‘Come from Away’ Tells Story of Compassion, Humanity When Needed Most
No one living in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, 25 years ago could have imagined they’d see their population increase by more than half on Sept. 11, 2001, nor have the experience turned into a Broadway musical.
The musical “Come from Away,” by Irene Sankoff and David Hein and being produced on the Hartman Theatre stage Nov. 5-8, tells the true story of how the 9,600-some Newfoundlanders fed, clothed, boarded and entertained almost 7,000 strangers when 38 international planes were diverted to their airport as a result of terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center.
Dr. Shawna Mefferd Kelty, professor and chair of theater, directs the Tony Award-winning show, noted for its staging challenges and “chairography,” with 12 student actors constantly moving from one chair or table to another without bumping into one another all while delivering and singing lines like:
Bob and others: “People are saying 'We want you to come to our house,' and I think, what's up with this? I mean, are they charging for these 'free' showers? Or are they gonna go all Norman Bates? Anyway, I wasn't falling for it. But finally, I'm invited back to the mayor of Appleton's house. That sounds fancy. But it's not. There's a mayor for every town of 1000 people in Newfoundland. There's the mayor of Gander, the mayor of Lewisport, there's the mayor of Gambo. Anyway, I'm staying with the mayor of Appleton. … His wife shows me where the bedroom is and where the shower is, and through it all I just keep thinking 'Where am I gonna leave my wallet? Somebody's gonna steal my wallet.'”
For the record, no one steals Bob’s wallet, Mefferd Kelty says.
No Coincidence
It’s no coincidence that the director decided to stage this particular musical this fall. While Mefferd Kelty said she’s “been eyeing the rights to ‘Come from Away’ for a long time,” it wasn’t until late 2025 that Music Theatre International released them — a deliberate move on their part to align with the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, knowing it would take time for theaters around the country to mount their productions in 2026.
“Our department thought it was important to do this show, given our proximity to Canada
and the culture of the community — it is a strong story that speaks to us,” Mefferd
Kelty said.
“We were thinking about 9/11 and the people who lost family members, whether as victims in the towers or as first responders. It deeply resonates with the people of the North Country. It’s also a really inspirational story of kindness and compassion at a moment of real need in humanity,” she said.
The coming together of the people of Gander and the “from awayers” and students in a production share similarities, Mefferd Kelty said.
“Theater is a collective art. It builds inclusivity and community,” she said. Her “Come from Away” cast comprises students from across campus and across majors.
“It’s hard to tell stories of being a community when you aren’t including them,” Mefferd Kelty said. “It is the basis of our process — all along the way they’re learning what it is to be human, recognizing our own imperfections. We just have to be open, willing to explore and make mistakes. They are on stage learning to create with others, trust others, and build a community with others.”
It’s one of the reasons people get drawn into theater, she said.
“You build this whole community with these strangers and now you will never not know one another,” she said. “It’s a profound experience about creating a sense of community and connection out of such a devastating moment in time. That generosity (of the Newfoundlanders) transcends the challenges they were going through. They were saying, ‘You have a place here, you are welcome here. And this musical really highlights those moments.”
Meanwhile, Bob was asked by the mayor of Gander to round up peoples’ grills for the community barbecue. He tells the mayor he can’t just go into peoples’ yards and take their grills. “They’ll shoot me,” he says.
Bob and others: “So, I'm going from yard to yard, and the whole time I keep thinking 'Someone's gonna shoot me in the back.'
Doug, Nick Marson and others: Hello there. You taking my barbecue?
Bob and others: ... this is your barbecue?
Doug, Nick Marson and others: Yeah, buddy.
Bob and others: Listen, I am so sorry...
Doug, Nick Marson and others: The wife's got the kettle on, if you want a cuppa.
Bob and others: I get offered a cup of tea in every single backyard. And most of 'em offer to help me steal their own barbecues. We bring them all over to the community center, no names on 'em, I don't know how they ever get 'em back! But that's how we have a big cookout, completely free. After that, I stop worrying so much about my wallet.”
“Community,” Mefferd said. “That’s community.”
Tickets for “Come from Away” are $20 general admission, $10 for Student Association members and are available at https://campusgroups.plattsburgh.edu/home_login. For more information on the show, contact Mefferd Kelty at [email protected].
— By Associate Director of Communications Gerianne Downs; File Photo of Mefferd Kelty
