As Jessica Sarkisian opens in ‘Come From Away,’ she gets to fly high with a stellar cast of GCP veterans

September 26, 2026

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By Donald Munro

There are shows to audition for, and then there are shows to audition for. “Come From Away” ended up on the must-do list for many actors in the greater Fresno area. The Good Company Players production, now in its opening weekend, certainly felt that way to Jessica Sarkisian, who would go on to land the role of the pilot in this much beloved and popular musical. Though the subject matter is indelibly intertwined with the attacks of 9/11, the show is much more about common humanity and the idea of belonging than vengeance and violence. I caught up with Sarkisian to talk about what we both consider to be one of the local theater highlights of the year.

Q: When talking about 9/11, people often work in the question: “Where were you when the Twin Towers were hit?” To start things off, I want to put a twist on that question. Where were you when you first heard the song “Me and the Sky” live?

A: Well, I was lucky enough to see it for the first time in New York sung by the very talented Jen Colella in July of 2022. It was an amazing cast, and I left knowing that if I ever had the chance I would 100 percent audition for the show. It’s an ensemble piece like no other that reminds us what happens when people work together for the good of others.

Q: You play Capt. Beverly Bass, who sings the number. It’s a remarkable song, both for its musicality and its ability to sum up this woman’s trajectory through life. Tell us a little about your character. What do you have in common with her?

A: In all the interviews I’ve seen I’ve noticed she is an energetic intelligent fun woman who loves her family and her job. I’d hope that others would describe me in the same way. Both of us have daughters who followed in our footsteps, hers is a pilot and mine loves performing.

I also identify with her discovering her passion at a young age. I first performed on stage at age 8 and I loved it. I watched every musical and comedy I could get my hands on at the video store after that and performed whenever I could. Nothing has changed, I still feel the same thrill every time I step out on stage, there is nothing like live theater.

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Q: The New York Times recently proclaimed that “Come From Away” is the most enduring piece of 9/11 art in any genre. And it isn’t even set in the U.S.! What is it about this show that connects with people?

A: Its honesty is what hooked me. The show takes us through multiple passengers and townspeople’s journey through that difficult time and shows the real pain, anxiety, joy, kindness, and love that was felt the week of September 11, 2001 in Gander. I think we all want and need to be reminded that there is kindness and generosity in this world.

Q: For those who aren’t familiar with the show, give us a capsule synopsis. How did all those thousands of people end up that day at a giant airport in Newfoundland?

A: When the Twin Towers were hit on September 11th, the American airspace was closed, and 38 planes were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland. This town of 9,000 practically doubled overnight. It’s the heartwarming story of how a town opened its doors to people from around the world, and fed, housed and clothed them asking nothing in return.

Q: The show features an A-list lineup of Good Company talent. When you walked into the first rehearsal, you knew everyone in the cast — except for one person. Who was it? And do you know her now?

A: Ana Laura Chavez and I hadn’t worked together before. She is quite talented, we are lucky to have her with us. The fun part for me is while I have worked with the others before some of them I haven’t shared the stage with or haven’t in a while and it has been a real gift to be able to do that with all of them. It really does feel like we are our own “town”!

Q: It must be interesting to play a character based on a real person who is still alive. Did you “seek out” the real Beverly Bass on the internet? What’s one tidbit about her that informed your own performance?

A: I sure did! I wanted to know how thick her accent was, how she talked and what made her tick. She describes herself as commanding (not bossy) and a good communicator and I hope I can deliver that. She was surprisingly sweet and had so many positive things to say about the show, flying and her family. It would be a real treat to meet her I’m sure.

Q: Chairs play an important function in “Come From Away.” Have you been dreaming these past few weeks about constantly moving them around?

A: Yes! I only move two chairs in this show and even that has been a challenge. Each one of us wants to be sure every chair gets in the right place and that’s why it has become such a large task. In true Gander fashion we all want to be there to help one another. I think I even improvised a song about chairs at one rehearsal.

Q: I love the fact that your husband, Richard, is also in the show — a rare occurrence. When was the last time you performed together?

A: We never have in a musical. We did share the stage at one of the benefits for The Company Studio. He is quite a good improviser. We met in college and when he told me he was also in a production of “Barnum” in high school I knew I liked him. When he told me his favorite musical was “The Music Man” I knew I loved him. Being able to perform in “Music Man” with our daughter in 2022 was a very sweet moment for me.

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Q: Plus, you have a ride to the theater.

A: Believe me, with the fatigue that comes with tech week, it has been vital. Our son David works on the sound for “Come From Away” and our daughter is in the pre show. It’s a real family affair!

Q: A little sea urchin told me that you all had a “Screech In” party the other night, complete with shots of the beverage (a nasty concoction tasting like bad Jamaican rum) and a kiss with a real, live (but dead) cod. Sounds smelly. What was the kiss like?

A: Well I’d have to defer to my cast and crew mates who participated as I was the cameraman. What I will say is that our lovely stage manager Joie tried three or four times with a lean in before she was able to finally achieve a quick peck to the cod’s face. But I can confidently say it was the most fun we’ve had this busy week and we won’t soon forget it! I have put on my bucket list a trip to Gander, that’s for sure. Even filming from 5 feet away the smell almost bowled me over!

Q: Let’s finish up by circling back to your big 11 o’clock number, when you sing about your life as a pilot and what it was like on the departing flight from Gander to cross the border back into Texas. You’ve wanted to be in this show ever since you saw it, and you’re getting your wish on opening night. What is it like for you in that moment in the song? Is perhaps a wee part of you really up there in the sky?

A: `Absolutely. This song is in my wheelhouse and I love every minute of telling that story. The way that it soars melodically I am sure I get the same rush of adrenaline Beverly does as she climbs into the clouds.