Come From Away is, in my opinion, one of the greatest musicals of all-time. This Tony Award-winning musical tells the true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Newfoundland after the 9/11 attacks, and the kindness of the locals who welcomed them. With a heartfelt book, lovely music, and nonstop pacing, it’s no wonder this musical ran for over five years on Broadway. Even though it just closed in 2022, New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse has decided to mount this musical with a slight reimagining. The return of Come From Away to our lives feels like a salve for the division and toxicity of our 2026 world.
This version, directed by Richard J. Hinds, is fully unique from the Broadway production that has been touring all over the world for years. Gone is the minimalist set, now the stage is designed as if you’re in a bar in Gander. Instead of chairs acting as every type of set piece, now they use luggage, staircases, and tables. Also new to the production are digital screens, which feature images like air traffic control radar, clouds, and photos of the real-life people these characters are based on. The biggest adjustment is that this production features all the actors playing instruments as well. There is an occasionally-seen 5-person band, but much of the music is played by the actors themselves on the guitar, fiddle, accordion, and more. This choice certainly made you appreciate the work all the performers are doing constantly, especially since their plates were plenty full in the original staging.
The ensemble cast features some standouts, from Broadway names to breakthrough actors. Andrea Burns as Diane & Others and Lisa Howard as Beulah & Others bring a big-name pedigree to the production, and they deliver emotional performances. Lesser known are Erica Spyres as Bonnie & Others, Nick Gaswirth as Oz & Others, Kent M. Lewis as Nick/Doug & Others, and Lisa Helmi Johanson as Janice & Others. Spyres delivers a quick-witted and compassionate performance while also playing fiddle, Gaswirth doubles on the accordion, guitar, and piano. Lewis plays multiple string instruments from guitar to mandolin, while Johanson plays an excellent fiddle in a score that relies upon it.
Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of Come From Away delivers a vibrant and cathartic 100 minutes that celebrates the power of community and compassion. In a present day that can often feel hopeless, this showreminds us that even in the darkest times, human connection and kindness can bring us together. After seeing this Come From Away, my soul feels rejuvenated and uplifted.