A small town. A world of strangers. One remarkable story
AS THE WORLD watched the attack on America and learned of the terrorist acts, the residents of Gander, Newfoundland immediately took action opening their schools, churches, and homes to welcome nearly 7,000 airline passengers aboard the 38 planes who were forced to land in the Canadian town. Leading the crisis management effort was Gander Mayor Claude Elliott, portrayed by Maxx Kramer [center]. The efforts of the mayor and hundreds of volunteers is depicted in the musical Come From Away. to be presented this weekend by the Coal City Theatre Department. Joining Kramer on stage are [fromleft]: Maddox Meents, Charlotte Banks, Alex Collins, Bella Bartholomew, and Theo Fritz.
THEY BECAME KNOWN as the Plane People. The nearly 7,000 commercial airline passengers and crew members who were stranded in the small community of Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001. The stories of the passengers and the community members who greeted them with open arms is the basis of the Tony Award musical Come From Away. This weekend, the Coal City Theater Department will present the story over three days–Sept. 10 and 12 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. Taking the stage are [from left to right, front to back]: Ty Christopher, Penny D’Arcy, Bella Bartholomew, Maxx Kramer, Charlotte Banks, Maddox Meents, Theo Fritz, and Alex Collins.
As the 25th anniversary of September 11 approaches, we remember not only the tragedy and loss of that day, but also the extraordinary story of what unfolded thousands of miles away in Gander, Newfoundland.
When the United States closed its airspace 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers and crew were diverted to Cander, part of Operation Yellow Ribbon—Canada’s emergency response to safely ground more than 220 aircraft from the sky.
As the world watched the towers fall and the Pentagon burn, and as the bravery of those aboard United Flight 93 was only beginning to be understood, the people of Gander opened their community—and their hearts—to thousands of stranded passengers. Many of them were unaware of what was happening on the ground or why their planes had suddenly been diverted. They arrived frightened, confused, and far from home, not knowing that the small community of Gander was about to become a place of refuge, compassion, and extraordinary kindness.
For several days, the people of Gander cared for these strangers as their own. Friendships were formed, stories were shared, and acts of kindness created connections that have endured.
In the words of Mayor Claude, “On the first day we had 7,000 strangers. On the third day, we had 7,000 friends.”
A story born from one of the darkest days in American history, but remembered for the extraordinary compassion of ordinary people who simply chose to help. This is the true story behind Come From Away—a Tony Award winning musical coming to the Coal City Performing Arts Center stage this weekend.
Coal City Theatre Department’s production will introduce audiences to Gander and the citizens who opened their schools, churches, and homes to stranded passengers from 95 countries. The remarkable acts that ensured everyone of the “Plane People,” were fed, clothed and connected.
Written by David Hein and Irene Sankoff, Come From Away, tells the story of what started as an average day in a small town turned into what has been described as an international sleepover.
The diverse cast of characters represents real people whose lives became connected to Gander—some who called the community home, and others who found themselves there unexpectedly in September 2001. Each brings a unique story, perspective, and experience to a place that, for a few extraordinary days, became home.
There is Mayor Claude, Bonnie from the SPCA, Beulah who heads the Gander Legion, air traffic controller Doug, news reporter Janice, police officer Oz, school teacher Annette and Garth who heads the local bus drivers union. And on the planes we find Diane, Bob, Nick, Hannah, Kevin T. and Kevin J., and we are introduced to Beverly, who captains one of the 38 planes touching down in Gander. Unique characters with unique perspectives on how one day changed their lives and the world around them.
“Stories like Come From Away remind us why theatre matters. They give us the opportunity to remember history not simply as dates and events, but through the lives of real people—their fears, their courage, their kindness, and their humanity,” said Jack Micetich, director of the Coal City Theatre Department. “As we approach the anniversary of September 11, it is especially important that we continue to tell these stories so that future generations understand not only what happened, but also how ordinary people chose to respond. The story of Gander reminds us that even in our darkest moments, compassion can bring us together and that an act of kindness can become a legacy that lasts far beyond the moment.”
Coal City’s presentation of Come From Away coincides with the 25th anniversary of September 11, making this production especially meaningful. The director, cast, crew, and creative team recognize the importance of telling this story—not only to remember the events of that day, but to share the extraordinary compassion and humanity that emerged in its aftermath.
The story will be told by a 20-member cast featuring Coal City High School students—Cora Armstong, Charlotte Banks, Bella Bartholomew, Alex Collins, Penny D’Arcy, Brody D’Orazio, Lexi Dearth, Theo Fritz, Maxx Kramer, Maddox Meents, Brady Pierson, Gabby VanDuyne, Cora Bill, Wyatt Chase, Ty Christoper, Gavin Clubb, Isabella Palacios, Eathyn Rivera, Cele Gordon and Jackson Hollis.
Come From Away opens Thursday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m., and continues with shows Saturday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at
“I truly believe this may be the most powerful and meaningful 90 minutes of theatre you will experience. It is a story we have the privilege of telling, and one we hope will stay with you long after the curtain falls,” Micetich said.
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