The Kindness of Strangers Takes Flight at The Gateway’s ‘Come From Away’

Judging from the rousing standing ovation after Friday night’s riveting performance of “Come From Away,” this hauntingly magnificent musical strikes a powerful emotional chord with audiences. After the actors exited, the incredibly talented onstage band took center stage and performed “Screech Out.” As if on cue, the audience’s unending applause gave way to jubilant clapping in rhythm with this high-energy, Celtic-infused tune. Perfectly timed to coincide with the surreal yet solemn quarter-century anniversary of September 11, The Gateway Playhouse’s latest production reminds us that even in history’s darkest moments, miraculous acts of kindness, often performed by strangers, instill renewed hope and faith in humanity’s inherent goodness.

The book, music, and lyrics of the Tony Award-winning “Come From Away” were written by the Canadian married creative team Irene Sankoff and David Hein. Set in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, this heartrending, humorous, and hope-filled 100-minute musical runs without intermission and centers on the true-life events in a remote, rural town in Newfoundland after 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers landed at Gander International Airport. Without minimizing the gut-wrenching fear and tragedy surrounding the terrorist attacks, Sankoff and Hein captured the spirit of compassion, community, and hospitality shown by the citizens of Gander to thousands of terrified, stranded strangers from around the globe who descended on their small town.

This musical’s colorful array of characters is based on real-life Newfoundland residents and the “plane people.” Written as an ensemble piece, the show requires an energetic, talented group of actors who can sing, dance, and portray multiple roles while rapidly switching accents. To fit the bill, The Gateway Playhouse has assembled one of the strongest casts you will see on any stage. Director and choreographer Keith Andrews brought out the best in this versatile 12-member cast with his expert staging, high-voltage choreography, and precision-perfect timing.

The actors portraying the citizens of Gander had great onstage chemistry, making it believable that they were part of a small, tight-knit community. Darren Matthias delivered a memorable performance as Claude, the warm-hearted mayor of Gander, who is suddenly thrust into a world crisis far beyond anything his small-town experience had prepared him for. Yet he stepped up to the plate to become the town’s guiding force. Michelle Cosentino gave an award-worthy portrayal of Bonnie, the strong-willed head of the Gander SPCA, who cares for the animals trapped aboard the grounded planes. Will Stotts, who played Oz, the easygoing constable in the two-person Gander police force, received some of the biggest laughs of the evening. Nicole Hale delivered a heartwarming portrayal of Beulah, the kind, compassionate, quick-witted teacher who offers comfort wherever she goes. Liv Kurtz was likable as Janice, a rookie reporter at a local TV station whose first day on the job proved to be a baptism of fire.

All the actors portraying the stranded plane passengers gave outstanding performances. Heidi Godt aced the role of Beverley Bass, the first female captain for American Airlines. “Me and the Sky” reveals Beverley’s lifelong love of flying and how the horrific events of that September morning changed her.

Renee Marie Titus delivered an unforgettable performance as Hannah, a distraught mother waiting for news about her son, a New York City firefighter. Her moving solo “I Am Here” was one of the show’s highlights.

Bart Mather brought charm and charisma to the role of Kevin T., the head of an environmental energy company in Los Angeles, vacationing with his boyfriend, also named Kevin, brilliantly portrayed by Joe Rumi. Rumi was equally impressive as Ali, an Egyptian Muslim who arouses deep-seated prejudice and unwarranted suspicion among the other stranded passengers.

Jason Tyler Smith stole the show as Bob, a jaded New Yorker who gradually lets his guard down as he embraces Gander’s trusting and generous way of life.

An endearing true-life love story centered on Nick, a hardworking, lonely English oil engineer, and Diane, a feisty Texas divorcee. Kent M. Lewis and Jean McCormick brought warmth and humor to this endearing couple, destined to find everlasting love under the most trying circumstances.

The breathtaking score of “Come From Away” blends Newfoundland’s rich musical heritage with Celtic rhythms, pulsating percussion, and traditional folk tunes, with a touch of rock for good measure. The lyrics, infused with Gander’s dry wit and colloquialisms, provided ample comic relief, prompting spontaneous laughter. The onstage band, conducted by keyboardist Ryan O’Connell, brought the music to life, and the audience clapped enthusiastically when Anthony Galea, on fiddle, took a solo. The production number “Prayer” was awe-inspiring, a mesmerizing medley of interfaith pleas for peace set to traditional Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and Islamic melodies.

You don’t want to miss this stellar show, so drop everything and purchase tickets to the timely production of “Come From Away.” The musical runs through September 6, 2026, at The Gateway Playhouse in Bellport. To purchase tickets, contact the Box Office at (631) 286-1133 or buy online at https://TheGateway.org/.

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning, published 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.” She won the 2026 Press Club of Long Island Media Award in the Narrative Arts Category for outstanding journalism.