Come From Away: Welcome to Broadway!

Fun Fact: Come From Away was created by Irene Sankoff and David Hein inspired by hundreds of hours of interviews with the real people of Newfoundland and the stranded passengers.

Target Audience: This is a charming yet powerful production that is accessible to a diverse audience.

Best Bit: Jenn Colella as Beverly was based on the pioneering airline pilot Beverly Bass, her solo "Me and the Sky" is extraordinary.

Morning After Effect: Sankoff and Hein's music warms your heart and leaves you joyously hopeful for the future. The band was mesmerizing!

Director Christopher Ashley has done an excellent job with the sensational new musical Come From Away. Despite the size of the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (1079 seats) this production feels unbelievably intimate and its simplicity resembles a night out in a cozy pub where the musicians come to life. As the opening song begins "Welcome to the Rock" you feel a warm welcome into the home and heart of this story, inspired by the 7000 residents on the Canadian island, Newfoundland, who went above and beyond to help thousands of international strangers that were rerouted on 9/11.

Yes, 9/11... the mere mention of those words in New York City are met with an acute pride and deep sadness. In fact, mention those words anywhere in the world and most people can recall exactly where they were in those horrific moments. Come From Away recalls that traumatic day and the fatal days that followed through the eyes of the remarkable people of Newfoundland who stepped up to make those dark days a little brighter for their unannounced guests.

One might think it is impossible to create a feel-good show based on these events and yet Sankoff and Hein have reminded us that the world is filled with loving, kind and generous people who are accepting of others from all walks of life. They have given a voice to the good in this world. It was really refreshing to see a cast of "real" people, as opposed to the musical theatre carbon copy - this talented cast is diverse in age, shapes and cultures which is essential for this story. In fact, it is the root of this story.

The minimal set was magnificently created by Beowulf Boritt and the brilliant ensemble bring various locations to life. Toni-Leslie James' costume design is filled with sneaky and quick changes to allow the ensemble to switch between the locals and "plane people" seamlessly - they do this with their accents too which is terrific!

Everything about this show is accessible, nothing feels forced or contrived, it is simply honest and real, and truly beautiful. Get your ticket to spend some time with the people of Newfoundland, and you are sure to fall in love with them all.

View our show pages for more information about Come From Away, Gerald Schoenfeld Theater.