Theater Review – January 31, 2026

“COME FROM AWAY” PROVES DIVERGENT PEOPLE CAN COEXIST IN MASTERFUL TPTC STAGING

“Come From Away”
The Phoenix Theatre Company, Stephenson Theatre
Phoenix AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

In today’s hostile and confrontational world, it is the perfect time to present a calming and upbeat musical like “Come From Away” in a brilliantly staged The Phoenix Theatre Company (TPTC) production.

The musical takes place in Gander, Newfoundland, a small town with 9,651 people on September 11, 2001, the day when New York City’s World Trade Center was attacked and air traffic was halted.  38 planes were diverted to the Gander airport.  Once a thriving refueling stop for transatlantic flights, the airport had become a ghost town until those planes brought 10,000 passengers requiring the town to host these strangers until air service could be safely restored.

Gander housed and fed the passengers in a warmly hospitable way.  The responsibility brought out the best in the residents and the artful TPTC production, smashingly staged by Michael Barnard and performed by a remarkable ensemble of superb performers, equals Broadway’s original staging.  It’s a wonderfully rich, thoroughly touching performance that brings these tireless and remarkable people alive.  Each Gander townsperson is unique and quirky but the challenge unities them as they care for the assortment of passengers from around the world.

The musical has a collection of sprightly tunes used to enhance the people’s diversity.  Barnard’s throbbing production captures the range of emotions and reactions of this collection of humanity.  The show moves along swiftly so that the 100-minute running time breezes by as it enraptures the audience as they almost become event participants.

Each cast member plays a variety of roles from the wildly diverse Gander residents to the dissimilar passengers.  D. Scott Withers serves as a narrator of sorts as he guides the audience through the events and reactions.  Rusty Ferracane plays a pivotal role within the town and as an airplane crew member.  Maria Amorocho plays a Gander organizer who helps combine the town’s strengths with the passenger’s differences.

Sally Jo Bannow presents a shy passenger who is emboldened by the situation and seeks what has so long eluded her.  Chanel Bragg plays the mother of a NYC firefighter whose fate isn’t initially clear.  Caleb Reese and Levin Valayil play a gay couple who approach the situation from very different perspectives.  But while these players have major roles, everyone else creates vibrant and unique personages.

In this perplexing time when people seem unable to coexist with different views, Gander’s residents and the passengers they take in suggest divergent people can get it together.  Add a masterful TPTC staging and “Come From Away” produces outstanding theater.  It continues through March 29.  To order tickets, call The Phoenix Theatre Company box office at 602-254-2151 or order tickets online at www.phoenixtheatre.com.

Grade: A