Come From Away – About the Show
Highlights of Come From Away – Must-See Moments
A True Story Behind the Events of 9/11
The Broadway musical Come From Away is based on the extraordinary true events that unfolded in the aftermath of 9/11. While the story was not widely known at the time, its adaptation into a Broadway musical brought it to audiences around the world.On the day of the attacks, 38 planes from different countries were diverted to the small town of Gander, Canada. Nearly 7,000 stranded passengers suddenly arrived, and the entire community came together to welcome and care for them. This incredible story of compassion, almost unbelievable in scale, is vividly recreated on stage.
A Heartwarming Story of People Supporting Each Other Across Cultures
The title “Come From Away” refers to those who arrive from distant places. In this case, it speaks to the thousands of people unexpectedly landing far from home. This moving story portrays how individuals came together with kindness and empathy, free from prejudice, in the midst of tragedy.Because it recalls an event that must never happen again, the creators hope this musical will help audiences understand what truly happened during that time, while also inspiring hope in the power of humanity.
Show details of Come From Away
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Theater location: Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre 236 West 45th Street New York, NY 10036 (Map) |
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Duration (How long the show): Running time: 1 hours 40 minutes with an intermission |
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Age Limit: 4 years and older *Child pricing not available |
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Translation/Subtitles: None |
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Local staff review: Get real Broadway impressions and seating tips, exclusive merchandise info in the theatre. |
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Type of the show: Adapted into a Movie Emotional・Touching Stunning Songs Stunning Dance |
Show Time of Come From Away
Regular weekly schedule for the Broadway musical Come From Away. Click “Book Tickets” to view the full schedule with upcoming show dates and times.
Please scroll to the right to view| Performance | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
| Matinee (Daytime) Soiree (Night) |
1PM |
Closed |
7PM |
1PM< 7PM |
7PM |
7PM |
1PM 7PM |
Come From Away – Story
The Plot / Summary of Come From Away
When U.S. airspace was closed after the attacks, 38 planes carrying about 7,000 passengers and crew were suddenly unable to reach their destinations. These planes were diverted to Gander International Airport in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Located next to the small town of Gander on Newfoundland Island, the airport was typically used as a refueling stop for transatlantic flights traveling between the United States and Europe.
With only about 10,000 residents, this small Canadian town suddenly found itself hosting nearly twice its population in stranded travelers from all over the world. The townspeople opened their homes, offered meals, and welcomed the passengers with kindness. At the local bars, thousands of weary travelers found comfort and connection while waiting for the skies to reopen.
Come From Away – Movie
The YouTube trailer of Come From Away
This is a promotional video for the Broadway musical “Come From Away.” You can see the songs and dances from Come From Away.
Come From Away – Explore, FAQ
Behind the Scenes of Come From Away
The Origins of Come From Away
Come From Away began with early productions in San Diego and Seattle in 2015, followed by tryouts across Canada and the U.S. before finally reaching Broadway. It officially opened at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in March 2017 and went on to win the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical. As a show themed around “9/11,” it immediately drew the attention of media and audiences worldwide.
The book, music, and lyrics were written by Canadian couple Irene Sankoff and David Hein, with direction by Christopher Ashley, who also won a Tony Award for directing Memphis and was nominated for The Rocky Horror Show.
Twelve Actors Portraying Hundreds of Characters
One of the unique aspects of Come From Away is that it has no lead roles and very few solo numbers. This type of production is known as an ensemble musical.The twelve cast members are each credited as “featured roles + others,” performing hundreds of different characters throughout the show. As a result, there are no nominees for Leading Actor or Actress in awards consideration, and during curtain call, all twelve stand side by side as equals.
Costume changes are minimal. Instead, shifts in roles are conveyed through simple props, narration, acting, and variations in accents. With constant transitions between roles and scenes, every character has a distinct personality and a meaningful moment, bringing the lives of Gander residents and stranded passengers vividly to life.
A Musical Based on a True Story
The September 11 attacks in 2001 were the largest coordinated acts of terrorism in history, shocking the world as four passenger planes were hijacked and used as weapons.Come From Away was created as a tribute to the people of Gander, who opened their arms to thousands of stranded travelers. Many of the characters in the musical are directly inspired by real residents, with names drawn from actual people. Writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein traveled to Gander to meet those involved, and the actors themselves also met their real-life counterparts to ensure authenticity on stage.
The bond formed between the passengers and Gander residents still endures. At a reunion ten years after the attacks, they shared this message: “Tonight we honor what was lost, but we also commemorate what we found.”
Even world leaders recognized the power of the show. After attending on Broadway, the Canadian Prime Minister remarked: “The world gets to see what it is to lean on each other and be there for each other through the darkest times.” The musical reminds us all of the importance of compassion and helping strangers in times of crisis.
