Berkeley Playhouse - The Golden Bay Times

Come From Away / Musical

On September 11, 2001, the quiet Canadian town of Gander, Newfoundland, suddenly becomes the unlikely destination for thousands of airline passengers whose journeys have been interrupted by an unprecedented international emergency. With American airspace closed following the terrorist attacks, dozens of aircraft are diverted to the remote community, leaving travelers from around the world stranded far from their intended destinations. For Gander's residents, the unexpected arrival presents an enormous challenge. How does a small town provide food, shelter, transportation, and reassurance to so many strangers practically overnight? The answer begins with extraordinary generosity, remarkable resourcefulness, and a willingness to treat visitors like lifelong neighbors. As anxious passengers confront uncertainty, language barriers, and troubling news from home, friendships develop over shared meals, improvised accommodations, music, and conversations that reveal surprising common ground. Inspired by actual events and the experiences of real people, Come From Away transforms an extraordinary chapter of recent history into a moving theatrical celebration of human kindness. Its energetic folk-rock score, infused with Celtic musical influences, brings warmth and personality to a story that balances difficult emotions with unexpected laughter, unforgettable characters, and the comforting reminder that compassion can emerge when the world feels most uncertain.