The 2017 Broadway musical documenting the true story of 7,000 stranded airline passengers welcomed by the small town of Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001, becoming a celebration of human kindness in crisis.
The Story
“Come From Away” opened on Broadway March 12, 2017, telling the story of 38 planes diverted to Gander when U.S. airspace closed after the 9/11 attacks. The musical follows the week residents doubled their town’s population, offering homes, food, and compassion to strangers.
The 100-minute show features 12 actors playing multiple roles, accompanied by Celtic-influenced folk music reflecting Newfoundland culture. Its non-stop pacing and ensemble focus on ordinary kindness resonated in an era of increasing political division and xenophobia.
The hashtag gained momentum during Trump administration immigration debates (2017-2019), with advocates citing Gander’s example as a counter-narrative to “build the wall” rhetoric. The show’s message of radical hospitality became a cultural touchstone for progressive politics.
The 2021 Apple TV+ film adaptation preserved the original stage cast and renewed interest during the 20th anniversary of 9/11, with #ComeFromAway trending alongside remembrance hashtags.
Source
https://variety.com/2017/legit/reviews/come-from-away-review-broadway-1202002566/