Come From Away (NYC)
About the show
This Broadway sleeper hit musical tells the heartwarming true story a tiny Canadian town that cared for thousands of grounded travelers in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. More…
On September 11, 2001 the world stopped. In a heartbeat, 38 planes with 6,579 passengers were stranded in the remote town of Gander in Newfoundland, effectively doubling its population. The locals opened their hearts and homes, hosting this international community of strangers–spurring unexpected camaraderie under extraordinary circumstances. Directed by two-time Tony nominee Christopher Ashley ('Memphis,' the revival of 'The Rocky Horror Show'), and starring Tony nominee Chad Kimball.
"'Come From Away,' the inspiring, funny and kick-ass beautiful new musical...takes a true story that began on September 11th, 2001, and tells it in an exhilarating fashion that celebrates decency and human kindness...Director Christopher Ashley's production seamlessly moves from tense moments to humorous ones to unabashedly joyous ones...As long as 'Come From Away' is playing on Broadway, I will recommend it to everyone. Everyone." Full Review
"The genius of this production, which I regard as the best new musical of the season, is that from the very beginning a skilled group of 12 actors thrillingly take on assorted roles and slip in and out of the characters in a free-flowing staging...The goodhearted nature of 'Come from Away' is at the forefront without being cloyingly sentimental...The show appeals to our finer qualities as human beings, and manages to be exuberantly entertaining at the same time." Full Review
"For once a 'feel-good' musical that also has depth and resonance! 'Come From Away' at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre takes on one of the darkest periods in our contemporary history and spins it into a goldmine of goodwill, compassion and gentle surprises." Full Review
“Its real-life story is stirring and honestly heartwarming, the tunes sound friendly to the ear, and the whirlwind staging is so smart...A visit...finds the show to be in excellent shape...This documentary-style musical is rendered with compassion, humor, and insight...The score’s rhythmic, folk-rock music, which possesses a windswept, Celtic flavor, briskly drives along these compelling doings...Everybody should see this show.” Full Review
"A brilliant achievement...The show makes you laugh and cry at the resiliency of the human spirit...The cast, all of whom play multiple roles, are quite simply fantastic. Christopher Ashley’s direction is letter-perfect, and Kelly Devine’s excellent musical staging includes a rousing opening sequence that helps to establish a small-town atmosphere for Gander. Alternatively funny and profoundly moving, 'Come From Away' is a brilliant example of all that musical theater can be." Full Review
“Brilliant…It is this show’s ability to surprise and touch even the most cynical, jaded New York theatergoer that makes it so unusual and emotionally powerful… In addition to the outstanding cast, expertly directed by Christopher Ashley, there is innovative choreography by Kelly Devine…A musical that celebrates and glorifies humanity…It’s a new type of never-before-seen, uncharted musical territory much like 'Hamilton' was, and should also make musical-theater history." Full Review
"One of the triumphs is how it so incredibly captures the culture of Newfoundland. It's a Canadian/Irish blend that is unlike anything we've seen in theater, and everyone involved clearly went above and beyond to accurately reflect the area. The score and book, by the married couple Irene Sankoff & David Hein, sounds authentic...What makes ‘Come From Away’ work is that it displays the exceptional generosity of humanity that took place in Newfoundland. This brings to Broadway a story of hope." Full Review
“It’s this truth that anchors ‘Come From Away,’ giving it a documentary-like power that is enhanced a thousand-fold by a driving musical score, the best ensemble acting you will see on any stage this season, and direction by Ashley that doesn’t deserve a Tony Award, it deserves a Nobel Prize…The result is a work that is, considering the events it depicts, restrained, delicate, and piercing…A cry-fest and an absolutely joyful expression of what is best in the human animal: compassion.” Full Review
"This feel-good musical is infectious, enchanting and just what this country needs right now...Director Christopher Ashley and his amazing 12-member cast recreate the story...Each have their moment to shine but they are a true ensemble...It is hard not to be moved. Even as I am writing this I find myself choking up...'Come From Away' is tuneful, smart and heartfelt, and is sure to have you leaving the theatre feeling just a little bit more positive than when you entered." Full Review
"The beautifully crafted musical leaves us not just feeling good, we’re transported on a wave of hope for humanity...A huge bravo to director Ashley who masterfully orchestrated the complex work...Sankoff and Hein created this wonderful work with a moving score that's both melodic and rousing...Every member of this extraordinary collaboration deserves the highest praise. With great warmth and humor, 'Come From Away' is a soul-stirring antidote to the terrors we face near and far." Full Review
"The book, music and lyrics are the inspired work of Irene Sankoff and David Hein. With a cast of 12 backed by eight musicians, the production, for a Broadway musical, is relatively small-scale...But all of it is managed with big-time ingenuity by director Ashley...Story theatre techniques are used to the nth degree. The performers switch characters, from townspeople to passengers and back again...There are indeed a lot of upbeat goings-on...But the darker side of the events is hardly ignored." Full Review
"Should warm the heart of even the world’s worst cynic. But the musical, directed by Christopher Ashley, has much more to praise. First there’s Sankoff and Hein’s spirited score, driving, buoyant and often tuneful, with an appropriately Celtic undertone...Then there’s the tremendous acting of the 12-member ensemble...It is a musical about people who do their best in the worst of times. And for this we can only say thank you." Full Review
