COME FROM AWAY

Last night I went to see our community theatre’s production of the musical about the flights diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001. For years I’ve wondered how such a heavy subject could work as a musical, so I was quite excited to finally see it.

It was awesome.

The brilliant music, lyrics, and book, staged so simply, expressed the heart of what many of us experienced 25 years ago. It brought home the overwhelming uncertainty that virtually immobilized the country as we tried to absorb the horror of the attacks and waited for the other shoe to drop. From the distance of 25 years, with the additional trials and tragedies occurring since then, the message of resilience and simple kindness is more applicable and more necessary than ever.

 The play personalizes the pathos of that September. It allows us to examine the emotions of a time we’d probably all like to forget without the immediacy of the pain and terror that those horrendous pictures and documentaries revive. It reminded me of the humor and humanity extended toward the temporary refugees stranded in Gander for five days, cut off from loved ones and details.

COME FROM AWAY highlights hope. When divisions and differences are celebrated more than common decency, as they seem to be more and more, it’s refreshing to remember that in times of trouble there have always been those who lend a hand, ready to ease burdens and stand in our moments of silence. It’s not a given that cynicism and suspicion always win, no matter what the headlines shout, but we need more reminders. This play about the compassion of ordinary people is a fine example of art elevating our shared humanity in ways AI never can. We need more.