Arguably the most memorable day in September, neck in neck with September 1st, the first day of classes at Hogwarts, is September 11th. And while we take a quiet moment to remember all the lives that were lost and how that day changed the course of the world, I’d like to bring to light a different 9/11 story that you might not know about. A story that takes place on a small island in Canada called Newfoundland.
On September 11th, 2001, 38 planes were alerted of a terrorist attack in New York and instructed to land at an airport in Gander, Newfoundland. There were almost 7,000 people aboard those planes. A number that meant the population of Gander had doubled overnight. The townsfolk? They got right down to business, preparing in every way they could for the “come from away’s”.
They fed them, clothed them, and gave up their own beds for them to sleep in until the American Airspace opened again. But they didn’t just take care of their physical needs. They provided shoulders to cry on and emotional support when it was needed most. Because of this, many lasting friendships and marriages were made during those fateful five days. David Hein and Irene Sankoff decided that this story needed to be told. And what better way to do that than through music? Or, more specifically, a musical.
How did I find out about this little piece of lesser-known history? Anyone who knows me knows that, though I don’t perform myself, I absolutely love musical theater. During the Tony Awards this past year, I really enjoyed the performance done by the cast of a musical called Come From Away. It wasn’t one I had heard of and since I enjoyed it, I made a note in my phone to listen to it.
A few months later while I was doing some chores around the house, I decided I wanted to listen to something new so I pulled up Come From Away on Spotify. Fast forward to me crying while sweeping the floor.
This musical is so moving. Let it be known that I am not a very emotional person, so crying during any form of media is a very rare occurrence for me. There’s not a single time I listen to Come From Away that I don’t get chills. It’s almost like listening to an audiobook that’s sung instead of read.
Each song easily transitions into the next one to tell the story of this little “backwater Canadian town”. Each character has their own deep and defining story. There are songs about faith and prayer and there are songs about fights and conflict. The whole musical is so beautifully raw, so beautifully human. It’s an amazing representation of the heart and how average citizens can become heroes in crisis.
One of the coolest things about this musical is the fact that not only is it based on a true event, it’s inspired by and based on real people. One of the pilots diverted there was Beverley Bass, who in 1986 became the first female captain at American Airlines.
The song “Me and the Sky” tells the story of her journey to get from the starry-eyed, eight-year-old watching the planes at the airport to having the first all-female crew. Another story involves Nick and Diane Marson, two passengers aboard the same plane who bonded during their stay and later ended up marrying. Nick was from England and Diane was from Texas, but this fateful event brought them together.
I could go on and on about Come From Away but I’m going to contain myself and leave you with this piece of advice: listen to it. Even if you’re not a “musical” kind of person, stream it on Spotify or YouTube Red and listen to it during a long car ride, while you’re walking your dog, or maybe cleaning your house.
Hey, you could even listen to it while you’re working out. There are three things that I want you to do while you listen. One: do not shuffle. This is a story and it’s best understood when listened to in order. Once you have the songs memorized *cough* me *cough* then feel free to listen in whatever order you choose but the first time should be chronologically.
Two: have tissues. Even if you think you’ll be able to handle it, make like a Boy Scout and be prepared. Three: while you’re listening, remember that this is a true story. This actually happened. Mull over that for a bit. Think about the bad, but focus on the good. I think Mister Rogers said it best: “If you look for the helpers, you’ll know that there’s hope.