"There are 10 new titles debuting across the year, but 'Come from Away' towers over the rest in terms of originality and daring...Sankoff and Hein's folk-based score has an easy affability and an earnest sincerity. Christopher Ashley's production gives the show a homespun honesty, and the 12-strong ensemble company, each of whom plays multiple characters, invest it with real feeling and emotion...A musical that tells an unusual, unfamiliar 9/11 story with tact and tremendous feeling." Full Review
“Despite that it is really just an excellent off-Broadway musical trying to make it in the big-time world of Broadway, it’s pretty darned good with some excellent music and a great cast of unknowns…The music...is catchy and memorable and the ensemble cast who perform all the numbers are all incredibly talented…An excellent musical…A must small-time see." Full Review
"Why do you go to theater? Because it’s entertaining and fun. Because it opens your heart, teaches life lessons and transports you to another time, another place. Because, occasionally, it conveys the essential goodness and resiliency of the human spirit at the same, shared moment in time. That’s why I stood up and cheered...Director Ashley cleverly utilizes his talented cast of 12...The crowd-pleasing performance fittingly concludes on a life-affirming note." Full Review
“Rarely has altruism and compassion been as deeply explored and conveyed, much less in a hundred-minute musical...Music and lyrics mesh seamlessly, as the portrayals switch on a dime from townspeople to passengers and back again…A uniformly excellent cast…The show is in constant motion, with locations evoked by simple shifts in alignment of chairs. You’re never in doubt about where you are, and for the duration of ‘Come from Away’ you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” Full Review
"Will make you laugh and cry and restore your faith in humanity...This Canadian export, written by the husband and wife team of Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and directed by Christopher Ashley, comes at a time when divisiveness is far more prevalent than inclusivity, where countries talk about building walls rather than building bridges...It’s one you won’t want to miss. If you see just one show on Broadway this season, this should be it." Full Review
"This show has gorgeous music and lyrics. It is the CD I can’t wait to own...This show is entertaining, uplifting and sweet. It was the perfect afternoon out and a show you can’t help but love. I was tapping my feet to the fantastic Celtic rock music, and I had the best time. It is a must see...This show is very moving, and you might need tissues!" Full Review
"It is a refreshing, warm, and very humane tale that attends to the lump that will be in your throat, and the tears of love and compassion that will run down your cheeks, by also putting a big grin on your face...This writing team does create the most musically lovely story about that day in the most humanly way possible...Beautifully staged by the creative team, 'Come From Away' is one of the most singularly engaging new musicals to come to Broadway this spring." Full Review
"An excellent ensemble of twelve play both the residents and the guests, changing roles faster than you can blink...The style of the music is mainly Celtic folk. Many of the songs sounded alike to my untrained ear. There is one lovely number where several passengers pray, each according to his or her custom....Christopher Ashley’s direction keeps things flowing smoothly...Judging from the audience’s enthusiasm, Broadway will welcome this feel-good musical." Full Review
"A very entertaining musical that is given a near pitch-perfect production...The show is full of humor and a company of 16 talented performers play multiple characters with aplomb and warmth. Most of the music is sung in ensemble and is staged with imagination and skill...Much of the music sounds the same but it blends perfectly with the story...As the show progressed...something was tugging at me. This was 9/11...I felt almost a sense of guilt for being seduced by the show." Full Review
"Without making a fuss or employing dubious dazzlements, stirs one to the core...Under Christopher Ashley's swiftly paced, emotionally astute direction, a company of only twelve portrays everyone with seeming effortlessness...There are moments when, in its portrayal of such universal goodwill, 'Come From Away' flirts with becoming cutesy or too insistently upbeat; time and again, however, it steps back from the brink, reminding us that a world-shaking tragedy is taking place." Full Review
"A big bearhug of a musical...Even the most stalwart cynics may have trouble staying dry-eyed during this portrait of heroic hospitality under extraordinary pressure...'Come From Away' is smarter than it first appears...The show covers a vast expanse of sensitive material with a respect for its complexity...It sustains an air of improvisational urgency, which feels appropriate to a show about making do in crisis, and it doesn’t linger on obvious moments of heartbreak and humanity." Full Review
"Creators Sankoff and Hein have crafted a heartwarming and thoroughly entertaining musical...Despite the doubling and tripling of roles, the numerous characters are all vividly rendered, thanks to the skillfulness of the writing and performances...Although not particularly memorable, the music proves consistently engaging and serves the story line beautifully...Serving as a welcome reminder of people’s inherent goodness, 'Come From Away' is the feel-good show of the season." Full Review
“It’s a celebration of the best human instincts, and, particularly coming at this time, doesn’t seem at all hokey. It’s cheering and refreshing...’Come from Away’ tells its many-sided story in an effective, fast-moving style...The well-integrated songs, which range literally from foot-stompers to ballads, are mostly performed by the entire company, emphasizing the theme of community...Tells its story efficiently, but also with a sense of completeness. It’s a tale well-worth hearing.” Full Review
See it if There are no ifs, just see it. Waited almost 2 years & saw it last night. I haven't enjoyed a show this much in a long long time.
