Come from Away Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Global tragedy reroutes confused travelers to a tiny Canadian island where locals accidentally host a giant, unexpected, very polite party.

🍿 Come from Away: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Day the World Came to Town

On September 11, 2001, as terrorist attacks unfolded, all U.S. airspace was closed. Thirty-eight international flights were diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, suddenly doubling the local population with nearly 7,000 stranded passengers. The musical captures the confusion and uncertainty of the passengers, dubbed “come from aways,” as they learn about the attacks and are unsure of when they’ll be able to go home. It also introduces the residents of Gander and surrounding communities grappling with the logistics of accommodating thousands of unexpected guests.

Kindness in Crisis

The heart of the story lies in the extraordinary generosity of the people of Gander and neighboring towns. They opened their homes, schools, and community centers to shelter, feed, and support the stranded travelers. Over the next few days, deep bonds formed between the locals and the “come from aways.” The show highlights various true stories of connection, cultural exchange, and shared humanity amidst the global tragedy.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Claude Elliott (Joel Hatch): The kind and steadfast mayor of Gander who coordinates the town’s massive humanitarian effort.
• Beverley Bass (Jenn Colella): A pioneering female pilot who recounts the emotional experience of being grounded on 9/11.
• Hannah O’Rourke (Q. Smith): An anxious mother who spends her time in Gander desperately seeking news about her firefighter son in New York City.
• Nick Marson (Jim Walton): A British businessman who unexpectedly finds romance with a fellow passenger while stranded in Gander.
• Diane Mooring (Sharon Wheatley): A Texan woman who forms a deep connection and romance with a British passenger during their involuntary stay in Gander.
• Ali (Caesar Samayoa): An Egyptian man who experiences suspicion and prejudice from some while finding unexpected kindness from others in Gander.
• Janice Mosher (Emily Walton): A young, inexperienced local reporter who documents the extraordinary events unfolding in her town.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Company: “Welcome to the Rock!” – Sung repeatedly by the people of Gander welcoming the ‘come from aways’ to Newfoundland.
• Beverley Bass: “I wasn’t supposed to be in the sky that day.” – Beverley Bass, one of the first female airline captains, reflects on her unexpected situation and her lifelong passion for flying in her solo ‘Me and the Sky’.
• Company: “Somewhere in the middle of nowhere.” – A recurring phrase describing the passengers’ realization that they are stranded in the tiny, unexpected location of Gander.
• Company: “Who am I if I don’t feel like the me from yesterday?” – Passengers sing this questioning their identity and sense of self after the traumatic events and being stranded far from home.
• Claude Elliott: “We’re lookin’ after ’em. They needed help.” – Mayor Claude Elliott explains simply but profoundly why the town of Gander is going to such lengths to care for the stranded passengers.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Come from Away Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I finally watched the filmed version of ‘Come From Away’ and wow, just wow. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a musical about 9/11, but it tells the story from such a different, hopeful perspective. It focuses on the incredible kindness shown by the people of Gander. I felt so many emotions watching it – laughing at the humor, tearing up during the moments of confusion and fear, and just feeling overwhelmingly uplifted by the end. The way the small cast transforms into so many different characters right before your eyes is just magic. The music gets into your head! ‘Welcome to the Rock’ is such a powerful opening, and Beverly Bass’s song ‘Me and the Sky’ gave me chills. It really highlighted how a terrible event brought out the very best in people. I came away feeling a little bit better about the world and seriously wanting to visit Newfoundland.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Broadway musicals”
  • “Viewers interested in stories of human kindness and community”
  • “Those seeking an uplifting perspective on the aftermath of 9/11”
  • “People interested in Canadian culture and history”
  • “Audiences who appreciate strong ensemble performances”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Deals with the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks (focuses on the positive human response, not graphic depictions of the attacks)”
  • “Implied themes of grief and uncertainty related to the event”

