I was invited to see Come From Away, part of the 2023-2024 Broadway at the Eccles season this evening. I always love to see a Broadway production at the Eccles Theatre whenever the opportunity arises, so I knew I didn’t want to miss out on seeing this.

We find ourselves being introduced to the residents of the small Canadian town of Gander, Newfoundland, where nothing out of the ordinary happens. But today is no ordinary day.It’s September 11th, 2001.

As the residents of Gander are beginning their day, some turn on the radios and TVs to find out that America has been attacked and that planes from destinations all over the world are being diverted to Gander’s tiny airport. 38 planes with 7,000 people (the population of Gander) will be arriving momentarily. The town jumps into action to welcome all the visitors that will double the size of their town.

The true story that unfolds before our eyes on the stage is portrayed by a very limited cast that seamlessly changes characters and scenery with minimal effects. It’s enthralling how well they transition characters! We learn the stories and events that transpired in Gander from people that deboard the planes and have to stay in Gander for five days. While this is a musical, it’s a little different. It feels like a play that has musical components, including a live band that plays on the sides of the stage.

I remember waking up on September 11th and watching the news. I remember interacting with people that day and there was a feeling to it unlike any other I’ve every experienced. I was amazed at how the actors on the stage portrayed that feeling so poignantly. The thoughts and feelings we all had that day were present on the stage in the passengers and townspeople we meet. Their stories are so touching. The outpouring of love and kindness shown to all the visitors that came to Newfoundland was truly remarkable.

If you are not familiar with what took place in Gander that week, this is a show you will not want to miss. You will leave Come From Away better than you arrived, as did the passengers who spent time there. This feel-good musical is one I would highly recommend, I absolutely loved it, and I would see it again in a heartbeat.

Come From Away is playing on the Eccles stage this weekend only for limited performances April 26-28, 2024. Be sure to get your tickets and take time out of your weekend to go see this heartwarming production before it flys away.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}