SALT LAKE CITY — Pioneer Theatre Company’s Utah premiere of Come From Away arrives as both a tribute and a refreshing reminder of the goodness people and communities are capable of in times of crisis. Set against the backdrop of the September 11 attacks in 2001, this uplifting musical shifts the focus away from devastation and toward an extraordinary story of generosity in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland.
With book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, Come From Away opened on Broadway in 2017 and earned seven Tony award nominations. It recounts the true stories of both the townspeople and the thousands of travelers unexpectedly stranded in the wake of 9/11. When North American airspace shut down, 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were diverted to Gander, almost doubling the town’s population overnight. What unfolded over the next five days forms the heart of the show – a community that mobilizes instantly, transforming schools and public spaces into shelters, opening their homes, and offering food, clothing, and comfort to complete strangers from all over the world.
Rather than retelling tragedy, Come From Away highlights the quieter, deeply human stories that emerged alongside it. The residents of Gander act with unwavering benevolence. The “plane people,” disoriented and frightened after being confined to aircrafts for more than 24 hours, are met not just with hospitality, but with warmth, humor, and genuine care. The production captures both the uncertainty of those early days when passengers had little understanding of what had happened, and the unexpected friendships that blossomed despite cultural and language barriers.
Directed and choreographed by Karen Azenberg, the production moves with energy and precision. The staging is minimalist yet effective, allowing the ensemble to fluidly shift between multiple characters and locations. Azenberg’s choreography is lively, striking a careful balance between emotional weight and buoyant momentum.
The diverse cast, featuring many Broadway veterans, delivers strong performances across the board. Pamela Bob (Diane) and Brian O’Brien (Nick) bring charm and sincerity to an endearing cross-cultural romance that unfolds under unusual circumstances. Galyana Castillo offers a tender, heartbreaking performance as Hannah, a mother anxiously awaiting news of her firefighter son in New York. As Beulah, Mary Fanning Driggs embodies the steady compassion of Gander’s residents, while John Schiappa brings charisma and warmth to the role of Mayor Claude.
A standout performance comes from Jessica Rush as Beverly, a character based on the first female captain of an American Airlines plane. Rush plays the role with fierce passion and ambition, particularly captured in her powerhouse delivery of “Me and the Sky.” Meanwhile, Angie Schworer injects humor and heart as Bonnie, an animal welfare worker who eagerly cares for the unexpected cargo – including cats, dogs, and even two endangered bonobo apes, technically not permitted to enter or stay in Canada without special authorization.
Musically, the show is vibrant and engaging. Under the direction of Phil Reno, the ensemble navigates fast-paced numbers with precision and cohesion. The band delivers a dynamic score that blends Celtic influences with contemporary musical theatre. Numbers like “Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere” and “Welcome to the Rock” pulse with energy, while quieter moments allow the emotional weight of the story to resonate.
Visually, the production embraces simplicity with intention. Scenic designer, Jo Winiarski, creates a flexible space within a forest theme, anchored by a unique circular design of pine trees, reinforcing themes of unity. The world map backdrop subtly underscores the global scope of the story, while versatile set pieces enable seamless transitions. Costume designer, Patrick Holt, cleverly illustrates the transformation of the “plane people,” whose mismatched donated clothing becomes a visual symbol of both displacement and care. Lighting design by Jose Santiago adds warmth and texture, with especially enjoyable soft sunrise hues and shifting tones marking the passage of time.
What makes Come From Away so affecting is its ability to hold both grief and joy at once. It acknowledges loss, but it insists on highlighting connection. Humor is woven throughout, offering relief without diminishing the gravity of the circumstances.
Pioneer Theatre Company’s inspiring and polished production of Come From Away is one that I would recommend to everyone. It’s a story of kindness without hesitation, of strangers becoming family, and of a world briefly united by compassion. This production stands as a moving testament to shared humanity, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, there are stories of light – and that, ultimately, “because we come from everywhere, we all come from away.”
MORE INFO: Come From Away is currently playing at Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre on the campus of the University of Utah as part of Pioneer Theatre Company’s 2025–2026 season. Performances are held at 7:30 PM Monday through Saturday, with 2:00 PM matinees on Saturdays (and select additional matinees) through May 9, 2026. Tickets for Come From Away typically range from $57 to $83. For the most up-to-date schedule, performance details, and official ticketing, visit the Pioneer Theatre Company website: https://pioneertheatre.org/