"Come From Away" -- When Strangers Become Family at Marriott Theatre

Set in the immediate aftermath of September 11, 2001, the Tony Award-winning musical tells the remarkable true story of what happened when 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were forced to land unexpectedly in the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland. With U.S. airspace closed, these strangers suddenly found themselves stranded in a place they had never heard of, surrounded by people they had never met.

At Marriott Theatre, Come From Away takes that remarkable story and turns it into an uplifting, energetic and deeply moving evening of theater. There are laughs, tears, unforgettable music and, ultimately, a renewed belief that when circumstances are at their worst, people can still be at their best.

That human connection is what makes Come From Away so special—and Marriott Theatre's production captures it beautifully.

The residents of Gander open their homes, schools, kitchens and hearts to the stranded passengers when their local population doubled. They cooked enormous quantities of food, provided clothing and toiletries, offered beds and even help reunite passengers with their loved ones. In the process, barriers of nationality, religion, language and culture begin to disappear.

Written by David Hein and Irene Sankoff, with music and lyrics by Sankoff and David Hein, Come From Away moves at a brisk, almost breathtaking pace. The production never wallows in the events of 9/11. Instead, it focuses on the human stories that emerged from the tragedy.

Directed by Jessica Fisch and choreographed by Katie Spelman, the momentum is particularly effective. The ensemble-driven production keeps the action moving, often with actors quickly shifting from one character to another. The high-energy is palpable, leaving the audience breathless. There are no elaborate scene changes. A few chairs, tables and pieces of luggage can become an airplane, a restaurant, a school or a Newfoundland kitchen.

These performers create dozens of distinct personalities while maintaining the feeling that we are watching one community come together. Alex Goodrich is particularly good as Mayor Claude and other characters. Sharriese Hamilton’s performance as Hannah and others is highly moving. And Sarah Bockel as Bonnie the vet and others is authentic and caring.

The passengers arrive frightened, confused and exhausted, while the people of Gander respond with an extraordinary generosity that feels both unbelievable and completely genuine.

There is plenty of humor, too. In fact, some of the funniest moments come from the cultural misunderstandings between the passengers and their hosts. But the laughter never diminishes the seriousness of the circumstances.

The score is another standout. Songs such as “Welcome to the Rock,” “38 Planes,” “Screech In” and the haunting “Something’s Missing” propel the story forward while giving individual characters room to emerge. The music has a distinctly Celtic and folk-inspired sound that feels perfectly suited to Newfoundland.

But it is “Me and the Sky,” sung by Beverly (played by Lexie Dorsett Sharp), that remains one of the show’s emotional centerpieces. Her story as one of American Airlines’ first female captains is woven into the larger narrative, giving the audience a deeply personal perspective on what it meant to be both a pilot and a woman breaking barriers.

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Come From Away is that we know how the story ends. We know the planes eventually leave. We know the passengers return home. Yet the journey remains compelling because the real story isn't about getting from Newfoundland back to the United States.

It’s about what happens when people are given the opportunity to help one another. In today's world, that message feels especially timely. Coming on the heels of the 25^th anniversary of 9-11, “Come From Away” feels particularly poignant.

The music, with its Celtic and folk influences, adds another layer of authenticity. “Welcome to the Rock” immediately sets the tone, introducing us to Newfoundland and its fiercely proud residents. The songs are energetic, rhythmic and often downright fun.

Watching this story more than two decades after 9/11 adds another layer of emotion. We all remember where we were that day. We remember the uncertainty and fear. But Come From Away asks us to remember something else, too: the goodness that surfaced in the aftermath.

The people of Gander didn't ask who these passengers voted for, where they came from or what religion they practiced. They simply saw people who needed help.

Come for the music. Stay for the laughter. And prepare to leave with a lump in your throat—and perhaps a little more faith in humanity.

For tickets, marriotttheatre.com or call P: (847) 634-0200. Next up is “Frozen” running from November 4 – January 07.