The Real Story of America’s First Female Airline Captain
One of the show’s most powerful numbers is “Me and the Sky”, based on the life of real pilot Beverley Bass. Beverley joined American Airlines in 1976 and, in 1986, became the first female captain of a major U.S. airline. At a time when pilots were almost exclusively male, her achievement was groundbreaking and challenged gender stereotypes across the industry.On September 11, 2001, she was piloting a flight from Paris to Dallas when she received the devastating news: “At 8:46 there’s been a terrorist action in New York.” Unable to return to the United States, she became one of the many stranded travelers. In the song, she reflects on how the thing she loved most, flying, was turned into a weapon, yet she also expresses the resilience and strength needed to keep moving forward. Because the number is drawn from her own life, it carries a deep emotional weight and continues to resonate with audiences everywhere.
Me and the Sky
Suddenly I’m flying Paris to Dallas
Across the Atlantic and feeling calm
When suddenly someone on air to air traffic says
“At 8:46 there’s been a terrorist action”
And the one thing I loved more than anything was used as the bomb
Come From Away – FAQ
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Can I buy tickets for Come From Away (Broadway show) on the day of the show?
Tickets are available for purchase until the day before the show through our booking page. See more details about Come From Away tickets.
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How much are tickets for Come From Away (Broadway show)?
Tickets for the Broadway musical Come From Away start at $61 with our discounted prices. See more details for Come From Away tickets.
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Is the English in Come From Away (Broadway show) hard to understand?
The musical Come From Away has a slightly higher level of English difficulty. We recommend reading the synopsis before you go. For other recommended shows, please refer to the Broadway Musical Selection Guide. You’re sure to find a show you’ll love from among the many musicals in New York.
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Do you have a summary or synopsis of Come From Away (Broadway show)?
The story and synopsis of the Broadway musical Come From Away are introduced in the Come From Away Story section. Reading this beforehand will help you easily understand the storyline.
Come From Away – Review
Reviews & Ratings for Come From Away
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I watched the play without any prior knowledge and wondered what it had to do with 9/11, but as the play progressed, I gradually began to understand. I think it would be interesting to watch the play without knowing anything about it.
I saw the tour version. It far exceeded my expectations. Despite the simple stage, the scenery unfolded before my eyes: the plight of passengers trapped on a plane for 28 hours, the atmosphere of a bus traveling through pitch-black streets at night, the atmosphere inside a community center or bar, and more.
Even among the many serious scenes, such as facing the death of a son or acquaintance, and racial discrimination, humorous exchanges were woven into the mix, making it a rich 100 minutes. I was moved to tears by the female pilot's solo.
As a member of the first class to pass the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, there was much to say...
However, I felt that the musical performance lacked surprise and creativity.
I finally got to see a work I'd been interested in for a long time. It was interesting because it was available in Japan as a stage play.
There were quite a few people in the theater crying their eyes out, and I thought this might be a production that particularly resonates with Americans.
It's amazing that they can perform so much on a small stage with just a few chairs, but honestly, it feels a bit spartan compared to other Broadway productions currently running.
But when I think about it, this is a musical that's all about the content, conveying the truth about what actually happened... I realized that it's not bad, and I even felt a little moved by the end.
Maybe the reason I got bored in the middle was because there was a break in the middle.
The stage set consisted of only chairs... The music was good, but it felt like they hadn't spent a lot of money on it, and it felt a bit plain... I wondered if this would last, but the foreigner sitting next to me was moved to tears...
The only thing that stuck in my head was the main dark but sad song, but the other songs didn't stick in my head... The stage performance felt like on-the-spot acting, more like a play than a musical, and the way the circumstances of the accident, the relationships between people, and the other scenes changed wasn't great... It's partly due to the English, but I just didn't get the technique of speaking to us and making us feel moved, but overall it was good.
It's been a long time since 9/11. The images I saw on TV were so shocking I still can't forget them. I went to see this film after visiting the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and I was deeply moved by the kindness and compassion shown in people. It made me realize that there are kind people all around us, regardless of race or language. It made me truly want to be kind to others myself.
I'm sure it's a moving piece. I got the vibe, and the music brought a little tear to my eye. But the English was so fast I couldn't understand it at all... This is a piece for advanced English speakers.
I had been interested in this production for a long time, as it won the 2017 Tony Award for Best Direction. Last month, I went to New York for the first time in decades, and finally got to see it.
There weren't many Japanese people there.
Because it was an ensemble performance, it was a little difficult to understand the songs mixed with dialogue, but I thought it was a production that really touched me and made me feel the kindness of people. Perhaps it was patriotism.
There were so many Americans in the audience, and it was a very thought-provoking experience. It was a very good production.
The on-stage dialogue was fantastic, and the ensemble was well worth listening to.
One actor played multiple roles, so it was sometimes hard to keep track of who was who... It felt more like a stage play (with a bit of music added to the story) than a musical, so I'd recommend this to people who are interested in the work rather than those who want to see a musical.
It was a very deep and heartwarming show.
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