Generosity in Crisis: The Story of Gander’s Response to 9/11
Following the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, a story of profound human kindness emerged from a small Canadian town. Gander, Newfoundland, became a temporary haven for thousands of travelers stranded by the emergency grounding of flights. The Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to halt air traffic meant that 38 international flights were redirected to land near Gander. This sudden influx brought 7,000 passengers and crew to the town, where residents offered food, shelter, and comfort.
The remarkable local response inspired the acclaimed musical “Come From Away.” Created by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, this musical tells the story through an ensemble cast portraying both the Gander residents and the stranded “plane people.” Sankoff and Hein based their work on extensive interviews conducted during the 10th anniversary reunion in 2011. The musical, which debuted on Broadway in March 2017, won three Drama Desk Awards and a Tony Award for Best Director.
Residents of Gander, unaware at first of the global events unfolding, acted out of sheer humanity. As Hein recounted, “There’s a lot of musicians there, they played music, we had meals together.” The kindness shown in Gander mirrored the generosity seen across New York in the days following 9/11, as people banded together to support one another.
Creating the Musical
Sankoff and Hein embarked on the project initially as a commission from Sheridan College’s Canadian Musical Theatre Project. Despite concerns about translating the real-life events into a traditional musical, they found inspiration in the Newfoundlanders’ musical heritage. Folk music became a core element of the show, honoring the spirit of community gatherings known as “kitchen parties.”
The musical draws on other productions like “A Chorus Line” and “Laramie Project” for its narrative style. Hein states, “We did talk about ‘Chorus Line,’ I remember when we did a lot of the direct address.” The unique approach resulted in a story without a single lead character but an ensemble that highlights the collective experience.
Reception and Impact
“Come From Away” resonated with audiences globally, including younger generations unfamiliar with the original events. Hein expressed surprise at its broad appeal, noting how it contextualized the tragedy for those who didn’t live through 9/11.
The production retained authenticity by consolidating real-life figures, yet always sought the approval of those represented. Sankoff and Hein worked closely with their interview subjects, incorporating their stories while ensuring the portrayal was respectful.
When the show debuted in Gander, the local reception was overwhelmingly positive. This celebration of community spirit reminded audiences worldwide of humanity’s capacity for kindness.
A live capture of the Broadway performance is available on Apple TV+, providing wider access to this tale of resilience and empathy. “Come From Away” continues to tour internationally, with adaptations in diverse cultures finding relevance and inspiration in its message.
Concerts and Future
On September 13, a special concert event titled “Come From Away in Concert: Sounds of Remembrance” took place in New York City. This commemorative performance marked 25 years since 9/11 and brought together former cast members from the Broadway and national tours.
Overall, “Come From Away” stands as a testament to the enduring impact of compassion and collective resilience in times of crisis.