“Heartwarming,” “human,” “genuine” and “community” are among the words that come to mind to describe “Come From Away,” the Canadian-produced musical that just opened this week on Broadway after a preliminary tour across Canada and the U.S. The musical tells the story of how the small town of Gander, Newfoundland (about 10,000 people), with good cheer and resourcefulness, memorably accommodated during a week-long stretch the more than 6,500 air passengers from all over whose planes were unexpectedly diverted there following the 9/11 attacks.
The reader comments on the NY Times review of the production are striking by how moved people have been by this story. Having visited Newfoundland on multiple occasions, I can attest that the people of this ruggedly beautiful province are as sincerely friendly as this musical depicts.
O' Canada 
This kind of story makes me truly proud to be Canadian. Watching our lovely prime minister Trudeau attend the Broadway show makes me doubly so.
Yes. There’s a video ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Si2K5gKT0Ms ) that shows his down to earth nature in making some introductory remarks to the audience before the show. He sets a high standard.
Brett, heartwarming to me is your love for Canada. ❤ What drew you to Canada in the first place Brett?
I will have to check out this musical at some point. ❤
Diana xo
Hi, Diana, funny that you would ask with this post, as my very first visit to Canada many years ago was coincidentally to Newfoundland. Among the things that struck me then was the kind and determined spirit displayed by many of the people I met in this remote province in the aftermath of dealing with the then recent closing of the fisheries (to conserve a dwindling stock). Major changes and challenges followed but these people have heart that I admire. Kindred spirits, perhaps. 🙂
I am convinced that Newfoundlanders are the kindest and friendliest people on Earth Brett. Thanks for your response to my Question!
Delighted to hear the musical was such a success in New York.
Still – I’m afraid the words “political opportunist” come to mind when I hear the prime minister’s ingratiating remarks on this clip.
How many selfies did he take that evening? LOL!
Thanks for posting, Brett.
Thanks. I didn’t realize it had opened in New York.
So from a comment above I hear you are not Canadian, Brett? I HAVE BEEN DECEIVED!! 😀. I always read your posts from the WP reader so have never looked at your About Me page, if indeed you have one. I feel I should look, now!
Hi, Kate, I think I’ve fooled a lot of people that way! 🙂 All unintentional, but kinda funny too! We all have our passions and this one of mine (but not my only one) has helped me to learn a good bit about Canada over the years through travel, reading and writing. So much so, that even people at my workplace often think I’m Canadian until they learn otherwise (and then realize that I’m just odd that way 🙂 ). Best, Brett
It is wonderful that your passion is so well communicated to the wider world. It is blogs that exhibit such passion that are the most interesting and generally the longest lived. Keep it up, please, Brett!
Kate, thanks for your kind words. And you need to do the same with your wonderful blog! 🙂
Soldiering along! 😁
In the best possible way, as a brightly shining star! 🙂
Thanks! 😊
I’m unable to see my previous comment in which I forgot to say how joyous the song was. I hope the musical goes really well in the USA and makes it to Australia at some point.
Kate, that snippet captured a couple of rousing Celtic-inspired tunes, common to Newfoundland, and that music is joyous. It’s a good, human story and my guess is the musical will do quite well and will likely travel overseas.
I do hope so!
Brett, I enjoy your posts and will have to Follow so that I can see more. Being originally from Sweden, I can immediately recognize the “feel” of the rugged places you’ve photographed, the crispness in the air there. I live too far from the North now to be able to revisit it often enough, and would wilt immediately after just a few weeks among the cold rocks… 😉
Elinor, thanks! 🙂
What an incredible experience and so thankful Gander, Newfoundland were so accommodating! Thanks, Brett. Nice share!
They’re good people! 🙂
Ohh…this looks terrific!!! I would love to see it! Thanks for posting about it Brett!
🙂
Great post, Brett !!!!!!!!!!!!!
🙂