Come From Away' Musical Celebrates 25 Years of Kindness

When terrorists attacked on September 11, 2001, the small town of Gander, Newfoundland did something extraordinary: they welcomed nearly 7,000 stranded airline passengers into their homes and hearts. Twenty-five years later, the musical telling their story has touched audiences around the world.

"Come From Away" has become more than just a Broadway hit. This month, 146 productions are being staged globally to mark the anniversary, including a special homecoming run in Gander itself, where the real events unfolded.

The musical depicts how residents of this town of just a few thousand people fed, sheltered, and comforted traumatized strangers for days after 38 commercial flights were suddenly grounded at their airport. It ran on Broadway from 2017 to 2022, winning hearts with its message of human kindness in the darkest of times.

Now the show plays five times a week in a 392-seat theater on Airport Boulevard, just down the street from those same runways. Former police officer Oz Fudge has seen it 110 times and says the message resonates even more today.

"Every time you turn on TV, all you see is hatred, and this little show is doing something," Fudge explained. Retired mayor Claude Elliott, who's seen it 139 times, agrees that the spirit of 2001 lives on in his community.

The Ripple Effect

The musical has transformed Gander's identity and economy in unexpected ways. The airport now has a directional sign for "Come From Away" pointing right at the terminal door. Local shops sell themed chocolate bars, Christmas ornaments, and even a beer called 38 Planes.

Tourism has boomed as people who never knew Gander existed now make pilgrimages to see where kindness triumphed. The current production has drawn 66,000 visitors over four years, each spending money in local businesses and keeping the town's story alive.

The Gander production includes special local touches that make it unique. Residents submitted 2,200 hand-crocheted "granny squares" to decorate the theater, even though producers only asked for 100. The stage floor features designs inspired by the vintage clocks in the lovingly preserved 1960s airport lounge.

Current mayor Percy Farwell acknowledges the bittersweet nature of their fame, noting everything happened "as a result of a horrible tragedy that we all wish had never happened." But he sees value in being known as "the poster child for kindness and compassion and generosity."

Producer Michael Rubinoff, who had the original idea for the musical, believes Gander deserves to celebrate their own story. The town hopes the production will run for many more summers, continuing to remind the world what humanity looks like when we choose to help each other.

In an era of division and negativity, a small town's big-hearted response 25 years ago continues to inspire hope around the globe.