Why Produce COME FROM AWAY at this time?

Although the future of the Mountain Playhouse may still be uncertain, we felt it was important for us to present this play at this time. The occurrences of 9-11 produced many heroes and volunteers from our immediate area. As the play honors those selfless heroes from Gander, Newfoundland, Somerset County is honoring our selfless local heroes, firemen and first responders with their “25/250” Celebration in August. We felt that, as the nearest theater to Shanksville, we had to contribute. But we need financial help.

Come From Away is universally praised for being an emotionally powerful and heartwarming musical. Audiences and critics alike love how it masterfully balances humor and heartbreak to tell the true story of Gander, Newfoundland, offering an uplifting, life-affirming look at human kindness in the face of tragedy.

What Critics Say

  • A Tonic for Troubled Times: Critics frequently highlight the show’s unique ability to address the somber backdrop of the September 11 attacks while keeping the focus on community, heroic hospitality, and compassion.
  • Innovative Staging: Reviewers often commend the musical’s bare-bones set (consisting mostly of just chairs) and the fast-paced, ensemble-driven nature of the show. A cast of just a dozen actors seamlessly pivots between playing multiple roles—both the stranded “plane people” and the local Newfoundlanders—using subtle costume and accent changes.
  • The Music: The folk-inspired, Celtic-flavored score is widely praised for being rousing, infectious, and deeply moving, driving the pacing forward with great feeling.

What Audiences Say

  • Emotional Rollercoaster: Audience members almost universally report experiencing both laughter and tears, frequently calling the show a “tearjerker” that still leaves them feeling happy and energized.
  • Standout Performances: Fans routinely praise the vocal power of the cast in solos like “Me and the Sky” and the emotional weight of ensemble numbers like “Welcome to the Rock”.
  • Minor Criticisms: On the flip side, a small minority of viewers find the musical’s inherently upbeat, “happy-go-lucky” nature slightly too saccharine. A few audience members have also noted that the brisk pacing might cause some emotional whiplash, or that they would have liked to see certain moments of sadness given a bit more time to dwell.

Since we’ve announced the production, we’ve been deluged with well-wishers and fans of the play. We’ve increased our followers on Facebook by 1000%. I am hoping that this outpouring of support will help us raise the funds to pay for it. I don’t expect ticket sales can do it since we can only perform 4 shows. If everyone who expressed support for this show donated $50 – $100, we’d be set.

This is truly a unique piece of theatre that every local resident needs to see and remember.

Best Wishes and thanks for any help,

Scott Baron
Executive Director
Mountain Playhouse