The Cast Photo by Johnathan Steele

The original Broadway production of Come from Away employed a turntable to keep things in motion. Even without that turntable, this show truly never stops, as the performers are constantly changing characters and outfits to fit the action. Director/choreographer Todd L. Underwood deserves the lion's share of the praise for presenting such a fluid and effective production and the company of actors is wonderful. One of the emotions that Come from Away evokes so strongly is the feeling of tragedy and it is impossible, as an audience member, to not remember where you were at the time of this horrific moment in history. The Ivoryton Playhouse production brings out the beauty, heroism, and joy inherent in this musical and definitely deserves to be seen.

On Starlet Jacobs' simple and adaptable set, the bare bones of boxes and chairs and other assorted set pieces are present, and the excellent orchestra, led by the super music director Angie Benson, is seen on two upper levels on either side of the stage. One of the biggest assets of this production is the brilliant use of projections (courtesy of Jessica Drayton, who is also the superb lighting designer), which help to convey the constantly changing scenes.

The cast assembled are exemplary performers and entirely versatile; they all change parts on a moment's notice (with a strong assist from the indispensable costume designer, Sean Spina). It can be difficult to single out individual actors, since this is such an ensemble piece, but everyone onstage gets at least one moment to standout.

Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin is especially moving in the role of Hannah, who is continually trying to reach her son as she and everyone else is stranded in Gander. Her song, "Prayer," which she shares with the terrific Patrick Steven Bovo, is devastating. Bovo portrays Kevin T., whose boyfriend, played by the fine Jason Ivan Rodriguez, is also named Kevin. Rodriguez takes on the character of Ali, as well, who is suspected of being a terrorist due to the color of his skin; he is positively heartbreaking in this latter part.

Mimi Bessette is a pleasure as Beulah, whose warmth is overflowing, and Billy Clark Taylor and Stacia Fernandez are enormously endearing as a pair of strangers who find love during their time in Gander. Logan Marks is stalwart as Oz, the constable of Gander, and Miles Hanna finds a lot of humor in his character, Bob, who is continually afraid that he is going to be either arrested or robbed. Autumn Eliza Sheffy, Joseph Dellger, and Vicki Wepler all shine in a multitude of parts. At the performance I attended, understudy Bridget Carrow went on in the role of airplane pilot Beverley. Carrow was stupendous in the part and she delivered a fantastic version of my favorite song from the show, "Me and the Sky."

Terror and confusion are palpable onstage in this production of Come from Away, but there is also the shining ray of hope. The residents of Gander help in every way to ease the worry of all of the passengers and this selflessness is overwhelming in evoking the feeling of humanity when faced with the unimaginable. Come see Come from Away at Ivoryton Playhouse, for it is sure to strike a chord in just about everyone.

Come from Away runs through September 6, 2026, at Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton CT. For tickets and information, please visit www.ivorytonplayhouse.org.