The Cast Photo courtesy of La Comedia Dinner Theatre

Come From Away is set in the small town of Gander, in the Canadian province of Newfoundland. The show chronicles the events of September 11, 2001 and the subsequent five days when thirty-eight airplanes carrying just under 7,000 passengers were forced to land there following the terrorist attacks in the United States. The story of how a community of only 9,000 residents fed, cared for, and welcomed strangers is an interesting one, especially as seen from the perspective of both the townsfolk and the plane passengers.

The musical is the creation of Canadians Irene Sankoff and David Hein, who share credits for book, lyrics, and music. They interviewed locals and returning passengers during the 10-year reunion in Gander and crafted the book around their accounts. Come From Away uses copious narration played directly to the audience, but it doesn't feel like the easy way out, as is often the case with shows that are heavy on exposition. While a story about events surrounding 9/11 is sure to evoke many emotions, Come From Away emphasizes the power of hospitality and the goodness found in humanity. The story is heartwarming and uplifting, and contains a surprisingly generous amount of humor. Parents should note that there is strong adult language which, along with the descriptions of 9/11, may not be suitable for children.

The songs are very accessible, yet different from most Broadway scores, with influences of folk, country, pop, and traditional musical theatre, but also incorporating the regional styles of the setting. From the pulsating "Welcome to the Rock" that opens the show, "I Am Here," a mother's desperate plea to learn the fate of her New York City firefighter son, or the raucous "In the Bar/Heave Away" montage as the passengers are made official members of the community, the sound is refreshing and unique in both words and music. The standout number is "Me and the Sky," conveying the perspective of one of the pilots on both her career and the use of planes she loves to execute the attacks. The integration of dialogue and song which takes place throughout the show is noteworthy as well.

Even though the show features the stories of many, many people, the musical is told with just a cast of twelve, with each actor portraying multiple characters. The seamless manner in which the actors change from one character to another, often with only the addition or deletion of a hat or jacket (or in some cases, no clothing change at all), is astounding and theatrical magic at its simplest and best. Each of the versatile actors plays at least one resident of Ganger as well as one of the "plane people," and often a few of each. Ashlee Espinosa is vocally impressive as pilot Beverly/Annette, the showiest track in the musical. Ben Muckenthaler (Kevin T./Garth) likewise is a powerful singer and skillfully delivers some of the show's best lines. John Langley (Nick/Doug) and Carrie Neal (Diane) get plenty of laughs as the couple who fall in love during the grounding, and Neal especially provides a genuine and well-rounded portrayal. La Comedia regular Colin Cranstoun displays great versatility as Oz, Joey, and the Rabbi, and an endearing Sydney Morefield demonstrates great stage presence in her roles, including Janice the news reporter. Everyone else is likewise deserving of praise: Sam Bostic (Bob), Becky Barrett-Jones (Bonnie/Martha), Tammie Harris (Hannah), Neil Schleifer (Claude), Colin Mash (Kevin J/Ali), and Danielle MacMath (Beaulah).

The original production of Come From Away was particularly noteworthy for its fluid and creative direction and choreography by Christopher Ashley and Kelly Devine. At La Comedia, this is again a highlight. Chris Beiser continues the traditional use of a row of chairs in almost constant motion to define the setting and assist with scene transitions. The actors transform from one character to another in the blink of an eye and the story is conveyed clearly with little set or costume variation. Beiser's sure-handed direction and non-dance choreography is one of the best examples seen at this venue.

Scenic designer Gabe Davidson supplies a beautiful unit set of wood panels with a map of North America and a "You Are Here" marker for Gander to show how remote the town is. With just the twelve chairs and a few smaller set pieces, the many locations of the story are represented well. The costumes by Emma Gaskill are appropriate to the characters, and Michael Lee's lighting is well suited to the material and storyline.

Come From Away has become a favorite of many theatregoers since its Broadway premiere in 2017. The show highlights the decency and sense of community that a tragedy brings out in people, and points to the hope and love of which we are all capable. La Comedia's production features talented performers and top-notch direction and design.

Come From Away runs through September 27, 2026, at La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave, Springboro OH. For tickets and information, please call 937-746-4554 or visit lacomedia.com.