ORLANDO, Fla. – “Come From Away,” the acclaimed musical inspired by the days immediately following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, is now on stage in Orlando.
The production recounts the remarkable true story of 7,000 airline passengers who were stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, and the small Canadian community that opened its doors to them.
After the attacks on Sept. 11, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration closed American airspace, sending more than 4,000 aircraft to the nearest available airports. Many transatlantic flights heading from Europe were redirected to Canada.
Planes did not begin receiving clearance to depart again until Sept. 13.
In Gander, uncertainty and cultural differences initially tested both travelers and residents. Over time, those tense first moments gave way to trust, music, gratitude and lasting bonds, including the friendship between Hannah and Beulah.
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On Sept. 16, the remaining passengers were able to fly back home.
The smash-hit musical has won many awards, including a Tony for “Best Direction of a Musical.”
The show is running at The Orlando Shakespeare Theater through Sept. 27. Click here for ticket information.
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