Engeman's "Come From Away" Offers Another Way Forward

Written By: Cindi Sansone-Braff

An oft-quoted line from "A Streetcar Named Desire," by Tennessee Williams, "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers," aptly captures the sentiments in John W. Engeman Theater's latest production, "Come From Away." This evocative musical, set during and immediately after the tragic events of 9/11, depicts the higher forms of love that the ancient Greeks celebrated: Philia, brotherly love, and Agape, the altruistic love we hold for all of God's creations. These kinds of unconditional love bring out the best in people and renew our hope in humanity, even in the face of unimaginable loss and devastation.

On September 11, 2001, as our fellow New Yorkers and the entire world watched the news in abject horror, the clear blue skies above North America became eerily silent with the grounding of planes throughout the United States and Canada. "Come From Away," an extraordinarily moving musical, explores the true-life events that unfolded in the remote, rural town of Gander, Newfoundland, after 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers landed at Gander International Airport. The characters in this masterfully crafted musical are based on real-life Newfoundland residents, as well as the "plane people."

Penned by the talented Canadian married writing team, Irene Sankoff and David Hein, this Tony Award-winning musical opened on Broadway in 2017. Heartrending, humorous, and ultimately hopeful, this full-length, 100-minute musical runs without intermission, allowing the audience to become fully immersed in an electrifying, emotionally charged, and engaging theatrical event.

"Come From Away," written as an ensemble piece, features no single star; yet, on opening night, Engeman's stellar cast shone spectacularly onstage, like the breathtaking Aurora Borealis — those brilliant dancing lights seen in the pitch-black northern sky. This life-affirming show focuses on the miracles and magic that manifest when people band together to help those in need.

To effectively integrate the stories of both the stranded plane passengers and the citizens of Gander requires a close-knit, adaptable group of actors capable of portraying many characters, switching accents and roles rapidly. Under Scott Weinstein's sharp direction, Engeman's well-honed 12-member cast, with their exhilarating onstage chemistry, delivered perfectly! Throughout this fast-paced show, the entire cast sparked spontaneous laughter and tears, a testament to the well-designed script and the actors' many creative talents.

The intoxicating score of "Come From Away" is an eclectic blend of Newfoundland's rich musical heritage, infused with Celtic rhythms, pulsing percussion beats, and traditional folk tunes. The spot-on lyrics, infused with Newfoundland's characteristically dry wit and colloquialisms, propelled the plot forward with lightning speed. The onstage band conducted by keyboardist and accordionist Matthew Stern brought the music to life, and the audience clapped wildly when Anthony Galea took center stage on fiddle.

With angelic voices that seem to come from heaven itself, the highly spiritual, hymn-like song "Prayer," a moving medley of interfaith prayers for peace from Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and Islamic traditions, was one of the musical's many high points.

There are many standout performers in this show, including the actors portraying some of the stranded plane passengers. Brandon Alvión gave a memorable performance as Bob, a fearful, mistrustful, jaded New Yorker. Alvión, through his expressive facial expressions and body language, conveyed the depth of Bob's transformation as he let down his guard to embrace the Gander's gracious way of life.

Christopher Behmke delivered an award-worthy performance as Kevin T., the head of an environmental energy company in Los Angeles, vacationing with his boyfriend, also named Kevin, brilliantly portrayed by Nasir Ali Panjwani. Panjwani also excelled in the role of Ali, an Egyptian Muslim, who, because of his religious beliefs, faces discrimination and suspicion from the other stranded passengers.

Melessie Clark delivered a superb performance of Hannah, a distraught mother waiting for news about her son, a New York City firefighter. Her riveting rendition of "I Am Here," a song that cuts clear to the heart, resonated with the audience and brought me to tears.

Christina DeCicco held the audience spellbound with her captivating portrayal of Beverley, the first female captain for American Airlines. DeCicco's powerhouse solo, "Me and the Sky," was an unforgettable onstage moment.

An endearing, true-life storyline in the musical revolved around two stranded passengers, Nick, a work-driven English oil engineer, and Diane, a feisty, fun-loving woman from Texas. Michele Ragusa and Bart Shatto stole the show as a late-in-life couple who find everlasting love under the most unlikely circumstances.

As for the town folks of Gander, Chris Donovan was likable as Oz, the easygoing constable in the two-person Gander police force, and Mimi Bessette brought warmth, humor, and kindness to the role of big-hearted Beulah, a compassionate teacher who offers solace wherever she goes. Katie Luke lit up the stage as Janice, a reporter for a local TV station, whose first day on the job proved to be like a trial by fire. John Scherer commanded the stage as Claude, the well-liked and hardworking Mayor of Gander, while Suzanne Mason excelled in the role of Bonnie, a devoted member of the Gander Animal Hospital SPCA who made it her mission to ensure that all the stranded animals were properly cared for.

The swings include Jordan Cyr, Stanton Morales, Jeyni Ortiz-Valentin, and Nicole Weitzman.

The outstanding Creative team includes Robin Levine (Choreographer), Matthew Stern (Musical Director), Kyle Dixon (Scenic Design), Dustin Cross (Costume Design), John Burkland (Lighting Design), Laura Shubert (Sound Design), Megan Cohen (Props Design), Russell Brown (Music Coordinator), and Jeff Knaggs (Wig and Makeup Design).

"Come From Away" is a heartfelt musical celebrating the healing power of hospitality, hope, and humor. Through this show's transformative power to change collective trauma into a communal therapeutic theatrical experience, our faith in humanity is restored. This must-see show runs through October 26, 2025. For a complete schedule and more information, contact the theater directly at 631-261-2900, visit the box office at 250 Main Street, Northport, or go to their website: https://www.engemantheater.com/

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Connecticut and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of "Grant Me a Higher Love," "Why Good People Can't Leave Bad Relationships," and "Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic." Her full-length Music Drama, "Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music," is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com

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