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YQX – that’s Gander, Newfoundland’s airport code, once a famous transatlantic refueling stop where Frank Sinatra, Queen Elizabeth II, and Cold War spies touched down. By 2001, it mostly handled cargo flights. Then 9/11 happened—38 airliners crossing the Atlantic suddenly needed a home, turning Gander’s 9,000 residents into hosts for 7,000 strangers overnight. Twelve actors play dozens of real people (passengers and residents) in this true story.
This spring the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario closes its season with the Tony Award winning musical, Come From Away. This is the season’s fastest-selling show, now extended through May 31st because London audiences are filling up the seats, and I understand why. Irene Sankoff and David Hein didn’t just write a musical—they briefly lived in Gander and interviewed thousands of the actual Newfoundlanders and stranded passengers on the tenth anniversary of this event. The husband and wife team wrote this musical, originally for Sheridan College in Oakville.
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Director Julie Tomaino has given this production a fresh visual identity that I found really compelling. She explained her “You Are Here” concept for this London production: “You Are Here is Gander, You Are Here is symbolically every passenger forced into the present moment due to unimaginable tragedy,
You Are Here is Canada.” Tomaino explained how those iconic red Parks Canada chairs—originally found in Newfoundland national parks—bring that sentiment to life onstage, representing both individual identity and a shared connection as Canadians. It’s a clever, instantly recognizable image that gives this production its own personality.
And who designed those chairs? My favourite set designer, Scott Penner. I’ve praised Scott before because he has this amazing ability to play with both simplicity and complexity depending on what each production needs. Come From Away gets his simple, understated approach and it works beautifully.
Those 180 red chairs climb 23-foot walls and flow seamlessly around the stage—transforming from airport tarmac to Tim Horton’s to living rooms. Londoners donated the chairs themselves and local scenic teams built everything. Constantly in motion, I can’t imagine the rehearsal hours that went into making those transitions look effortless, but they do.
The post-show talk on Wednesday night brought even more insight. Music Director Sarah Richardson was there explaining how her onstage band (which you don’t usually see) weaves through all those moving chairs while balancing the songs and dialogue between them. That onstage visibility pays off—her music direction felt precise and fun throughout. When the band jumped in for the final jam session, the entire audience erupted in hoots, hollers, and loud clapping. This is another musical win for the Grand Theatre.
Denise Oucharek brought such authentic local energy as Bonnie, the Newfoundlander obsessed with making sure the animals in those plane cargo holds were safe. This Mississauga actor, adjudicator, and teacher made Bonnie feel like a resident you would meet at the local Gander SPCA. She also stood out just as much in her passenger role—always moving, always noticeable, always bringing life to whatever scene she was in.
At the talkback, Oucharek shared how characters like Nick (Steven Gallagher) and Diane (Lori Nancy Kalamanski) aren’t ‘caricatures’ but real people who lived through that traumatic experience together. Nick and Diane’s passenger romance felt genuine and tender because of that deep research behind every line. I thought both Gallagher and Kalamanski did a wonderful job of portraying the protagonists of an unexpected love story
Cailin Stadnyk captured Beverley Bass‘s airline captain with authority. The actor brought steel to the pilot’s crisis leadership—fine dramatic work. Her rendition of “Me and the Sky,” one of the showstoppers tunes, fell a bit short but her bubbly love-sick islander was spot-on comedy and absolutely charming.
Who did shine was Divine Brown, who commanded the stage as Hannah, the vulnerable mother desperate for news of her firefighter son in NYC. She was one of my favourites in the show—true star presence without ever overpowering the ensemble. That aching solo “I am Here,” poured straight from the heart, her voice strong and unwavering throughout. When her phone finally rang with news, you could feel the entire theatre holding its breath right along with her.
I was pleased to see Grand Theatre regulars Izad Etemadi and Kelly Holiff (of the Grand’s hit holiday show Frozen), return to the stage. I especially loved Etemadi’s portrayal of the better-half of a gay couple and the challenged Egyptian passenger. Etemadi seems to get better with each new production. I first saw him as the lead in Elf in 2022.
I did find Holiff was underused (as she has a stunning voice) and a bit less believable as a fumbling reporter. I’m expecting a dynamic performance after her triumph as Elsa in Frozen and Dyanne in Million Dollar Quartet. I hope to see both again on the Grand Theatre stage for years to come.
Overall, Come From Away was a very good production that delivers real connection. I loved the set design and the flow of the musical and movement of the actors through that set. This was not one of the Grand’s all-time best, it is absolutely worth seeing while seats remain available. I encourage you to go and see for yourself why the audience gave it roaring applause. An uplifting musical when we all pulled together in challenging times. It’s perfect for mature audiences who appreciate true stories told with honesty rather than flash. Runtime is 1 hour 40 minutes with no intermission.
Come From Away plays on the Spriet Stage at the Grand Theatre from April 28 to May 31. Single tickets are priced starting at $29.95, and are available in-person at the Box Office, by phone at 519.672.8800, and online at grandtheatre.com/event/come-from-away.
Parks Canada Red Chairs
Where it all started
Want to know more about those iconic red chairs? Find over 400 red Adirondack chairs in over 100 locations administered by Parks Canada. They are placed in peaceful, breathtaking locations from coast to coast to coast. There is no better feeling than finding the red chairs at the end of a challenging hike, or simply happening upon them during a leisurely stroll.
In 2011, team members at Gros Morne National Park came up with the idea to place 18 sets of Adirondack chairs (know as Muskoka Chairs in Ontario) in lesser-known, but just as stunning locations, inviting visitors to enjoy and share on social media.
In 2026, the Royal Canadian Mint issued a set of silver coins featuring these iconic red chairs.
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