Sing into the Weekend - Come From Away

The Day the World Came to Town. I read this book and reviewed it two years ago. I was prepping before seeing a Broadway touring production of Come From Away     Alas, my tickets were for March 2020. Whoops!  Pandemic shut down the world. 

Two years later, here's my Playbill for Come From Away. I enjoyed it two Sundays ago. This was a glorious production. Very clever telling of September 11, 2001 when thirty eight planes landed in Gander, Newfoundland. They were diverted due to airspace closures and an American shutdown due to the terrorist attacks. 

The population of Gander (7000) doubled in size and everyone worked  together to care for, feed, shelter, and help strangers who were scared, worried, and stressed. Multiple languages, cultures, food needs, and more needed to be addressed. 

This Broadway show is a complete ensemble - no major standout songs or stars. There is no intermission. It's a small cast that transforms in different  scenes with a clothing change and movement of chairs and tables. There is humor even in dark times. The love and care shine through some catchy tunes and good voices. 

Come From Away is a show with heart that shows the goodness of people in  a tough time. The lessons from 9/11 shine through and are applicable today. It was worth the two year wait to see. Live theater is just SO fun. 
 

Book Review - The Day the World Came to Town

The Day the World Came to Town by Jim Defede is a joy to read, and just what I needed to reassure myself about humanity. I've got tickets for the touring musical production of Come From Away, and my sister recommended this book for preparation.

September 11, 2001 - U.S. airspace is closed due to the terrorist strikes. Thirty-eight jetliners bound for the United States were forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland. This city and surrounding communities came together to give their visitors three days to remember.

back blurb:  Their response to this challenge was truly extraordinary.  Oz Fudge, the town constable, searched all over Gander for a flight crew member so that he could give her a hug as a favor to her sister, who reached him by phone. This story and more are beautifully rendered - a true account of a community that exemplifies love, kindness, and generosity.

Folks stripped beds, cleaned out closets and pantries, and opened their homes to perfect strangers. Yes, come take a shower. Yes, come use our phone. Yes, come for dinner. The answers in Gander were yes, and hesitant travelers soon opened their hearts to this wonderful community. It was a party, and while eager to get home, they hated to leave. Life long friendships were made.

Jim Defede brings a remarkable time and town to life in The Day the World Came to Town.

I want to visit Gander, Newfoundland.