Come From Away: Everything You Need to Know About the Smash-Hit Musical
In this guide, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about Come From Away. This smash hit musical has touched hearts all over the world, from Broadway to London’s West End, and even in Australia and China.
Set in a small Newfoundland community, Come From Away tells the uplifting true story of how a town welcomed 7,000 stranded passengers following the events of 9/11.
With a mix of soaring music, genuine emotion, and a remarkable true story, it’s a true celebration of hope, humanity, and unity. Let’s get into everything that makes this show a must-see!
Key Takeaways
- Real-Life Inspiration: Based on the incredible real-life story of 7,000 stranded passengers welcomed into Gander, Newfoundland after 9/11, the musical captures the kindness and community spirit of spirited locals and global passengers.
- Award-Winning Team: Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein and directed by Tony Award-winning director Christopher Ashley, the show combines soaring music with a touching narrative, earning four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical.
- Global Reach: Come From Away has performed in London, New York, Australia, Dublin, and beyond, proving itself to be a genuinely original musical that resonates with audiences worldwide.
What is Come From Away About?
Come From Away takes place during the days following 11th September 2001, when 38 planes carrying 7,000 air passengers were diverted to the town of Gander in Newfoundland. This small town, with a population of just 11,000, opened its doors to passengers from all over the world, providing shelter, food, and most importantly, kindness.
The musical shines a light on many real characters who were thrown together during these events, from the female American Airlines captain to a New York firefighter and the quick-thinking town mayor.
What makes Come From Away truly special is that it doesn’t focus on just one story. Instead, it weaves together the experiences of locals and newcomers, creating a joyous story about hope, humanity, and unity.
Each scene, song, and character reveals a little more about how people from different backgrounds came together to face the unknown with compassion and warmth.
Is Come From Away Based on a True Story?
Yes, it is! Come From Away is an amalgamation of hundreds of real-life stories from the people of Gander and those stranded there during the events of 9/11.
The creators, Irene Sankoff and David Hein, visited Newfoundland on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 to meet the locals and passengers who experienced this first-hand. These interviews and stories became the foundation of the musical, turning it into a genuine celebration of the kindness that emerged in those challenging days.
By focusing on real characters caught in an extraordinary situation, the show captures the genuine emotion and unexpected connections that were formed. It’s a life-affirming production that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Characters in Come From Away
The characters in Come From Away are inspired by the real people who experienced the events in Gander, Newfoundland, after the 9/11 attacks. Each character brings a unique perspective, blending the stories of both the locals and the stranded passengers.
The cast portrays multiple roles, using simple props and costume changes to bring these diverse people to life. Here’s a closer look at all the characters in the musical, their stories, and the roles they play:
| Character Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Beulah Davis | A warm-hearted local schoolteacher in Gander. She helps to organise the town’s efforts to care for the stranded passengers and befriends many of them, offering comfort and support during their stay. |
| Claude Elliott | The dedicated mayor of Gander. He leads the town’s response to the arrival of the diverted planes, coordinating with local organisations to ensure that all 7,000 stranded passengers are taken care of. |
| Oz Fudge | A local police officer who helps maintain order during the chaotic arrival of the passengers. He is a steady presence, assisting with logistics and ensuring that everyone remains safe. |
| Janice Mosher | A young eager local news reporter covering the events as they unfold in Gander. Janice is new to her job and finds herself overwhelmed by the magnitude of the story but grows through the experience. |
| Bonnie Harris | An animal welfare worker in Gander who is deeply concerned about the pets on the grounded planes. Bonnie goes out of her way to ensure that the animals are safe and comfortable, reflecting the town’s spirit of kindness. |
| Kevin Jung | One half of a couple travelling together. Kevin struggles with the uncertainty and tension of their situation in Gander but finds moments of connection with the locals. His relationship with Kevin T is tested by the stress of their circumstances. |
| Hannah O’Rourke | A passenger who is deeply worried about her son, a New York firefighter who is missing in the aftermath of the attacks. Hannah’s story is one of a mother’s love and fear, as she leans on the support of the locals during her difficult wait. |
| Ali | A Middle Eastern passenger who faces prejudice from some fellow passengers. Despite the fear and distrust directed at him, Ali finds allies among the locals, who support him during his time in Gander. |
| Diane Gray | A Texan woman who finds herself unexpectedly falling in love while stranded in Gander. Diane’s story intertwines with Nick’s as they navigate their feelings amidst the uncertainty of their situation. |
| Nick Marson | A British passenger who meets Diane in Gander. Their blossoming romance is a surprising and tender aspect of the story, showing how connections can form even in the most unlikely circumstances. |
| Bob | A native New Yorker who is initially sceptical and nervous about the hospitality of the locals. As he spends more time in Gander, Bob learns to appreciate the generosity and openness of the community, and he becomes an active part of their efforts. |
| Kevin Tuerff | Kevin T is travelling with Kevin Jung, and together they navigate the stress and uncertainty of being stranded. Kevin T’s story also touches on the challenges faced by their relationship in a time of crisis, and the support they find from the community. |
| Annette | A local Gander resident who opens her home to the stranded passengers, representing the warmth and generosity of the community. Annette embodies the spirit of hospitality that made such a difference to the passengers during their stay. |
| Captain Beverley Bass | The female American Airlines captain and the first woman to be promoted to captain at American Airlines. Beverley shares her story of her love for flying, her experiences as a pilot, and the shock of being grounded. Her song, “Me and the Sky,” is one of the musical’s most powerful moments. |
These characters, based on real people, are central to the remarkable true story that makes Come From Away so moving. They represent the many different backgrounds, experiences, and emotions of those who found themselves in Gander, creating a genuinely original musical that celebrates the power of kindness and community.
