Gander, Newfoundland was just a speck on the map before Sept. 11, 2001. But this unassuming, friendly town found itself in the limelight after its airport became a Grand Central Station of sorts when 38 planes were diverted there after the terrorist attacks.
The residents sheltered, fed, welcomed and befriended 7,000 international passengers who suddenly found themselves far from home in one of our most difficult times. The incident was documented globally by media — and in a story too good to pass up, ended up on Broadway.
The musical, dubbed “Come From Away,” is making the rounds in South Florida — first at The Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale Nov. 3-14, then the Kravis Nov. 16-21.
“What started as an average day in a small town turned in to an international sleep-over when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from across the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family,” notes broadway.com.
The play has been highly acclaimed, including this review from Newsweek: “It does what all the best musicals do. Takes you to a place you never want to leave.”
For more information, visit browardcenter.org or kravis.org.