Broadway In Chicago brings back to the Cadillac Palace one of the most compelling stories of people coming together during a tragedy with the production of “Come From Away.” This play does a remarkable job illustrating the tragedy and triumph of a historical moment in time that captivated the world, highlighting how a small town named Gander could help heal the soul of humanity.  

December 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy,” was heartbreaking words that Americans heard from President Roosevelt during the attack on Pearl Harbor. However, Americans would never have known that 70 years later, we would experience something more devastating when hearing and seeing planes strike the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in New York. As a result, Canada commenced operation Yellow Ribbon to handle the diversion of flights in response to the September 11 attacks in 2001 on the United States. 

Come From Away brilliantly tells this true story about what happened when the small town of Gander in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, had 38 planes land in Gander International Airport. In what can only be described as a true example of genuine love for humanity, the people of Gander show their hospitality by housing, feeding, and caring for around 7,000 stranded travelers.  

Fearing some of the planes could be part of the terrorist attack, passengers were not permitted initially to leave the aircraft. While sitting on the plane for more than 28 hours, many were confused, feeling terrified over the lack of communication they were receiving. However, once they were able to leave the planes, the townspeople of Gander sprang into action, providing anything the passengers needed, even opening their homes to strangers. When those on the planes finally learned of the disastrous attack in New York and Washington DC, life, for a moment, ended, and time stood still!  

Come from Away is a Canadian musical with book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. Nominated for seven awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book of a Musical, it is an exhilarating 90-minutes that will have you jumping out of your seat, applauding.  

Come From Away is incredible! It’s one of the best productions in Chicago and definitely a “Must See.” It’s a non-stop performance that will blow your mind, and it masterfully finds a way to make a historical tragedy into a tantalizing story of triumph.    

Outstanding, excellent, and phenomenal are just a few words that come to mind when describing how amazing the touring cast of Come From Away performed. Of course, there are a plethora of stars, featuring Marika Aubrey(Lincoln Center’s South Pacific), Kevin Carolan(Disney’s Newsies), Harter Clingman(Peter and The Starcatcher), Nick Duckart(In the Heights), Chamblee Ferguson. 

In addition, with Christine Toy Johnson (The Music Man), Julie Johnson(Memphis), James Earl Jones II (The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess), Julia Knitel(Beautiful), Sharone Sayegh(The Band’s Visit), Danielle K. Thomas, Jeremy Woodard, Jenny Ashman, Jane Bunting, Amelia Cormack, Aaron Michael Ray, Kilty Reidy, and Brandon Springman. The cast, who performed multiple individuals, was fantastic and provided a night of joy while educating others about what happened on the other side of the world when 911 occurred. 

The play opens with a powerful rendition of “Welcome to the Rock,” which started the night of phenomenal music and theater.

Come From Away is filled with moving songs that bring the audience into the performance, like “28 Hours/ Wherever We Are” and “Something’s Missing. However, the song that touches the audience’s hearts is sung by Danielle K. Thomas; “I am Here, as she laments about not hearing from her son, who is a New York fireman.” Then there is “Me and the Sky,” the inspirational song where a young female seeking to become a pilot sings about the trials and tribulations she faced, trying to be the first female captain.

Irene Sankoff and David Hein brilliantly brought together a dreadful period of history and taught audiences worldwide that love conquers all. They also highlight the Americans’ anxieties during the attack, bringing our prejudice to life when Muslim passengers face discrimination and one has to succumb to a strip search before boarding the plane returning to the states. Lastly, we feel the pain of this tragic event when Hannah, whose son lost his life as one of the firefighters in New York. There are numerous funny and memorable stories within Come From Away that will have you laughing and crying, but one thing is sure; you will walk away happy you saw this play.   

Ten years later, the crew and passengers come back to the town on the rock called Gander to honor what was lost but celebrate what they found. 

Let’s play Highly Recommends “Come From Away at the Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. 

Cadillac Palace Theatre Presents

Come From Away

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein

Directed by Christopher Ashley

February 22 – March 6, 2022