This article explores the deeply personal and emotional experience of seeing the musical Come From Away performed in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, the town where the true events behind the show took place.

The production tells the story of how residents of Gander welcomed thousands of air passengers diverted there during the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.The piece focuses on Ian Day, a UK-based train driver and devoted fan of the musical, who first saw it in London’s West End in 2019.He was so moved by the performance that he made it his mission to experience it repeatedly and travel to Gander itself.

Since then, he has seen the show 85 times across multiple countries and visited Gander on several occasions, describing the experience as transformative and almost surreal.

Day recalls participating in local traditions such as being “screeched in,” a Newfoundland welcome ritual, and meeting residents who were portrayed in the show.He describes the Gander performances as especially powerful because they take place in the very community where the real events occurred.

The article also highlights how local involvement makes the production unique, with residents sharing personal stories before performances and contributing to the authenticity of the experience.

Producer Michael Rubinoff emphasizes that seeing the show in Gander allows audiences to connect directly with history, as it is the only place where the phrase “You are here” carries literal meaning.Actor Petrina Bromley, who has ties to Newfoundland and Labrador, reflects on the importance of representation and community pride in the production.With a new season scheduled at the Joseph R.Smallwood Arts & Culture Centre, the article notes renewed interest as the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches.

It underscores how the musical continues to serve as both remembrance and celebration of human kindness, drawing visitors from around the world to a small town with a powerful story.