There are so many people listed on the cover of Come From Away: Welcome to the Rock: An Inside Look at the Hit Musical that I thought it was easier to mention all of them here. This wonderful book about the musical includes “Book, Music, and Lyrics” by Irene Sankoff and Dvaid Hein; Text by Laurence Maslon, and Foreward by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. And, that really is all included. If you loved the musical as I did, it’s wonderful to read all the lyrics, including ones that were eventually eliminated. I saw the show enough that I could hear the songs in my head. And, I was lucky enough to see the original cast several times.

The book covers the entire aspect of the show, from the time Sankoff ad Hein had the original thought for the show and went to Newfoundland for the tenth anniversary of 9/11 to talk with residents of the area. We watch the development of the production and the shows around the country as they developed the musical before eventually reaching Broadway.

I thought it was fascinating to “meet” the people who tinspired the characters in the show. There were photos of some of the residents and the people who ‘came from away”. And, of course, there were photos of the cast members.

I’m going to admit I’m a sucker for this show. As much as I love “Les Mis”, “Come From Away” is my feel good show. If you’ve never seen it, a musical about the planes that landed in Gander, Newfoundland on 9/11 may sound depressing. Instead, it’s life-inspiring and hopeful because of the kindness shown by the residents of the area. I cried as I read this book, because of the good stories and the positive aspects, not from sadness.

Come From Away will go on my list of favorite books read in 2024. I’m so grateful to my friend, David Chaudoir who gave me the gift of this book.

Come From Away: Welcome to the Rock: An Inside Look at the Hit Musical. De Capo, 2019. ISBN 9780316422222 (hardcover), 224p.

FTC Full Disclosure – This was a gift.