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Come From Away is a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. It is based on the town of Gander, Newfoundland following the September 11th attacks when 38 planes had to unexpectedly land in the small town as part of Operation Yellow Ribbon. The townspeople of Gander housed and fed the stranded passengers, who nearly doubled the population of the town. Following successful runs at the La Jolla Playhouse and the Seattle Repertory Theatre in 2015, the play is scheduled to debut on Broadway in Spring 2017. Prior to the Broadway transfer, the musical is scheduled to appear at Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC and a theatre in Toronto.

History

In 2011 Irene Sankoff and David Hein visited Gander on the 10th anniversary of the attacks to interview locals and returning passengers. The couple translated some stories directly to the musical while others were merged for story purposes. The cast of twelve each play numerous characters representing both townsfolk and passengers. The musical was co-produced by the La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle Repertory Theatre in 2015. The play had sold-out runs in each location. In February 2016, runs were announced in Washington, DC and Toronto prior to a Spring 2017 Broadway debut.

Synopsis

On the morning of September 11, 2011 the townsfolk of Gander, including Claude the mayor, Oz the constable, Beulah at the elementary school, Bonnie of the SPCA, and others tell the story of how they learned of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, DC (Welcome to the Rock). When US airspace is closed, air traffic control coordinates the landing of 38 planes at the Gander airport (38 Planes). The pilots, flight attendants, and passengers also deal with confusing and conflicting information about what had happened and why they were suddenly grounded but not allowed off the planes. Meanwhile, the townspeople are busy preparing to deal with housing, feeding, and comforting over 6,000 passengers. Once transferred to various emergency shelters across the island, the strangers begin to bond with the quirky townsfolk while trying to come to terms with what has happened and trying to contact their families.

References

1. Hebert, James. "9/11-Themed ‘Come From Away’ Takes a Seattle Layover" americantheatre.com, November 24, 2015
2. Hetrick, Adam. "Come From Away, Musical About Travelers Stranded on 9/11, Is Broadway-Bound" Playbill.com, February 16, 2016

• 2015 musicals
• Musicals inspired by real-life events
• Plays about the September 11 attacks
• Plays set in Canada