The Songs from Come from Away
Come from Away has an amazing score, here are all the songs in order of appearance.
| Song Title | Description |
|---|---|
| “Welcome to the Rock” | An energetic introduction to the town of Gander and its people. |
| “38 Planes” | The moment when the community learns about the diverted planes and the passengers they’ll host. |
| “Blankets and Bedding” | Gander’s residents rally together to provide supplies for the unexpected guests. |
| “28 Hours/Wherever We Are” | The passengers adjust to their new reality as they wait for news from the outside world. |
| “Darkness and Trees” | Reflects the fear and uncertainty that the passengers feel in the darkness of the first night. |
| “On the Bus” | Captures the chaotic transportation of passengers across town. |
| “Darkness and Trees (Reprise)” | Revisits the unease of the passengers as the night stretches on. |
| “Lead Us Out of the Night” | A hopeful song as the passengers look for guidance and find solidarity. |
| “Phoning Home” | Passengers attempt to reach their families, dealing with the stress of being cut off. |
| “Costume Party” | Passengers and locals share stories and bond over their differences and similarities. |
| “I Am Here” | Hannah’s emotional plea as she waits for news about her missing son. |
| “Prayer” | A moment where passengers and locals come together, finding solace in faith and each other. |
| “On the Edge” | A fast-paced number showing the emotional toll of the situation on all involved. |
| “In the Bar/Heave Away” | A lively scene where the passengers experience Newfoundland hospitality at the local bar. |
| “Screech In” | A comedic scene where the newcomers participate in a Newfoundland initiation ritual. |
| “Me and the Sky” | Captain Beverley Bass shares her journey as one of the first female pilots and the impact of 9/11. |
| “The Dover Fault” | Nick and Diane reflect on their budding romance amidst the uncertainty. |
| “Stop the World” | Explores how Nick and Diane’s relationship grows in the unique circumstances they find themselves. |
| “38 Planes (Reprise)/Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere” | A powerful look back at the experiences in Gander and the bonds formed there. |
| “Something’s Missing” | Passengers return home, realising the impact their time in Gander has had on their lives. |
| “Finale” | A heartfelt conclusion that ties together the show’s themes of hope and connection. |
| “Screech Out” | The band plays a final tune, celebrating the spirit of Gander. |
Overall
Come From Away is a musical that surprises and delights with its joyous story and soaring music. It’s a genuine celebration of what happens when people come together during times of crisis, proving that even in the darkest of times, there’s room for kindness and connection.
Whether you’re a lifelong theatre-goer or new to the stage, this is a show that will leave you moved, inspired, and with a renewed faith in the human spirit.
FAQs
What is the story of Come From Away?
Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of how a small Newfoundland community welcomed 7,000 air passengers stranded after 9/11, forming bonds that lasted long after the planes departed.
How long is Come From Away?
The running time of the musical is 1 hour and 40 minutes with no interval.
Who created Come From Away?
It was written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, with direction by Christopher Ashley. Their work has been celebrated with awards including four Olivier Awards and a Tony Award.
Where can I see Come From Away?
Come From Away has been performed on Broadway, in London’s West End, and other places like Dublin, Australia, and China.
Is Come From Away based on true events?
Yes, it is inspired by the incredible real-life story of Gander’s community and the stranded passengers they hosted after 9/11.
What makes Come From Away special?
The musical is known for its genuinely original style, featuring many real characters and a story that highlights hope, humanity, and unity.
Is Come From Away suitable for children?
It includes some adult themes and mild swearing, so it’s more suited for older children and adults.
What awards has Come From Away won?
It has won four Olivier Awards in London, including Best New Musical, and a Tony Award for Best Direction.
Who are some of the characters in the musical?
The story features characters like Captain Beverley Bass, Janice Mosher, an eager local news reporter, and Claude Elliott, the quick-thinking town mayor, among many others.
