Were you one of the 7,000 travelers diverted after 9/11? Broadway wants to tell your story
The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical "Come From Away" tells an uplifting, true story of strangers coming together during one of the darkest periods in American history.
In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, 38 planes and approximately 7,000 passengers from around the world were diverted and grounded in Gander, a Canadian island community of 9,000 people off the North Atlantic.
Playing at The Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St. from Feb. 15-20, PNC Broadway in Louisville's touring production of "Come From Away," is based on real people and stories of the thousands of stranded airline passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.
Were you one of those people?
Prior to the Feb. 15 opening of "Come From Away," PNC Broadway in Louisville hopes to hear from Louisvillians who have a "Come From Away" story. If you were one of those passengers or know someone who was, reach out to Broadway in Louisville on Facebook (@BroadwayinLouisville) and share your story.
Real people from the town and the passengers from the grounded flights influenced the characters in the musical, which was created by David Hein and Irene Sankoff. The husband and wife team traveled to Gander where they spent hundreds of hours conducting interviews with local citizens and “come from aways” (the name Newfoundlanders give visitors — including the stranded passengers).
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The 2021-22 PNC Broadway in Louisville series, which includes "Come From Away," also features "Mean Girls," "Hamilton" and "Anastasia." Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 502-584-7777 or online at kentuckyperformingarts.org.
The annual series of Broadway shows is the Kentucky Center's economic engine and each show on the tour is subject to COVID-19 safety protocols in place for patrons, performers, crew, and staff. For patrons, those protocols include proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test and you will be required to wear a face mask for the duration of the performance.
Leslie Broecker, president of Midwest Broadway Across America, previously said the success of safely rebooking shows with hundreds of moving people and parts has been an intense process. Theaters across the country are working together to create "front of the house" systems to keep patrons safe, such as a touchless process for ticketing, parking passes, security and concessions plus enhanced air purification systems and cleaning procedures. "Back of the House" safety protocols for cast and crew members are equally important, especially since touring shows move from city to city across the country.
Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville.
'Come From Away'
WHAT: "Come From Away" tells the true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. On Sept. 11, 2001, the world stopped. On Sept.12, their stories moved us all.
WHERE: Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.
WHEN: Feb.15-20 The performance schedule is Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m., Saturday matinee at 2 p.m., Sunday matinee at 1 p.m., and Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
TICKETS: Available at kentuckyperformingarts.org or by calling 502-584-7777
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: PNC Broadway in Louisville 2022: 'Come From Away' tickets, dates
