The True Story

The remarkable true story of the small town that welcomed the world. Coming to Melbourne in 2021. Book Now!

The True Story

COME FROM AWAY is based on actual events that took place on September 11, 2001 and the days that followed.

Timeline of Events

TUESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
- 9:26 AM
- 12:00 PM
- 12:15 PM
- 4:30 PM
- 5:17 PM
THURSDAY,
SEPTEMBER 13
- 12:00 AM
SUNDAY,
SEPTEMBER 16
- 1:05 PM
- 6:20 PM

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 9:26 AM
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) makes the decision to shut down its airspace, forcing over 4,000 planes to land at the nearest airport. Inbound flights from Europe are diverted to Canada.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
12:00 PM

Gander International Airport is told 18 planes will be flying into the airport.

Passengers are not allowed to leave the plane.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 12:15 PM
13 additional planes land at Gander International Airport.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
4:30 PM

A total of 38 planes have landed in Gander, carrying 6,579 passengers and crew.

For a town like Gander with a population of 10,000 people, this was an extraordinary challenge to take on.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
5:17 PM

Passengers are allowed to leave the plane.

It’s been over 5 hours since they’ve first landed and have stayed inside the plane on Gander’s runway.

The “Come From Aways” are driven to Salvation Army centers, churches, schools, and community centers in Gander and in neighboring towns.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2001 12:00 AM
Planes begin to be cleared for takeoff and continue throughout the day.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2001 1:05 PM
All remaining “Come From Aways” arrive at Gander International Airport for takeoff.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2001 6:20 PM
The final diverted plane takes off.

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The Story of Come From Away

Learn how our creators told over 16,000 stories over the course of 5 days in a 100 minute musical using 12 actors.

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Meet The Characters

Many of the characters in our show are based on real people or composites of them.
Get to know a few of the incredible people who lived this story.

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Captain Beverly Bass

Jenn Colella won a Drama Desk Award for her portrayal of Captain Beverley Bass in Come From Away. Learn how these two extraordinary women influenced one another and created an unbreakable bond.

Come From Away

Theatre Address

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