Performance of "Come From Away"
An ad hoc company of local talent comes together to perform the musical "Come From Away" in Winfield (KS) thanks to the patronage of an anonymous donor.
Direction by Terry McGonigle. Music Direction by Robbie Banks. Choreography by Yazmin Wood.
"Come From Away" tells the true story of how the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed 7,000 stranded airline passengers after the September 11 attacks, highlighting human kindness and community spirit.
Plot Overview
The musical begins on the morning of September 11, 2001, in Gander, Newfoundland, where townspeople go about their daily lives and introduce themselves to the audience.
News of the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania interrupts their routine, and the closure of U.S. airspace forces 38 international flights, carrying nearly 7,000 passengers, to land unexpectedly at Gander International Airport.
This sudden influx nearly doubles the town’s population, creating logistical challenges for the locals.
The townspeople, including schoolteachers, the mayor, and volunteers, quickly mobilize to provide shelter, food, and support for the stranded passengers.
The passengers, initially confused and anxious, are kept on planes for hours without information, expressing fear and frustration. Meanwhile, the community works to accommodate everyone, including pausing a bus drivers’ strike to transport passengers and searching for animals on the planes.
As the story unfolds, the musical alternates between the perspectives of the Islanders and the Plane People, showing both the fear and uncertainty of the passengers and the generosity and compassion of the locals.
The story culminates with the reopening of U.S. airspace, allowing the planes to depart. Emotional farewells highlight the lasting impact of the kindness and connections formed during this unexpected event.
Direction by Terry McGonigle. Music Direction by Robbie Banks. Choreography by Yazmin Wood.
"Come From Away" tells the true story of how the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed 7,000 stranded airline passengers after the September 11 attacks, highlighting human kindness and community spirit.
Plot Overview
The musical begins on the morning of September 11, 2001, in Gander, Newfoundland, where townspeople go about their daily lives and introduce themselves to the audience.
News of the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania interrupts their routine, and the closure of U.S. airspace forces 38 international flights, carrying nearly 7,000 passengers, to land unexpectedly at Gander International Airport.
This sudden influx nearly doubles the town’s population, creating logistical challenges for the locals.
The townspeople, including schoolteachers, the mayor, and volunteers, quickly mobilize to provide shelter, food, and support for the stranded passengers.
The passengers, initially confused and anxious, are kept on planes for hours without information, expressing fear and frustration. Meanwhile, the community works to accommodate everyone, including pausing a bus drivers’ strike to transport passengers and searching for animals on the planes.
As the story unfolds, the musical alternates between the perspectives of the Islanders and the Plane People, showing both the fear and uncertainty of the passengers and the generosity and compassion of the locals.
The story culminates with the reopening of U.S. airspace, allowing the planes to depart. Emotional farewells highlight the lasting impact of the kindness and connections formed during this unexpected event.
Where is it happening?
Richardson Performing Arts Center, Richardson Auditorium, 100 College St, Winfield, KS 67156, United States
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherCome From Away = Winfield
