You know that feeling when you walk into a theater and you can just sense the collective breath of the audience? That's what happens the second the house lights dim for Come From Away at Ogunquit Playhouse. It’s not just about the heavy stomp of the boots on a wooden stage or that infectious "Welcome to the Rock" opening chord. It’s about a specific kind of Maine magic meeting a specific kind of Canadian hospitality. Honestly, if you haven’t made the trek to the southern coast of Maine to see this particular production, you’re missing out on a rare alignment of venue and material.
The story is true. It’s 9/11. The U.S. airspace closes. 38 planes are forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland. A tiny town of 9,000 people suddenly has to house, feed, and comfort 7,000 "come from aways." It sounds like a documentary, right? But it’s a stomp-your-feet, cry-into-your-napkin, laugh-out-loud masterpiece.
The Intimacy of the Ogunquit Stage
Most people first see this show in massive Broadway houses or cavernous touring theaters. There's nothing wrong with that, but something shifts when you put it in the Ogunquit Playhouse. It’s a historic venue. It smells like old wood and sea air. Because the theater is intimate, you aren't just watching the residents of Gander; you’re basically sitting in the Gander Legion Hall with them.
You see the sweat. You see the subtle eye contact between the actors.
The playhouse has this incredible knack for taking massive, world-class titles and making them feel like they were written specifically for their stage. For Come From Away, this matters. The show relies on twelve actors playing dozens of roles with nothing but some mismatched chairs and a few tables. In a smaller space, that minimalism feels intentional and raw. It’s not a spectacle. It’s a conversation.
Breaking Down the "Island" Connection
There is a weird, beautiful parallel between Newfoundland and Ogunquit. Both are coastal. Both rely on the seasonal ebb and flow of strangers. Mainers get it. They understand the concept of the "outsider" who eventually becomes part of the furniture.
When Beverly Bass—the first female captain at American Airlines—sings "Me and the Sky," the resonance in a Maine theater is different. It’s a community of pilots, sailors, and hard workers. The audience isn't just watching a performance; they’re recognizing a temperament.
Why the Cast Matters So Much
In the Ogunquit production, the casting usually draws from a mix of Broadway veterans and incredible regional talent. You don’t get a "B-team" here. Often, you’ll see actors who have actually performed the show on the 45th Street stage or in the National Tour.
The complexity of the show is insane.
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- Actors switch accents in a heartbeat.
- One minute they’re a panicked passenger from New York; the next, they’re a dry-humored local schoolteacher.
- The band is on stage the whole time.
- There are no costume changes, just a vest added or a hat removed.
It’s a masterclass in economy of storytelling.
The Sound of Gander in Maine
The music is the heartbeat. It’s "celtic-rock," which basically means it’s heavy on the fiddle, the uilleann pipes, and the bodhrán (that handheld Irish drum). It’s loud. It’s proud.
At Ogunquit Playhouse, the acoustics are surprisingly crisp for a building with such a long history. When the band—called "the band" rather than the orchestra, because they're part of the town—breaks into a jam session at the end, nobody stays in their seats. You’ll see 80-year-old theater donors and 20-something tourists all doing the same awkward, joyful shuffle.
It’s infectious. Truly.
Addressing the "Too Soon" Factor
Even decades after 2001, people worry that a musical about 9/11 will be depressing. It isn't. It’s actually the opposite of depressing. It’s about the 12th through the 16th of September. It’s about what happens when the worst of humanity brings out the absolute best in us.
It handles the tension of the era with a lot of grace. You have the character of Ali, an Egyptian chef who faces immediate and crushing prejudice. You have the "Kevin and Kevin" dynamic—a gay couple whose relationship is strained by the stress of the situation. It doesn’t sugarcoat the fear. But it focuses on the sandwiches. The blankets. The "Screech-In" ceremonies where you have to kiss a cod fish to become an honorary Newfoundlander.
How to Actually Get Tickets (The Local Secret)
Look, Ogunquit is a tourist town. During the run of a show like Come From Away, the Playhouse sells out fast.
- Check the Mid-Week Matinees: Everyone wants the Friday and Saturday night shows. If you can swing a Wednesday afternoon, do it. The energy is just as high, and you might actually find a parking spot within a three-block radius.
- The "Rush" Strategy: The Playhouse sometimes offers rush tickets or standing room, but don't count on it for a hit this big.
- Dining Pairs: A lot of people try to eat at the Front Porch or MC Perkins Cove right before the show. Bad move. You’ll be rushed. Eat early or eat late.
Practical Insights for Your Visit
If you're heading to see Come From Away at Ogunquit Playhouse, there are a few things you should know that aren't in the brochure.
First, the theater is not air-conditioned in the traditional "ice-box" sense—it has a sophisticated cooling system, but it’s a vintage building. Dress in layers. Second, the intermission is non-existent. The show is 100 minutes, straight through. No breaks. Go to the bathroom before you sit down. If you leave in the middle, you’re going to miss three character arcs and a very important joke about a barbecue.
Also, stay for the exit music. Most people bolt for the parking lot to beat the traffic. Don't. The band does a "play-out" that is arguably the most energetic part of the entire night.
Actionable Steps for the Theater-Goer
- Verify the Dates: The Playhouse runs on a seasonal schedule. Always check the official Ogunquit Playhouse website for the specific window of Come From Away, as their season rotates between four or five major productions.
- Book Your Stay in the Village: If you can, stay within walking distance. Parking at the theater is organized but can be a bottleneck after the final curtain.
- Listen to the Cast Recording First: Or don't! Some people love the surprise. But if you struggle with thick accents (the Newfoundland accent is a beautiful, confusing mix of Irish, Scottish, and West Country English), listening to the lyrics beforehand can help you catch all the puns.
- Support the Local Shops: Many businesses in Ogunquit partner with the Playhouse. Show your ticket stub; sometimes it gets you a discount on a post-show cocktail or an appetizer.
This show is a reminder that we’re all "come from aways" at some point in our lives. In the hands of the Ogunquit Playhouse team, that message hits home harder than ever. It’s a local production with a global soul.