Don't see it if Can't find a reason not to see it, it was that good!!
Also This was the perfect feel-good show for this day and time. Needed a pi... Read more Read less
See it if You are looking for a moving production with amazing actors and music that will resinare in your soul.
Don't see it if There is no reason not to see this show.
See it if you seek a show that is fluid and flawless. Actors masterfully morph between roles. The whole performance feels like a 100 minute song.
Don't see it if you think you can find a flaw in this performance, because I can’t find one!
Also This show took my breath away. It is easily one of my top two favorite... Read more Read less
See it if You want to feel uplifted by the kindness that still exists in other human beings. I thought this show would be sad but it was inspirational
Don't see it if you're expecting big name performers. I liked the fact that there were no familiar faces in the cast. It made it all the more real.
See it if there is absolutely no reason not to see this, except...
Don't see it if you are too close to the events that happened on 9/11. While removed from the actual event, it will bring out emotions about that day
See it if You love uplifting, sometimes bittersweet story lines and a wide variety of characters.
Don't see it if You have no heart.
See it if you appreciate a rock-solid ensemble piece that hits all the right emotional notes.
Don't see it if you are looking for a star-fueled "ego musical."
See it if You’re from New York and you want to see 9/11 from a different point of view. If you love good singing, dancing,& staging, this is for you!
Don't see it if You don’t like folky music.
See it if You enjoy musicals and great dancing and staging. Not a typical musical, but still wonderful with a great story.
Don't see it if You’re put off by sentiment. It’s message is very positive, but might be a bit soppy for some.
See it if You like a show that makes you cry. You are okay with romance, anticipation, and joy.
Don't see it if Discussions of 9/11 make you uncomfortable
See it if You want a feel good story that comes out of such tragedy. This show portrays the kindness and thoughtfulness of strangers helping strangers
Don't see it if You don't like musicals
See it if You want to see a unique, smile-inducing, fun, simply enjoyable musical. If you loved Once, this has the same flavor. It was spectacular!
Don't see it if Really can't see a reason not to love this show!
See it if you want to see a masterfully handled storytelling to illuminate the human heart and spirit.
Don't see it if you're a heartless cold individual. It is by far one of the best musicals of the last decade...better than that Hamil-what thing...I think.
See it if You want a thought-provoking, brilliantly done show. Near-perfect.
Don't see it if Nothing. Just see it.
See it if This quickly became my favorite show. Telling a part of history we didn’t necessarily know. Showing humanity the world needs more of.
Don't see it if Everyone should see this but if you like shows with intermission this isn’t for you.
See it if You want to feel good about humanity
Don't see it if You don’t want to cry and be moved by the goodness of humanity
See it if You want to learn what was happening outside the cities directly hit on 9-11. You like exquisite performances staged in a unique way.
Don't see it if You like action and over-the-top theatrical displays.
See it if Wonderful, unique, moving show based on true story. Staging was absolutely incredible. Different than anything on broadway. Very emotional.
Don't see it if You’re looking for something more “Classic Broadway”
See it if You want a message of hope, love, family, and inspiration
Don't see it if You have strong opposition to 9-11
See it if You want to feel truly uplifted by the spirit of humanity.
Don't see it if You may be triggered by the topic of 9/11
See it if You enjoy factual heart-wrenching stories and characters who will make you laugh/cry without a moment's notice thanks to incredible acting.
Don't see it if you like big, flashy production numbers and expect glitter.
See it if You like stories about how people act their best when times are at their worst.
Don't see it if You don't like shows with no intermission, or if you don't want to be profoundly moved by a true story.
See it if You have a heart. It is gorgeous, gripping, and just good.
Don't see it if You don't like musicals. This is primarily sung through.
Cast & Creatives (30)
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