‘Come From Away’ Is A Heartfelt Story Of Hope And Kindness

A remarkable story born from an unimaginable moment in history, Come From Away finds humanity, connection, and laughter in the aftermath of tragedy, reminding us that sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones that show us what people are capable of when they come together.

Having been a Broadway musical nerd my entire life, I can tell you that there are some shows that are special. They stand the test of time for different reasons, remaining memorable years after the awards have been handed out and the other nominees have faded from view. In 2017, Come From Away won the Tony Award for Best Director, but lost to Dear Evan Hansen for Best Musical. At the time, I remember thinking it could have gone either way. I can still make the case for both and, although the events of Come From Away take place in 2001, this is a piece that will resonate forever.

Come From Away begins on September 11, 2001, in a little town called Gander, Newfoundland. Suddenly informed that they are part of an emergency situation, the townspeople hear that 38 passenger planes will be landing and grounded until further notice. With 7,000 travelers who are scared, angry, and unaware of what is going on, Gander has to be ready to feed, clothe, and shelter everyone who is now a guest in the area.

Directed by Jessica Fisch and choreographed by Katie Spelman, the new production of Come From Away at Marriott Theatre is charming, funny, heartbreaking, and beautifully paced.

The show opens with the song “Welcome To The Rock,” which is a banger that introduces you to the setting of Gander – their airport, the local dialect, and the friendly people, all of whom were having a normal day before hearing about the Twin Towers on the news.

Come From Away is based on real events, with many characters bearing the same names as real passengers or townspeople. They are relatable, and, as many of us remember exactly where we were when we heard the news about September 11th, the show is rooted in that same feeling.

The Marriott ensemble is fantastic, with chemistry that leaps off of the stage. Each of the 12 actors plays different parts throughout the show, changing jackets or hats, changing accents, or changing the way they carry themselves. They are all on or around the stage for the vast majority of the show, so actors utilize the sides of the stage or passenger luggage to grab small props for new scenes. Because of this choreography, the transitions between characters and scenes are seamless.

Sets are sparse because the show doesn’t really need them. Tables, chairs, and passenger boarding stairs are wheeled on and off stage and used in both typical and unusual ways. During “Dover Fault,” the stairs are used as a ledge for Diane and Nick to look from and, before that, as passenger buses. During “Screech In,” the table is used more like a bar, as Claude sings about initiating visitors into becoming islanders.

Although Come From Away centers around a very serious topic, there is a lot of levity woven into the show. Annette, a woman working at the elementary school, imagines that her interactions with various men from the planes are slightly spicier than her friend Beulah witnessed, and almost every actor has a character with a funny line or situation. You’ll find yourself laughing quite a bit.

On the other hand, though, the sense of confusion and anger exists as well. A man from the Middle East is mistreated because people are wary of him. Others are desperate to contact their spouses, children, and friends as the few cell phones die while they wait for 28 hours on the Gander runway in their planes. And while kindness is the predominant behavior, everything else is experienced too.

The entire score is incredible, and you will find yourself listening to it or singing it afterward, but there is one song in particular that watching live is a whole other experience. “Prayer” takes place when various people are looking for a place to pray. There is nothing left to do but to look to their faith, and, beginning with a Christian prayer, a Jewish prayer and a Muslim prayer layer in. All three are exquisitely sung by the cast, as each religion becomes one crescendo of music, desperation, and hope. It’s an extraordinary piece.

Come From Away is a powerful reminder that even in the aftermath of tragedy, there is room for connection, humor, and hope. With a talented cast, an accomplished orchestra, and a true story that deserves to be heard, this is a production that will stay with you.

Come From Away runs for approximately 1 hour 40 minutes with no intermission. This show is rated for all ages.

Marriott Theatre: Come From Away – Come From Away is playing at Marriott Theatre through 10/18/2026. Tickets can be purchased through the Marriott Theatre website or by calling (847) 634-0200. Marriott Theatre is located at 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire, IL.