Orlando Musical Honors Town That Housed 7,000 on 9/11

When 38 planes diverted to Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001, the town's 9,000 residents didn't hesitate to help 7,000 stranded passengers who suddenly needed food, shelter, and comfort during the worst tragedy in modern American history.

Orlando Shakes opened their production of "Come From Away" on August 26, bringing this remarkable true story to audiences who need reminding that compassion can emerge even in our darkest moments. The musical celebrates how ordinary people in an isolated Canadian town chose empathy over fear when the world felt like it was falling apart.

The show's structure mirrors the community spirit it celebrates. Just 12 actors portray dozens of real people, shifting rapidly between roles and accents with no single star taking center stage.

"There is no 'star,' there are no leading performers," says cast member Lindsay Bradshaw. "The cast is all working together to tell this story the entire time."

That collaborative approach reflects what actually happened in Gander, where residents opened their homes, schools, and churches to complete strangers. They cooked meals, donated clothes, and offered friendship to people from around the world who were scared, confused, and desperate to reach their families.

Actor Jason Blackwater, who has a background in improv, says the storytelling feels immediate and real. "It becomes less about becoming a character and more about finding characteristics, or mannerisms, or costume pieces, that differentiate you," he explains.

For Meka King, who plays the character Hannah, the emotional weight hits hard. During one rehearsal scene where passengers learn what happened on 9/11, the entire cast ended up in tears during their break.

Why This Inspires

This musical matters because it shows what humans are capable of when we choose connection over division. The people of Gander didn't ask questions about nationality, religion, or politics. They just saw other people who needed help.

"The key thing about Come From Away is that while this awful thing is the inciting incident for the story of the musical, it isn't what the musical is about," says Blackwater. The show celebrates ordinary kindness multiplied by an entire community.

Bradshaw, who previously understudied for Glinda in "Wicked," says this grounded story challenges her differently. "There's less whimsy and fantasy in this story, but just as much heart."

The production runs through September 27 at the Margeson Theater, giving audiences a chance to witness how a small town demonstrated the best of humanity when the world needed it most.