Come From Away is one of my favorite musicals, which means every production begins with some very big expectations. Sharon Playhouse opened its production on September 11, the 25th Anniversary of the day at the center of this story - and that timing gave an already emotional musical even greater weight. They also brought out one terrific cast and an absolutely jumping band.
With book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, Come From Awaytells the true story of the nearly 7,000 airline passengers diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, after American airspace closed on September 11, 2001. The population of this small community nearly doubled overnight, but the residents opened their schools, churches, homes, and cupboards to thousands of frightened strangers. It’s a story born from tragedy, but it focuses on the people who decided that if someone needed help, they would figure out a way to provide it.
Hunter Foster’s direction keeps the show moving at full speed without rushing past its quieter moments. Twelve actors play dozens of Newfoundlanders and passengers, sometimes changing characters with little more than a jacket, a hat, or a shift in posture. The costume changes are so quick and seamless that characters seem to appear out of nowhere. The company also distinguishes a whole collection of accents beautifully, from the residents of Gander to passengers from across the world.
This is an unbelievably talented ensemble, but several performances hit me especially hard. Chelsie Nectow is magnificent as Beverley and Annette, with a beautiful voice that makes “Me and the Sky” soar. That has always been my favorite song in the show, and Nectow’s huge vocals made me love it even more. The harmonies throughout the production are equally gorgeous, especially when the entire company comes together and fills the Playhouse.
Hannah and Beulah have always been my favorite characters, and Cherish Love and Meagan Lewis-Michelson make their growing connection feel incredibly special. Hannah is a worried mother waiting for news about her son, a New York firefighter, while Beulah becomes the stranger on the other end of the phone who refuses to let her face that fear alone. Love’s “I Am Here” is devastating. On the 25th anniversary of September 11, Hannah’s story hit especially hard.
Erin Lindsay Krom and Michael F. McGuirk are delightful as Diane and Nick, and their “Stop the World” is beautifully staged. Max Bennett-Parker, Jeffrey Konowitch, Tracy Liz Miller, Willie Marte, Sophie Nassiri, Ricky Oliver, and Cameron Sirian round out an ensemble that handles the humor, heartbreak, and constant character changes with remarkable ease. Familiar scenes at Tim Hortons and the Royal Canadian Legion drew enormous laughs, with Christopher Swader and Justin Swader’s set giving the Legion sequence a larger-than-life boost.
Music director Eric Thomas Johnson leads a phenomenal seven-piece band that tears through the Newfoundland-inspired score. “Welcome to the Rock,” “38 Planes,” and the finale burst with energy, and the band keeps the entire production moving with an irresistible pulse. They were jumping all night, and they sounded fantastic.
There couldn’t have been a more meaningful production to open on this particular night. Twenty-five years after September 11, Come From Away doesn’t ask us to forget what happened. It asks us to remember the fear, the grief, and the people who answered an unimaginable crisis by offering strangers food, shelter, a phone, a bed, or a place at the table. Sharon Playhouse tells that story with tremendous heart, glorious music, and a company that had me laughing, crying, and cheering.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Come From Away plays at Sharon Playhouse in Sharon, Connecticut, through September 27. Tickets are available at SharonPlayhouse.org.
CAST & CREATIVE:
Irene Sankoff and David Hein - Book, Music, and Lyrics
Hunter Foster - Director
Krystyna Resavy - Choreographer
Eric Thomas Johnson - Music Director
Christopher Swader and Justin Swader - Scenic Designers
Kathleen DeAngelis - Costume Designer
Aidan English - Lighting Designer
Graham Stone - Sound Designer
Bobbie Zlotnik - Wig and Makeup Designer
Gigi Noyes - Producer
Questus - Associate Producer
Max Bennett-Parker - Claude and Others
Jeffrey Konowitch - Oz and Others
Erin Lindsay Krom - Diane and Others
Meagan Lewis-Michelson - Beulah and Others
Cherish Love - Hannah and Others
Willie Marte - Bob and Others
Michael F. McGuirk - Nick and Others
Tracy Liz Miller - Bonnie and Others
Sophie Nassiri - Janice and Others
Chelsie Nectow - Beverley/Annette and Others
Ricky Oliver - Kevin T./Garth and Others
Cameron Sirian - Kevin J./Ali and Others
THE ORCHESTRA:
Eric Thomas Johnson - Conductor, Keys, Accordion, and Guitar
Cat Saxofone - Whistles and Irish Flute
Jane Bearden - Fiddle
Steve Siktberg - Guitar and Mandolin
Mike Lee - Bass
Eric Wagner - Drums and Percussion
Alec Sisco - Bodhrán and Percussion