On September 11, 2001, as the U.S. closed its airspace, 38 transatlantic flights carrying over 6,500 passengers were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, a remote town of barely 10,000 people. What followed was nothing short of a miracle, and a testament to the humanity, courage, and grace of the townspeople.
When the passengers were able to de-board their planes, homes, schools, churches, and airport hangars became shelters. Strangers were fed, clothed, and temporarily adopted as “Come From Aways”—Newfoundland’s term for outsiders.
Creators Irene Sankoff and David Hein, Canadians who were in New York during the attacks, wanted to showcase the light in the darkest of times—the quiet kindness that bloomed afterward. They have said that they were not writing a 9/11 story, but a 9/12 story. To begin the project, they traveled to Newfoundland, interviewed dozens of islanders and stranded passengers, and wove those real stories into Come From Away. The result is an ensemble musical where a small cast plays multiple characters, underscored by music that blends folk, Celtic, and Broadway sensibilities.
The show earned seven Tony nominations and won for Best Direction, but critics note it refuses simple sentimentality. Early reviews described the community’s warmth not as naive optimism but as intentional generosity sustained under impossible circumstances.
The story endures as does the relationship between Gander and the world it welcomed. Passengers like pilot Beverley Bass have returned repeatedly, becoming ambassadors of gratitude. When Gander hosted a “homecoming” production, bringing the show back to its origin, it reinforced that this isn’t a distant retelling but an ongoing dialogue.
For Memphis audiences, where Come From Away opens August 15 at Playhouse on the Square, the show arrives as more than entertainment. Memphis understands tragedy, resilience, and communal identity.
One group doing many jobs, improvising and adapting. It mirrors how real communities stretch themselves. The music creates an emotional landscape that audiences can inhabit without feeling lectured to.
Come From Away doesn’t just depict good deeds; it makes audiences complicit in choosing kindness. It reminds us that empathy requires action, not just admiration. The story continues beyond the curtain in conversations and quiet acts of hospitality that happen daily but rarely receive the spotlight.
We are all, sometimes unexpectedly, the “come from aways” in someone else’s story. Like Gander, we can choose to be the welcome.
This blog was written by Playhouse on the Square
Located in the heart of Memphis, Circuit Playhouse, Inc. serves as the guardian of a vibrant pulse, a rhythm that celebrates the city’s triumphs, challenges, and devotion to artistic expression. The company, originally known as The Circuit Players, has evolved into Memphis’ leading professional theatre company, weaving together stories that evoke laughter, tears, and self-reflection. For over five decades, Circuit Playhouse has been a beacon of the arts in the community, inviting audiences to join them on a journey of growth and imagination.
Playhouse on the Square is a testament to the indelible spirit of Memphis, TN. Having produced over 880 shows before an audience of 3.5 million people and counting, we are grateful for the unwavering support of our community, whose belief in us has been the driving force behind our success. As we look towards the future with excitement, we are eager to continue our tradition of innovation, growth, and shared moments of love and meaning.
