Musical Honors Newfoundland Town's 9/11 Kindness 25 Years On

When 38 planes carrying 7,000 terrified passengers suddenly landed in Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001, the small town's population nearly doubled overnight. What happened next became one of history's most beautiful responses to tragedy.

Residents opened their homes, schools, and churches to complete strangers from around the world. They provided food, clothing, shelter, and something even more precious: friendship during the most frightening day of these travelers' lives.

Now, the Sharon Playhouse in Connecticut is staging "Come From Away" to mark the 25th anniversary of those events. The Tony Award-winning musical runs September 11 through 27, transforming this true story into a celebration of human kindness that balances humor and heartbreak.

A cast of 12 actors portrays dozens of real people who lived through those unexpected days together. The score draws on Newfoundland's traditional music, featuring songs like "Welcome to the Rock" that capture the island's rugged charm and generous spirit.

"This extraordinary musical asks us to remember that terrible day by telling a story about the very best of humanity," said Sharon Playhouse Artistic Director Carl Andress. The timing feels especially meaningful as we reach a quarter century since the attacks.

Sunny's Take

There's something powerful about choosing to remember tragedy through the lens of kindness. The people of Gander didn't have much warning or resources, but they had open hearts. They saw scared strangers and immediately asked, "How can we help?"

The musical opened on Broadway in 2017 and received seven Tony nominations, winning for Best Direction. Its success proves that audiences hunger for stories reminding us what we're capable of when we choose compassion over fear.

Director Hunter Foster leads the Sharon production, with choreography by Krystyna Resavy and music direction by Eric Thomas Johnson. The creative team includes scenic design by Christopher and Justin Swader and costume design by Kathleen DeAngelis.

In a world that often feels divided, "Come From Away" offers a simple truth: strangers can become friends, communities can rise to impossible challenges, and kindness creates ripples that last for generations.