BroadwayRadio Special Episode: Autumn Hurlbert on the Community of ‘Come From Away’ at Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Date: January 8, 2026
Host: Matt Tamanini (A)
Guest: Autumn Hurlbert (B)
Episode Overview
In this special BroadwayRadio episode, Matt Tamanini chats with Autumn Hurlbert, acclaimed Broadway performer and current star of “Come From Away” at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre in Florida. The conversation centers around the deep sense of community embodied by the musical, the unique aspects of this production, Autumn’s personal connections to the material, and some delightful stories from her career—including her experience on “Legally Blonde: The Search for the Next Elle Woods.”
Their discussion offers insight into theater’s healing power in challenging times, both on and offstage.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. First Preview Reflections (02:59)
- Autumn’s Experience: Autumn shares her impressions from the first preview, emphasizing the momentum and immediacy of the show.
- “This is such a fast-moving train... It’s an in-the-moment experience for us, which I think would be so fun as an audience member.” (B, 02:59)
2. A Fresh Take on ‘Come From Away’ (03:24)
- Original Staging: Director Jennifer Werner’s approach strips away spectacle for honest, pure storytelling. No flashy sets, just the narrative and movement.
- “There’s no big moving set pieces or crazy costumes or anything. It’s just pure storytelling, which is so precious and I think so needed right now.” (B, 03:55)
- Modern Resonance: The production explores how forced togetherness could look today, prompting the cast to question: “Would people have participated in this way in this community?” (B, 04:24)
- Community at the Core: The show and production underscore the value of community, “that creative pulse together.” (B, 05:28)
3. Working Relationships & Returning to Maltz Jupiter Theatre (06:07)
- Longstanding Collaboration: Autumn previously worked with Jennifer Werner on “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” enjoying roles involving versatile character work (06:07-06:15).
- Why Return to Maltz Jupiter?: The sense of community fostered by artistic director Andrew Kato, supportive atmosphere, and the appeal of escaping New York winters.
- “The way Andrew Kato has cultivated…community and held the art form of theater in such high regard here. It’s always a special place to work. I always feel so taken care of and so free to explore...” (B, 06:47)
4. Balancing Family & Theater Life (07:59)
- Family's Role in the Process: The extended rehearsal schedule allowed Autumn’s family to visit during the holidays, reinforcing the show’s themes of togetherness.
- “It meant the world to me…to be provided the opportunity for my kids, my family, to see me at work and understand why I do what I do and why I go away. To do what I do sometimes was invaluable.” (B, 09:32)
- Children’s Perspective: Her son drew parallels between theater rehearsals and sports practices, deepening his understanding of her craft.
- “He finally understood what that rehearsal is—practice and strategy…” (B, 09:32)
5. Personal Memories of 9/11 and Its Impact (11:18)
- Reflection: Autumn shares how her memories of 9/11’s aftermath parallel the show’s themes.
- “The only thing that sort of was a balm for that shock, for that paralyzation, was community.” (B, 11:48)
- Music & Healing: She likens the show’s silver linings to the unexpected connections that form in dark times.
6. ‘Me in the Sky’—Song & Parallels to Actor’s Life (13:57)
- Emotional Journey: Autumn relates deeply to Beverly Bass’s story, connecting it to her own path and determination as an artist.
- “There’s literally nothing else that I, you know, this is what I was meant to do...Being given a gift of song, of singing, of musicality...you have to use it.” (B, 16:13)
- Timing and Retrospect: The song’s themes of time passing and life’s sudden changes deeply resonate as “middle age” approaches.
- “‘Suddenly I’m in the cockpit. Suddenly I’ve got my wings...’ I think that movement of the song and sort of assessing that for my own life...has been so special.” (B, 17:12)
7. Building Community Onstage and Off (18:16)
- Cast Dynamics: The blend of Floridian and New York actors mimics the melting-pot camaraderie of the show’s characters.
- “Having this hodgepodge of people from all over...makes it so authentic and so wonderful.” (B, 19:38)
- Audience Experience: The show encourages deep absorption, with applause only in key moments, heightening the emotional immersion.
- “You just sit and absorb it...You come, you sit your butt in the seat...you are not asked to participate in any way. You just let it soak over you.” (B, 20:36)
8. Reflections on ‘Legally Blonde’ and Niche Fame (21:35)
- Casting Legacy: Autumn looks back on her near-win in the reality show and the career longevity of its talented participants.
- “Whoever was involved with that casting knew how to spot talent, and you guys are all still working.” (A, 22:11)
- “In my opinion, it’s one of the most perfect musicals. I love the musical alone on its own, and then the culture that has been created around it is so wonderful…it is like one of the great honors of my life to have been a part of that.” (B, 23:22, 24:41)
- ‘Niche Famous’ Anecdote: Autumn shares a humorous story about her son labeling her as “niche famous” (25:48), underscoring the unique fame theater can bestow.
9. Enjoying Florida & Artistic Recharge (26:50)
- Plans During the Run: Beach visits, local attractions like the Flagler Museum and Loggerhead Turtle Rehab Center, and using the time for creative inspiration.
- “I go to the beach every morning…I'm going to use this freedom and inspiration to work on my own solo shows and ideas.” (B, 27:12)
10. What Audiences Can Expect from ‘Come From Away’ (28:27)
- Invitation to Hesitant Theatergoers: Autumn reassures that the show is cathartic, funny, fast-paced, and above all healing.
- “If you have any hesitancy about seeing this show, it’s actually exactly what you need. This show to me is catharsis...This show is healing...It's about humanity.” (B, 29:03)
- “It is beautiful, simple, truthful storytelling and it hits you in all the right places. I cannot recommend the show enough.” (B, 30:03)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “There’s no big moving set pieces or crazy costumes or anything. It’s just pure storytelling, which is so precious and I think so needed right now.” (B, 03:55)
- “Community. Community. Community.” (B, recurring motif)
- “He [my son] finally understood what that rehearsal is—practice and strategy…that was invaluable.” (B, 09:32)
- “I think that's what this musical embodies—the silver lining of a tragedy.” (B, 11:48)
- “Being given a gift of song, of singing...you have to use it. I'm ill equipped for a desk job.” (B, 16:13)
- “Mommy is niche famous.” (B's son via B, 25:48)
- “If you have any hesitancy about seeing this show, it's actually exactly what you need. This show to me is catharsis. This show is healing.” (B, 29:03)
- “It is beautiful, simple, truthful storytelling and it hits you in all the right places. I cannot recommend the show enough.” (B, 30:03)
Key Timestamps
- [02:59] – First preview reflections
- [03:24] – The production’s unique, stripped-down staging
- [06:07] – Working with director Jennifer Werner & returning to Maltz Jupiter
- [07:59] – Holidays, family, and rehearsal insights
- [11:18] – Autumn’s 9/11 memories and the role of community
- [13:57] – The meaning Autumn finds in “Me in the Sky”
- [18:16] – Cast dynamics and audience immersion
- [21:35] – Legally Blonde, legacy, “niche famous” anecdote
- [26:50] – Florida activities and creative plans
- [28:27] – What audiences will feel at “Come From Away”
Conclusion
This episode is a heartfelt exploration of Come From Away's communal spirit, the resonance of theater in tumultuous times, and Autumn Hurlbert’s journey as an artist, mother, and self-proclaimed “niche famous” performer. The conversation, filled with humor, warmth, and candid insights, is rich with reminders of why live theater continues to matter—as a place of connection, reflection, healing, and, above all, community.