We Took a Trip to Gander and “Came Away” Feeling Hopeful

This week, the Encore team took a field trip to Seattle Rep’s Come From Away. Within our group there were some that had seen the original run, which was originally co-produced between Seattle Rep and La Jolla Playhouse ten years ago; some that had seen the new staging; and some that hadn’t seen the show at all. This varied experience allowed our group to compare with brand-new eyes and experienced ones. While you might think all these distinctive viewpoints would provide equally diverse reviews, we all walked away from the 100-minute musical with a positivity prompted by the multi-talented cast’s performances.

Although this season is packed with shows directly correlated to the holiday, Come From Away takes us back to a time that many would rather avoid thinking of during this jolliest time of year. However, this musical gives audiences more hope, cheer, and feelings of generosity than many other holiday performances. Cemented throughout this musical is the belief that even in the darkest of times, light shines through; kindness and optimism pour from the Tony Award-nominated score.

In this new staging, directed by Seattle favorite Brandon Ivie, the cast not only sing their hearts out, but each one also plays an instrument (or two), making the music even more prominent in the story. The cast plays both visitors and residents of Gander, Newfoundland, the tiny town that gave refuge to stranded passengers of planes grounded by the tragedy of September 11, 2001.

Come From Away has been extended through January 4, 2026 with four additional shows added. Celebrate the holidays a little differently this year, and you’ll be sure to walk away with a renewed sense of hope in humanity, just what we all need right about now.

On the Stage

Disney’s The Lion King

Musical Theatre | Broadway at The Paramount
Now – January 4 | Tickets

More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular—one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage. 

ASL Interpreted & Open Captioned: December 20

View the Program

More Events

• The Naughty List | Intiman Theatre | Now – December 23
• A Christmas Carol | Union Arts Center | Now – December 28 | View Print Program
• Elf: The Musical | 5th Avenue Theatre | Now – December 28 | View Program
• Handel Messiah | Seattle Symphony | December 22 | View Print Program

Next Line

• Want some holiday cheer directly in your home? You can now livestream Seattle Men’s Chorus's Holly Jolly Jingle performance through January 6. Costumes, dance, and seasonal classics are on demand.
• Is there a young performer around your house that can’t stop singing? Sign them up for Seattle Opera’s Youth Opera Project which begins January 8 and will culminate in a fully produced staging of Odyssey.