09/11/2026
Today marks 25 years since September 11, 2001.
We remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives, the families forever changed, the first responders and countless others whose lives were forever shaped by that day.
We also remember the stories of extraordinarily brave and compassionate actions taken by ordinary people in the days that followed, despite the fear facing the world at that time.
One of those stories unfolded in Gander, Newfoundland, where a small community suddenly became home to thousands of stranded travelers after 38 jet planes were diverted to their small community following the attacks.
That remarkable chapter in the aftermath of September 11 is at the heart of Come From Away.
CBS Sunday Morning this week ran a short story about the people of Gander, what they did to handle the crowd of people from all over the world, and how the writers came to the idea of writing a musical about it all.
You can read and watch the story here: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/come-from-away-transforming-tragedy-into-art-darkness-into-light/
As we prepare to bring Come From Away to the Shawnee Theatre in 2027, we do so with a deep respect for the history behind the story and for the people whose lives are part of it.
25 years later, we will never forget.
Irene Sankoff and David Hein discuss their acclaimed musical about the residents of Gander, Newfoundland, who offered aid and comfort to 7,000 air passengers and crew members stranded in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.