Professional Reviews

• User Review: “This live recording is fantastic, showcasing a truly collaborative musical about 9/11 from an optimistic angle. It’s a great way for younger audiences to learn about the day. The cast is fabulous, direction great, and the music is catchy, emotional, and honors Newfoundland. The compact, intermission-less format and multi-role casting are clever. It blends real stories into one heartwarming narrative. A must-watch on AppleTV+.
• User Review: “While glad it was filmed, the camera work is just serviceable. The ensemble is impressive with actors playing multiple roles seamlessly. However, the choreography felt stiff, the script cliched, and most songs unmemorable, aside from Jenn Colella’s solo. It’s an earnest, uplifting story based on truth, but lacks depth and feels broad and predictable. It’s like a nice, simple human-interest piece, perhaps best for tourists seeing the 9/11 Memorial. It’s fine, but the songs don’t stick.
• User Review: “”Come From Away” is a genuinely heartwarming and inspiring film capturing incredible kindness after 9/11. The Broadway musical adaptation beautifully portrays the stranded passengers welcomed by Gander, Newfoundland. It conveys isolation and fear but also immense community support. Performances are outstanding, particularly Jenn Colella and Caesar Samayoa. The music blends folk and Broadway styles, catchy and moving. It’s a must-watch that leaves you uplifted, reminding us hope and humanity shine even in tragedy.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were deeply moved by the story of kindness and community in the face of tragedy.: Many praised the talented ensemble cast for playing multiple roles seamlessly, the emotional impact of the story, the catchy and moving music, and the uplifting message about humanity.

Overall Consensus: Overwhelmingly positive, praised for its heartwarming true story, talented cast, emotional depth, and hopeful portrayal of human kindness in the aftermath of 9/11.

Awards

1. Tony Award (Best Direction of a Musical)- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was originally intended to be a traditional feature film shot on location in Newfoundland with local extras, but these plans were changed to a live recording of the Broadway production due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

🖥️ How to Watch Come from Away?

The filmed stage production of “Come from Away” is available for streaming exclusively on Apple TV+. You may need a subscription to access it. Digital purchase and rental options may also be available on platforms where Apple content is sold.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Come from Away, you might like these similar films:

• Hamilton (2020): Like ‘Come from Away’, this is a professionally filmed stage production of a highly acclaimed Broadway musical, capturing the energy and performances for a wider audience.
• Waking Ned Devine (1998): This film, also set in a small community dealing with an unexpected event (a lottery win), shares a similar heartwarming tone, focus on ensemble characters, and celebrates community spirit.
• United 93 (2006): While starkly different in tone and focus, this film provides the historical context of the 9/11 attacks, making the events in ‘Come from Away’ even more impactful.
• Paddington 2 (2017): Though a different genre, this film embodies themes of overwhelming kindness, community welcoming an outsider, and finding the good in people, much like the spirit of Gander.
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006): This ensemble road trip comedy-drama focuses on a diverse group of characters navigating unexpected circumstances together, finding connection and warmth amidst chaos and challenges.

🛒 Come from Away Related Products

• Come From Away: Original Broadway Cast Recording: Experience the powerful, folk-infused score of the hit musical featuring the original Broadway cast. This album captures the energy and emotion of the show’s unique sound.
• The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland: The non-fiction book by Jim DeFede that tells the true stories of the stranded passengers and Gander residents, which inspired the musical.
• Come From Away Official Merchandise (T-Shirts, Mugs): Official apparel and items featuring the musical’s logo or iconic imagery.
• Come From Away Broadway Playbill or Poster: Authentic Playbill from the Broadway production or official show poster.

🎧 Soundtrack

Come from Away features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Welcome to the Rock” – performed by Joel Hatch & ‘Come From Away’ Company

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

“Come From Away” | How The Broadway Hit Was Made

Ever wonder how this incredible story made it to the stage? This video gives you a peek behind the curtain, and honestly, learning about the musical’s journey makes the film even more special.

Real-life Come From Away pilot describes 9/11 in Gander

You know that amazing pilot character in the show? Here’s the *real* woman, Beverley Bass, sharing her actual experience in Gander – hearing her tell it is seriously moving and adds so much depth.

COME FROM AWAY Film Review | 10 Moments That Made Me Cry

Thinking about watching the filmed version or just finished it? Check out this review that breaks down some of the most emotional moments – I bet you felt them too!

Come From Away – Curtain Call (Toronto)

Get a taste of what it’s like to be in the room for the live show’s emotional ending! Watching the cast take their bow after performing this story is genuinely heartwarming.

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