‘Come From Away’ is Entertaining, Thoroughly Absorbing

On 9/11, 38 international flights were told they must land in Gander, Newfoundland, after the American government closed U.S. airspace. Most of us, traumatized by the events that day and glued to our screens, were unaware that nearly 7,000 people became unintended guests of this small Canadian community and several towns nearby.

The theatrical production, Come From Away, now at the Seattle Repertory Theatre, chronicles the story of some of these bewildered passengers – and of the care and hospitality that residents of Gander showed them.

Come From Away is a musical. That’s right, a musical with a 9/11 backdrop. But it works. With a Celtic flavor and outstanding instrumentals, the combinations of folksy sounds and beautiful ballads — along with superb acting — transport the audience to a time and place unlike any other they’ve visited via a theatrical performance.

The show, a co-production of the Seattle Rep and the La Jolla Playhouse, was written and composed by Canadians Irene Sankoff and David Hein. Commercial co-producers are Ken and Marleen Alhadeff, longtime Seattleites whose company, Junkyard Productions, helped launch such Broadway musicals as the Tony-award winning “Memphis,” and “First Date.”

Come From Away could well be another Tony winner. Touching, entertaining and thoroughly absorbing, it’s a rather magical piece that makes audiences care about its characters. It also allows us to wistfully remember the feelings of unity that we experienced — fleeting as it was—in the days following those catastrophic events.

“This piece is not about 9/11 as much as it about the human spirit and the capacity for goodness in the darkness.” says Ken Alhadeff. It’s about life, love and how a light can shine even in the midst of turmoil and tragedy. See it.

Come From Away plays through December 13 at the Seattle Rep.