Theatre Aspen’s ‘Come From Away’ is a lesson in kindness

Inspired by true events after the September 11 attacks, in Gander, Newfoundland, Come from Away weaves together stories of locals and passengers from thirty-eight planes forced to land due to the closure of U.S. airspace. Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, the musical debuted in 2013 at Sheridan College in Ontario, Canada, before moving to various regional productions and landing on Broadway in March 2017. 

Since its Broadway debut, Come from Away has received critical acclaim, winning several awards, including the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical. The show has also been performed in London’s West End, across North America, and Australia, spreading its message of human kindness and the power of community to audiences. The musical’s success is a testament to its ability to resonate with people from all walks of life, reminding us of the power of genuine connection in the face of tragedy.

Under the skillful direction of Kevin McAllister, these stories are shared with heartfelt precision. The 100-minute, no-intermission show allows the audience to be fully immersed in the experiences of both “the plane people” and Gander residents who welcomed the nearly 7,000 stranded passengers to their small town with open arms. 

Come From Away predominantly features an ensemble cast, with actors seamlessly transitioning between multiple characters to illustrate the collective strength of the Gander community and the passengers. Nasir Ali Panjwani’s excellent work as both Kevin J. the “sexitary” and Ali, a master chef who is profiled and initially shunned, is just one example of a masterclass in a dual role offered by this phenomenal cast.

A powerful undercurrent of female strength runs throughout, with the women of Gander preparing for the incoming passengers, in the bonds forged between Galyana Castillo’s Hannah and Kara Mikula’s Beulah, mothers of firefighters sharing bad jokes and comfort, the portrayal of Caption Beverly Bass by Crystal Kellogg, and the forceful yet tender care of Laura Stracko’s  Bonnie caring for the stranded animals, highlights the resilience and compassion of these women.

There are moments of unexpected hilarity and even a budding love story, adding a necessary lightness to the narrative without undermining the emotional weight. The staging, use of space, and choreography by Katy Tabb are masterfully executed, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for the audience. The musicians joining the cast at the local bar for “Screech In” is a seamless and absolute party of a moment with audience members dancing in their seats and also wanting to be initiated as honorary Newfoundlanders. 

The evening ended on a high note, with the musicians again joining the ensemble on stage, the audience erupting into a standing ovation before the lights came up, clapping and cheering for an encore. Come From Away transcends its musical genre, offering an experience that reminds us of the power of kindness, the strength found in community, and the ability to find light in the darkest of times.