By Teri Mott

The inspiring musical “Come from Away,” running through September 26 at Roxy’s Downtown, tells the extraordinary story of townspeople in Newfoundland who, in a time of extreme need, did everything in their power to offer unconditional love to strangers. There may not be a better time to remember the many ways our Canadian neighbors have shown us kindness over the decades.

In response to the deadly September 2001 attacks, the Federal Aviation Administration closed all U.S. airspace. That prevented many flights from reaching their intended destinations, and tens of thousands of travelers landed elsewhere. As part of Operation Yellow Ribbon, 38 commercial airliners bound for the U.S. rerouted to Gander International Airport in Newfoundland.

The residents of Gander embraced their guests — 6,759 passengers and crew members, nine cats, 11 dogs, and a pair of rare apes — who nearly doubled the town’s population of 9,651. The overwhelmingly generous response of everyone in the town and surrounding villages is legendary, the kind of story that fills your heart and inspires a popular musical. 

In spite of being informed by one of the darkest days most Americans can recall, “Come from Away” ran on Broadway from March 2017 through October 2022 with revivals. According to American Theatre magazine, it’s the most-produced play of the 2025-26 theater season, as cities nationwide mark 25 years since the 9/11 attacks.

Married writers Sankoff and Hein built five days of action and multilayered storytelling into a surprisingly economic script; the Roxy’s production clocks in at 1 hour and 35 minutes without an intermission. The story is tight and fast-paced, and director Rick Bumgardner recognizes the need for speed. 

It’s easy to see how the “plane people” or “come from aways” (as their new friends from Gander call them) were experiencing varieties of trauma, and that the residents who greeted and cared for them were loving and eager to be of service. Consider, however, that the cast is composed of 12 actors, each of whom play a combination of actual people who lived through this unnerving incident as well as fictional composite characters who represent real individuals and experiences.

There are many tales to tell here, and many locations: a plane on the tarmac, Gander administrative offices, pubs, dining areas, homes, a makeshift animal shelter. Bumgardner and his ensemble nail the narrative and recount each story with clever use of furniture and props to keep the settings moving. J Branson’s set design provides a flexible background that cooperates seamlessly with the director and cast to achieve these transitions. Chadwick Armstrong’s costumes transform the dozen cast members into hundreds or more. The entire undertaking is a complex— and effective — endeavor that must have been tough as heck to block and perform.

Claude (David Raehpour) is the mayor of Gander. His character is based on Claude Elliott, the actual mayor at the time. Raehpour’s Claude has a positive, caring approach that inspires the workers and volunteers. His sense of humor and determination to provide the best possible environment under the circumstances are emphasized by his beautiful voice, both strong and gentle as he leads his constituents at this challenging time.

Beverley Bass (MJ Harper) was the first female pilot to fly for American Airlines. Harper’s Beverley is smart and funny, and, before 9/11, she was fearless. Harper’s performance is powerful throughout but particularly touching during the scene when she sings “Me and the Sky,” bemoaning how her feelings about flying have changed.

As worried mother Hannah, Vonda Schuster is heartbreaking in her struggle to believe that her son Kevin, an emergency responder, is safe. Cheerful, ever helpful Beulah (Jenny Mitchell) is an inspiration to all, both locals and “plane people.”

Couple Kevin T. (Shaun-Michael Morse) and Kevin J. (Nathaniel Lee) start the fateful day assuming they are the most stable pair on the plane but soon learn more about each other and themselves than they really want to know.

As a couple who fall in love intermittently, Diana (Kennedy Staiger) and Nick (Nick Albrecht) have genuine chemistry, and it’s tough not to root for them from the house. Bonnie (Rachel Downs) is a devoted rescuer who creates a shelter in an empty hangar to care for animals trapped on the plane.

Janice (London Holliday) begins her new job as a reporter by accompanying the mayor in announcing a town emergency. Nicholas Perry is moving as a Muslim man who fears for his life. Paul Knapp uplifts as a rabbi who creates a welcome space for Jews.

These are just a handful of the compelling portrayals by this versatile cast. Remember, all of them play more than one role. And every one of them is a skilled singer. This is essential because the music (also written by Sankoff and Hein) is challenging, a combination of folk-rock, traditional Celtic, and Newfoundlander folk music blended with a rock sensibility. 

Music director Simon Hill leads an ensemble that highlights the fiddle (Addison Wegerle) and the flute and the whistle (Hannah Kavanaugh), along with guitar (Megan Bollig), bass guitar (Randy Fields), drums (Lukas Weber), and percussion (Samuel Griffitt).

The early-aughts timeline is set in place by Armstrong’s thoughtful costuming. Louise Brinegar’s props bring an extra dash of humor to the often lighthearted proceedings. And choreography by Courtney Wages keeps the production bounding forward.

It’s hard to imagine these terrifying circumstances and so many people in need of care at such a confusing time. What a comfort to know that when the chips are down, we can still count on our fellow human beings to be there for us. Let’s believe, beyond hope, this is still true.

The Details

Roxy’s Downtown presents “Come from Away”
August 28-September 26, 2026, at Roxy’s Downtown, 412 1/2 E. Douglas Ave. in Wichita

Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. A 2 p.m. matinee is also scheduled for September 5 and 19.

Reserved tickets are $47.

Designated floor seats are available for people with physical disabilities. Audience members who cannot navigate the stairs to the public restrooms may use the restroom located backstage.

Learn more and purchase tickets. 

Teri Mott is a writer and actor in Wichita, Kansas, where she covers the arts as a critic and feature writer. She is co-founder of The SHOUT.

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