, CT. CAST: Chelsie Nectow as Beverly/Annette & Others; Max Bennett-Parker as Claude & Others; Meagan Lewis-Michelson as Beulah & Others; Erin Lindsay Krom as Diane & Others; Tracy Liz Miller as Bonnie & Others; Jeffrey Konowitch as Oz & Others; Willie Marte as Bob & Others; Cameron Sirian as Kevin J./Ali & Others; Ricky Oliver as Kevin T./Garth & Others; Sophie Nassiri as Janice & Others; Michael F. McGuirk as Nick & Others; and Cherish Love as Hannah & Others. CREATIVE TEAM: Scenic design by Christopher Swader and Justin Swader, Costume Design by Kathleen Deangelis, Lighting Design by David English, Sound Design by Graham Stone, Wig and Make-up Design by Bobbie Zlotnick, Production Manager Perseis J. Grant, Interim Technical Directors Alan M. Highe and Selina Amargo, Production Stage Manager Kristine Schlachter, Assistant Stage Manager Perseis J. Grant, Casting Director Judy Bowman, CSA.
RUN TIME: 1hour and 40 minutes with no intermission, creating an immersive, emotional journey from start to finish.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: Recommended for ages 10 and up. Deeply moving, heartfelt and inspiring. While certainly accessible to younger audiences, its humor and emotional themes are best suited for older children, teens, and adults.
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