“Come From Away,” the musical chronicling the goodwill extended by the town of Gander, Newfoundland, following the events of 9/11, has returned to its roots with a new production staged in Gander itself. The show, which has enjoyed international success since its debut, incorporates distinct local elements and involvement to honor the community that inspired its story.

Michael Rubinoff, a Toronto-based producer and one of the show’s originators, highlighted the importance of bringing the production home. “The people of Gander should share in the celebration of their story,” he said. The current staging features contributions from local residents, including thousands of hand-crocheted “granny squares” adorning the stage, lobby, and seating areas—far exceeding the initial goal of 100 pieces. The stage floor is painted to resemble midcentury modern clocks found in the preserved airport lounge, underscoring the show’s carefully crafted authenticity.

Actors with personal ties to the story are part of the cast. Petrina Bromley, the lone Newfoundlander in the original Broadway cast, stars in the Gander production, emphasizing that the musical represents a story deeply rooted in the local community. The show has even adapted its schedule, moving start times earlier to accommodate local concerns after an incident where an audience member hit a moose driving home. Additionally, a key scene involving the kissing of a cod—a traditional “Screech-in” ritual common in other productions—uses a frozen cod named “Codrick” wrapped in Newfoundland tartan, rather than props, to maintain fidelity to local traditions.

The company includes both veterans and newer performers. Benjamin Power, a British musician who joined the production before its 2015 pre-Broadway run, estimated he has performed over 2,700 shows while playing traditional Irish instruments. Romano Di Nillo, a Newfoundland drummer who has been involved since 2016, expressed amazement at the story’s global reach. Actor Josh Breckenridge, who moved from a Broadway standby role to a principal part in Gander, described the responsibility of portraying the community’s lived memories.

Audience demographics have diversified, drawing tourists visiting Newfoundland’s natural attractions as well as fans from across North America and the globe. Some attendees are theatre professionals or enthusiasts who have participated in or plan to join “Come From Away” productions elsewhere. Among them was a 16-year-old stage manager from New Jersey who described the Gander experience as uniquely powerful, noting it offers an unparalleled connection to the story’s origins.

The musical was created by Canadian writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein, who spent a month in Gander on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, conducting extensive interviews with locals and diverted passengers. Since its initial stages in San Diego, Seattle, Toronto, and Washington, D.C., the show has maintained critical acclaim for its portrayal of community resilience and kindness under pressure. It has toured widely across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and expanded to international venues including Japan, Argentina, and even cruise ships.

Music Theatre International reports that over 1,000 productions have been licensed globally since 2025, with the musical becoming one of the most frequently performed titles in American regional theaters, trailing only “A Christmas Carol.” Recent years have seen a surge in student-led productions, featuring casts born well after 2001, ensuring the story’s continued relevance and reach.

The 2024 season marks a significant expansion of the show’s presence, with new openings in countries such as Poland, Portugal, and Singapore, and across the United States. Kansas City Repertory Theater, which launched its run on September 1, described it as the largest season opener in the theater’s history. In New York City, Broadway and touring company alumni reunited for a concert at the Perelman Performing Arts Center to commemorate the story’s enduring impact.

In Gander, a special invitation-only performance took place this week, attended by government officials, community members who aided the stranded passengers, and those passengers themselves, known warmly as “plane people.” Co-writer Hein remarked on the meaningfulness of bringing the story back to Newfoundland, emphasizing how it highlights the town’s extraordinary response and preserves its legacy for future generations.