The cast from “Come From Away.” Photo courtesy of The Potomac Playmakers.
Where were you on September 11, 2001? Almost everyone has a visceral memory of that day and finding out about that day. “Come From Away” by duo Irene Sankoff and David Hein picks up the events of that day in Gander, Newfoundland where 38 planes landed and stayed for five days after the terrorist attacks. The story showcases confusion, grief, and trauma of the day, yet it also emphasizes the heartwarming stories of humans coming together to support each other and finding joy despite the terrible situation.
…phenomenal…a powerful musical highlighting hope and humanity…
In 2017, “Come From Away” won Best Direction of a Musical and was nominated for six other Tony Awards including best musical, best choreography and best lighting. Under the direction of Director Cathy James and Music Director Janet Palmer, The Potomac Playmakers put on a phenomenal version of this show that is absolutely worth seeing.
Each of the individual actors of this cast shined in bringing out their individual characters as unique people responding to the events in their own ways. Stand outs among the cast include Suanne L. Eckel-Thompson as Captain Beverly Bass/Annette with her powerful rendition of “Me And The Sky” as Captain Beverly Bass and then switch to a wide-eyed Annette. These were two completely different characters effortlessly navigated by the same actor. Jeff Wine managed to navigate five other characters each with distinct (even if brief) personalities that may as well have been other people. Dan Henderson as Kevin J/Ali/Dwight was able to lean into the anxiety as Kevin yet the emotional weight of Ali’s storyline was felt throughout the performance. Naimi McAndrew and Michael McAndre had great chemistry as Diane and Nick.
Potomac Playmakers brings top-notch, ensemble synergy and cohesion to this production. The ensemble work is the highlight of this production. Everyone is playing two or three characters which the cast navigates seemingly with ease. At any given moment, everyone is on top of where they need to be and who they are. Bailey Kershner did a phenomenal job of making sure all of the characters flow through the small stage space. Each character is emphasized with simple costume changes, mostly with coats or sweaters, which was nicely done by costume designer Sarah Ward. Many moments deal with racism and religion, and Potomac Playmakers, as a whole, navigate those moments with the grace and respect that those moments deserve.
A wooden paneled room, including a window that features a screen of outdoor scenes, was elegantly put together by Blaine Smith and Chris Lane. Clouds, building, and some minor September 11th footage gave a sense of location despite the main set being the same. Most of the set is defined by moving props and set pieces, primarily black chairs that the cast regularly resets to resemble spaces they are in. Properties managers Christine Grable and Sheri Babcock must have had their hands full with all of the pieces moving on and off the stage.
“Come From Away” is a powerful musical highlighting hope and humanity in the midst of a horrific situation. It is an emotional roller coaster of a show. You will laugh, you will cry, and also somehow leave with faith in humanity.
Running Time: Two hours with no intermission.
Advisory: September 11 footage.
“Come From Away” runs through September 20, 2026, presented by The Potomac Playmakers at Potomac Playmakers Performing Arts Center, 17303 W. Washington St., Hagerstown, MD. The show is sold out. For more information about upcoming shows, please go online.
