“Come From Away” (2025) Reviewed by Frank Meccia

**** The musical Come From Away is a profoundly moving and uplifting theatrical experience that tells the true story of what happened when 38 planes were diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001. With the U.S. airspace closed, this town of 3,000 suddenly hosted an additional 7,000 stranded passengers. The extraordinary hospitality and humanity shown by the people of Gander during those four days is at the heart of this remarkable production.

Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, with direction by Christopher Ashley, Come From Away masterfully captures the logistical challenges and emotional complexities of this event while delivering a seamless blend of humor, heart, and hope. The show’s 100-minute runtime, performed without an intermission, ensures a fast-paced and engaging experience from start to finish.

The music, performed by an exceptional 8-piece band under the conduction of Sarah Pool Wilhelm, adds vibrant energy to the production. Songs like “Welcome to the Rock,” “38 Planes,” and “Somewhere in the Middle of the World” are not only catchy but also deeply evocative, transporting the audience to Gander and immersing them in the story.
Particularly notable is the performance of Hannah-Kathryn Wall as Hannah, a mother desperate to contact her firefighter son stationed in New York City. Her rendition of “I Am Here” is a show-stopping moment that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced love and loss. Wall’s emotional depth and vocal power make this song one of the highlights of the production.

The ensemble cast deserves immense praise for their versatility and commitment, as they seamlessly transition between multiple characters and bring to life the diverse stories of both the “plane people” and the Gander residents. Each character’s journey feels authentic, adding layers of richness to the narrative.

This production, currently playing at the CIBC Theatre at 18 W. Monroe, runs only until January 27th, and tickets are selling fast. The opening night audience packed the theatre, braving a frigid 1-degree temperature, which speaks to the show’s powerful draw. Parking is conveniently located nearby, and tickets are available through Ticketmaster or at the box office. For those looking for deals, Broadway in Chicago’s website offers daily discount options.

Whether you’re seeing Come From Away for the first time or returning for another viewing, this heartwarming and inspiring story is a must-see. It’s a testament to the resilience and kindness of humanity on one of America’s darkest days. Don’t miss this extraordinary production that celebrates the best of the human spirit.

Remaining performances are as follows:

Wed, Jan 22:1:00pm & 7:00pm

You can also go to www.BroadwayInChicago.com for more info

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Come From Away”.