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| Awesome show, would rank this a close second after “Hamilton.” |
Some information about "Come From Away" which I typed up from a booklet I got from the Visit Gander, Newfoundland booth at the travel show:
On September 11, 2001, North American airspace was closed to all commercial flights due to the terrorist incident in the U.S. As a result, 255 passenger aircraft were diverted to 17 Canadian airport; of these, 34 came to Gander, with about 6,600 passengers and crew. In addition, four military flights were also diverted, for a total of 38 aircraft. Passengers came from 95 countries, with differing cultures, dietary and religious needs, and customs.
All checked baggage had to be left on board the aircraft; passengers were only allowed to take their carry-on baggage. So in addition to needing food, nutrition and shelter, many passengers also required clothing, as well as medications and baby needs. The towns of Gander, Gambo, Glovertown, Glenwood, Appleton, Norris Arm, Benton and Lewisporte stepped up to the task and fulfilled all these needs. passengers were provided shelter in schools, churches, halls, and private residences.
Over the course of 5 days, local groups and residents tended to the needs of about 6,600 anxious people, often working around the clock to do so. In addition, entertainment was provided, including boat rides, hikes, parties, BBQs, and of course, Screech-Ins. Kosher and vegetarian meals were required and prepared, a place was arranged for Muslim and Jewish Passengers to pray, and even 17 dogs/cats and 2 Bonobo chimpanzees were given care by the SPCA. Locals did their best to ensure the "Plane People" had everything they needed.
As the last of the aircraft flew out of Gander on September 15th, Gander and the nearby towns started to return to normal. Schools reopened, people went back to their daily routines, and Gander seemed a bit empty. New friendships had been forged, and many would keep in contact even to this day.
In 2001, Gander's population was 9,651. Adding 6,600 passengers mean a population increase of nearly 70% in just a few hours.
In the years since 2001, Gander received hundreds of thank you cards, letters, and photos from not only the passengers, but also from people who had seen the media coverage, especially on American prime time specials. This led to heightened interest in Gander and an increase in visitors.
In 2012, Gander and the area's assistance during 9/11 hit the stage at Sheridan College, Ontario. Written by David Hein and Irene Sankoff, based on a 2011 visit to Gander, success of the musical, "Come From Away" was immediate, and in 2017, the show debuted on Broadway to rave reviews. "Come From Away" became a phenomenon that continues to sell out in New York, Toronto, London, Dublin, and Sydney - as well as across America with the touring company. The success has meant a strong increase in local tourism, along with considerable media coverage and a new global awareness of the hospitality of Newfoundlanders.
And after talking to all the nice people from Eastern Canada at the Travel Show and then seeing the show, Newfoundland has been moved to close to the top of my list of places to visit.
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| dinner in Chinatown with Jeff and Andrew |
