Heartwarming musical ‘Come From Away’ embraces the power of kindness

By: Rita J. Egan

It has been said that a random act of kindness can have a lasting impact. In the days following 9/11, the residents of Gander, Newfoundland, took this belief to a whole new level.

The musical Come From Away, which opened at The John W. Engeman Theater in Northport last week, documents the beauty that emerged from tragedy during those dark days. While it may be unbelievable that a tale about one of the most tragic events in American history can lift one’s spirits, that’s precisely what Come From Away accomplishes with its emotionally uplifting story based on actual interviews with Gander residents and travelers.

The show debuted on Broadway in March 2017 and closed in October 2022. The musical was nominated for seven Tony Awards in 2017, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book of a Musical and Best Featured Actress in a Musical and won for Best Direction of a Musical. 

While many Americans may not remember where they were in the days that followed 9/11, there are those in Gander who know every detail of where they were and what they were doing. When the news of the Twin Towers in New York City being struck began to filter into Gander, the residents knew they would need to step up to help nearly 7,000 travelers when they disembarked 38 planes forced to land at the small town’s airport. Residents opened the doors of their schools, restaurants, homes and more to provide those stranded a place to sleep, eat and seek some comfort. 

Written by David Hein and Irene Sankoff, Come From Away explores the clash of cultures, fear and anxiety, as well as the gratitude of being alive and the friendships that can form in a short period. While the storyline includes moments that will leave audience members teary-eyed, the musical handles the complexity of the 9/11 events delicately and sometimes even provides a few moments of comic relief.

Scott Weinstein has masterfully directed the 12 actors in the Engeman production who bring the story to life in this fast-paced musical. Each of them has the ability and agility to switch from Gander residents to airline passengers in mere seconds, including changing accents. The effect feels as if you are sitting on stage with them as they share their memories, capturing your full attention for the entire 100-minute runtime. 

With an ensemble cast, there are no stars in this musical. The actors work effortlessly in unison to tell the tale and harmonize beautifully on every song, which is most apparent during the emotion-stirring “Prayer.”

While the actors play multiple characters, they each have a chance to shine. Christopher Behmke and Nasir Ali Panjwani are endearing as the Kevins, partners in business and life. Panjwani is also impressive as he quickly transitions from Kevin to the timid Ali, whom his fellow passengers fear because he’s Muslim.

When Christina DeCicco depicts pilot Beverley, she seamlessly conveys the character’s concern and fear as she wonders what has happened to her fellow pilots and realizes how fortunate she is. She performs a touching “Me and the Sky,” where the audience learns the history of Beverley Bass, the first female to become an American Airlines captain in 1986.

Melessie Clark delivers a Hannah who tugs at heartstrings as she awaits news about her firefighter son back in New York, particularly during the number “I Am Here.” Mimi Bessette radiates warmth as Beulah, especially when comforting Hannah. Brandon Alvión is spot on as a suspicious, jaded New Yorker one minute and a sexy pilot the next. Suzanne Mason is delightful as Bonnie, who wants to ensure that all the animals on the planes are cared for, including two chimpanzees.

Chris Donovan as Oz, the local police constable, and John Scherer as Claude, the mayor, deliver commanding performances from the start, ensuring the audience that they will be in good hands. Katie Luke, playing reporter Janice Mosher, perfectly conveys the difficulty of covering the 9/11 news reports. Michele Ragusa and Bart Shatto are absolutely charming, especially when playing Diane and Doug, two plane passengers falling in love.

Costume designer Dustin Cross has cleverly costumed the actors to help them change quickly from one character to another. In addition, scenic designer Kyle Dixon has created an eye-catching stage with an intricately designed pub. While not all the scenes take place at the establishment, with the moving of chairs and lowering of lights, the actors are believable in each scene, whether it’s set in one’s home, a daycare or an airplane.

Musical director Matthew Stern conducts the onstage band flawlessly, and fiddler Anthony Galea taking center stage during one song is a musical treat.

The Northport production has been filled with memorable moments since its first night on Sept. 11, featuring guests Claude Elliott, the former mayor of Gander; Tom Clark, consul general of Canada for New York; and David Hein, musical co-writer. Two days later, on press night, Producing Artistic Director Richard Dolce and Managing Director Kevin O’Neill stepped onto the stage and announced Come From Away marked the theater’s 100th opening night, thanking theatergoers for the venue’s success.

Come From Away is a testament to why the Northport theater has been successfully entertaining audiences for nearly 20 years. Once again, The Engeman has delivered a production fit for Broadway. 

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Come from Away through Nov. 6. Performances are Wednesdays and Sundays at 7 p.m., Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and also Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $86. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit engemantheater.com.