Not long ago, I watched Come From Away, and it quickly climbed the ranks to become one of my favorite musicals of all time. This time, my experience went far beyond just sitting in the audience—I had a detailed companion book that opened up a new layer of understanding, offering insight into both the story and the people behind it.
Come From Away is more than a musical. It’s a powerful true story. It’s a modern legend born from an unimaginable crisis. Set in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, the show recounts how a community of fewer than 10,000 people responded with extraordinary kindness when 38 planes were diverted there after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
What makes this story unforgettable isn’t just the historical backdrop—it’s the raw, heartfelt humanity that shines through. This isn’t just a Canadian story; it’s a universal one about compassion, resilience, and the power of human connection in the face of fear and chaos.
An Unbelievable True Story
Imagine a small town of fewer than 10,000 people suddenly welcoming 7,000 unexpected strangers. These travelers had been grounded in the remote town of Gander, Newfoundland, after 9/11, their planes rerouted with no warning. They came from different countries, spoke different languages, followed different religions—yet in the midst of chaos and fear, their paths suddenly crossed. And Gander’s residents didn’t hesitate. They opened their homes, shared their food and clothes, and offered warmth, care, and humanity without expecting anything in return.
Can you picture it? Thousands of displaced strangers, embraced by a town full of people who had never met them—and yet treated them like family. This is the heart of Come From Away—a story that reminds us of the light that can emerge from the darkest of times.
It’s no wonder that during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the official Come From Away documentary was released, it resonated so deeply. The story taps into something universal: our longing for connection, kindness, and acceptance when we’re at our most vulnerable. Deep down, we all wish for our own version of Gander—a place where compassion comes before judgment, and where strangers become lifelines.
This spirit echoes far beyond Newfoundland. It reminds me of my current project on Toronto, a city that has quietly become one of the most diverse places on Earth. Walk its streets and you’ll hear over 80 languages. Every accent carries its own heritage, every difference is welcomed rather than feared. In Toronto, diversity isn’t just tolerated—it’s celebrated.
Just like in Gander, people here know how to come together across cultures and beliefs. Though separated by miles, the two places share something profound: the Canadian spirit of empathy, hospitality, and respect for all. It’s a reminder that what connects us isn’t what we have in common—it’s our willingness to embrace what makes us different, and to do so with open arms.
The Sound of Canada: How Music Carries a Nation’s Identity
As a musical created by Canadians, Come From Away offers a powerful example of how a country’s cultural DNA can be woven into art—and then shared with the world. What truly impressed me was how thoughtfully the creative team embedded Newfoundland’s regional spirit into the show’s very rhythm and sound.
The score blends traditional Newfoundland folk and Celtic influences with the energy of modern musical theatre, creating a soundscape that feels both local and universally moving. The choice of instruments is especially telling—bodhráns, pennywhistles, and accordions infuse the music with an earthy, authentic quality that immediately transports the audience to the Atlantic coast. Composer David Hein even spent a week learning to play the accordion himself, just to ensure the music felt rooted in the land it came from.
But it’s not just the instruments—the show is packed with charming Canadian references that make audiences chuckle and feel at home. From Newfoundland slang in the lyrics, to Tim Hortons coffee shops, Shoppers Drug Mart, and the iconic Canadian moose, every detail reinforces the setting without ever feeling forced.
These subtle cultural nods not only bring authenticity, but also foster connection. Canadian audiences see their lives reflected on stage, while international viewers are invited to experience the warmth, humor, and everyday quirks of Canadian life. It’s these touches that make Come From Away not just a story set in Canada—but unmistakably Canadian in spirit.
A Theatrical Experience That Hits You in the Heart
Watching Come From Away live is far more than just attending a musical—it’s an emotional rollercoaster that pulses with energy, heart, and human connection. While the cast recording offers a beautiful taste of the music, nothing compares to experiencing the full live production, where sound, lighting, performance, and stage direction weave together into something deeply immersive and electrifying.
Every pause, every volume shift, every seamless role transition draws you deeper into the story’s emotional arc. One moment, you’re holding your breath during a somber scene; the next, you’re laughing out loud with the characters. This precise rhythm of emotional highs and lows keeps the performance tight, dynamic, and utterly gripping.
What struck me most was the sheer stamina and skill of the cast. As I once joked on social media: “Broadway performers are basically superheroes.” For nearly two hours straight, they sing, dance, and act with astonishing precision and energy—without missing a beat. Compared to the still-developing musical theatre scene in China, where stage coordination and actor performance are often uneven, North American productions like this showcase a masterclass in ensemble storytelling. Great theatre demands more than talent—it’s about the perfect alignment of actors, lighting, sound, and set design.
In Come From Away, actors glide effortlessly between multiple characters, each switch feeling fresh and emotionally driven. This isn’t just technical prowess—it’s storytelling at its best. Even the band steps beyond the pit, joining the cast onstage in moments of dance and choreography, adding even more layers to the visual and emotional texture of the performance.
Broadway’s latest generation of musicals leans heavily into rhythm, emotion, and sharp theatrical timing. Unlike shows that resemble concerts, these productions emphasize narrative drama. Come From Away is a prime example: its ensemble cast shifts roles constantly, supported by an invisible but flawless backstage team. The lighting operators, sound engineers, and stage managers work together in what industry insiders call “fader ballet”—a dance of precision that elevates the entire show.
Ultimately, the live performance delivers an impact that no recording can replicate. Even if the soundtrack moves you, the in-person experience brings a richer, fuller emotional resonance. It’s this kind of theatrical alchemy that reminds you why live theatre remains so powerful—and so irreplaceable.
One of the most moving moments in Come From Away is the solo “Me and the Sky,” performed by the female airline captain—a powerful tribute to real-life pilot Beverley Bass. The song traces her journey from a young girl with dreams of flying to becoming the first female captain for a major U.S. airline. But it’s not just a personal victory; it’s a symbol of women breaking through barriers in male-dominated industries.
Beverley’s story resonates deeply, not only because of the thrill of flight it captures, but also for the challenges she overcame to claim her place in the skies. When tragedy struck on 9/11 and the aircraft she loved became symbols of terror, her entire identity as a pilot was shaken. Her heartbreak is captured in one haunting lyric: “My favorite thing was used as a bomb.” It’s a line that hits every audience member hard—because who hasn’t felt the grief of watching something they love twisted into something they no longer recognize?
What’s also striking about Beverley is her unfiltered charm. In an interview, she once said she chose to fly for American Airlines because “they had the best-looking planes.” That simple, cheeky statement reveals not just her personality, but the kind of instinct and confidence it takes to stand out—and stand strong—in a male-dominated cockpit. She didn’t just break ceilings; she soared past them, inspiring generations of women to take flight alongside her.
In real life, Beverley Bass made history again by leading the first all-female crewed flight in the U.S. She’s brought countless young female aviators to see Come From Away, sharing with them not just a story, but a legacy of pride, strength, and possibility. And yet, the conversation around women in aviation is far from over. After a recent Delta incident at Toronto Airport, debates flared once more about whether women are as “fit” to fly as men.
But here’s what we can’t forget: it’s precisely because of women like Beverley that these discussions even exist. Her courage and perseverance helped push gender into the spotlight—not as a limitation, but as a challenge to overcome. She proved that leadership, resilience, and responsibility know no gender—and her story continues to inspire women everywhere to aim higher and fly farther.