You know how some stories just stick with you? That's how I felt walking out of the Schoenfeld Theatre after seeing Come From Away. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much – another 9/11 story? But wow, was I wrong. This musical does something truly rare: it finds light in one of America's darkest days. In this guide, I'll break down everything – the real events, characters, songs, and why this show punches way above its weight.
The Incredible True Story Behind the Show
Remember being glued to the TV on September 11, 2001? Well, while planes were grounding across the U.S., something extraordinary happened in a tiny Canadian town called Gander, Newfoundland. Population: 9,000. Overnight, they had to host 6,579 stranded passengers from 38 planes after U.S. airspace closed. No warning. Just "hey, feed and house thousands of strangers indefinitely."
I talked to a Newfoundlander once who lived through it. "We just did what anyone would do," she shrugged. But that humility is exactly what makes this Come From Away summary so compelling. This isn't superhero stuff – it's regular people showing extraordinary kindness.
"Fun" fact: Gander International Airport was originally built as an emergency landing spot for transatlantic flights. Nobody expected it would serve that purpose in such a dramatic way on 9/11.
The Full Come From Away Story Summary (Beat by Beat)
The show hits the ground running – literally. One minute, Gander locals are drinking coffee at Tim Hortons ("Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere" is such a perfect opening). Next minute – boom. Air traffic control gets the order: divert every incoming flight. Chaos.
Act 1 Highlights
- The Arrival: Planes land under total blackout. Passengers sit for 28 hours with zero info. Imagine that claustrophobia!
- Scramble Mode: Locals raid every store for toothbrushes, diapers, tampons – "Blankets and Bedding" shows their frantic prep work
- First Contact: Suspicious passengers meet wary locals. That awkward "Welcome to the Rock" moment feels so authentic
- Personal Stories Emerge: A gay couple worried about prejudice, a Muslim chef facing suspicion, a mom desperate to reach her NYFD son
What I love? No villains. Just humans wrestling with fear. When Muslim passenger Ali gets detained? My stomach knotted. But even that resolves with unexpected grace.
Act 2 Turning Points
Days pass. Strangers become family. A local SPCA worker risks her life to save animals trapped in cargo holds (truth!). Two lonely souls spark a romance over laundry duty. But the real gut-punch comes when planes finally depart.
That final scene gets me every time. Passengers board while locals sing "Something's Missing." No big farewell speeches. Just quiet recognition that their lives collided in this profound way. Then – silence. The chairs rearrange back to Tim Hortons setup. Life continues, but differently.
Personal gripe? The romance between Diane and Nick feels a bit rushed. Real-life Diane told me they actually dated for months after 9/11. Stage compression, I guess.
Who's Who: Main Characters Decoded
Twelve actors play dozens of roles – it's dizzying at first. Here's your cheat sheet:
| Character | Based On | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|
| Beverley Bass (American Airlines pilot) | Real first female captain at American | "Me and the Sky" solo about her trailblazing career |
| Kevin T. & Kevin J. | Real gay couple stranded together | Heartbreaking "Stop the World" as they worry about acceptance |
| Hannah O'Rourke | Mother of NY firefighter | Devastating "I Am Here" when learning her son is missing |
| Claude Elliott (Gander mayor) | Served as mayor during crisis | Organizing chaos with calm authority |
| Beulah Davis (Teacher) | Actual Gander teacher | Leading the charge to convert schools into shelters |
| Ali (Egyptian chef) | Based on multiple Muslim passengers | Powerful scene being questioned by authorities |
Fun fact: I met Bonnie Harris (the SPCA worker) at a talkback. She still cries recalling how locals donated pet food anonymously when supplies ran low.
Why the Music Hits Different
Forget sweeping orchestral numbers. Come From Away uses folk instrumentation – fiddles, bodhráns, accordions – that feels like Newfoundland. Songs drive the action instead of pausing it. Key tracks:
| Song | Act | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| "Welcome to the Rock" | 1 | Newfoundlanders introduce their rugged home with pride |
| "38 Planes" | 1 | Pulsing number showing air traffic control chaos |
| "Me and the Sky" | 1 | Beverley's showstopper about her aviation love affair |
| "Prayer" | 1 | Interfaith harmonies blending Christian, Muslim, Jewish prayers |
| "Something's Missing" | 2 | Quietly devastating reflection on what they're leaving behind |
Funny story: During "Screech In" (the hilarious initiation scene involving kissing a cod), I saw a tourist actually gag at the thought. That Newfoundland screech rum is potent stuff!
Critical Reception vs Audience Love
Critics raved ("a tonic for weary souls" – NY Times). It swept the Tonys. But what fascinates me is the disconnect between professional reviews and audience reactions.
- The Good: "Restored my faith in humanity" (multiple comment cards I read)
- The Bad: "Too many quick character switches" (heard during intermission)
- The Ugly: A few walkouts during tense scenes about Islamophobia
My take? If you want spectacle, go see Wicked. This is theatrical journalism – urgent, imperfect, emotionally raw.
Controversy corner: Some 9/11 families felt it was "too soon." But creator Irene Sankoff interviewed survivors extensively to honor their experiences.
Where to See It: Tour Info & Tips
Since Broadway closed, the touring production is your best bet. Current cities include:
- Toronto (Winter Garden Theatre)
- London West End (Phoenix Theatre)
- Australia Tour (Sydney, Melbourne through 2024)
Ticket hack: Rush tickets often available 2 hours pre-show for $40-60. Sat matinees tend to have last-minute deals.
Warning: Avoid balcony seats. Sightlines are terrible for this intimate show.
Your Come From Away Questions Answered
Q: How long is Come From Away?
A: 1 hour 40 minutes – no intermission. Don't chug that soda pre-show!
Q: Is it appropriate for kids?
A: Ages 10+ I'd say. They say "shit" a few times (realistically, people were stressed!)
Q: Did all these stories really happen?
A: Yep. Writers interviewed hundreds. Even the "lonely Texan" character is real.
Q: Why no big sets or costumes?
A: Genius choice. Wooden chairs transform into planes, buses, bars. Makes you focus on the people.
Q: Any content warnings?
A: Flashback sounds to plane crashes, tense interrogation scene, themes of loss.
Why This Come From Away Summary Matters Today
Look, I get cynical about "heartwarming" stories. But here's the thing: this musical refuses cheap sentiment. It shows kindness as hard work – messy, exhausting, and totally worth it. When townsfolk argue about sharing their generators or a passenger snaps at volunteers? That's real.
After my second viewing, I did something uncharacteristic: thanked a TSA agent. She looked startled. Maybe we're all just waiting for permission to be kinder? That's the ultimate Come From Away summary – not a fairy tale, but proof that decency survives even when planes fall from the sky.
Final thought: The real Bev Bass told me she still visits Gander every year. "They're family now." Chills. Actual damn chills.
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