The Tony Award-winning musical tells the remarkable true story of what happened in the small community of Gander, Newfoundland, in the chaotic hours following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, when 38 commercial airplanes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were diverted to the remote Canadian town after U.S. airspace was abruptly closed. What followed became one of the most extraordinary stories of compassion to emerge from one of the darkest days in modern American history.
For five days, residents of Gander and surrounding Newfoundland communities suddenly found themselves hosting thousands of complete strangers from around the world. Locals opened schools, churches, community centers and their own homes, providing stranded travelers with food, clothing, shelter, medicine and comfort while families waited anxiously for news and the aviation system slowly began moving again.
Rather than focusing primarily on the terror attacks themselves, Come From Away tells the story of the unexpected relationships that formed in their aftermath, transforming an enormous logistical crisis into a deeply human story about generosity, grief, humor, fear and the connections capable of forming between strangers under extraordinary circumstances.
The timing of Moonlight's production gives the musical additional resonance. Its opening week coincides with the 25th anniversary of September 11, and Moonlight is dedicating the production to those killed in the attacks, their families, first responders and others whose lives were forever changed that day.
“Come From Away is a powerful way to conclude The Moonlight's 45th anniversary season, particularly as we mark 25 years since the events of Sept. 11, 2001,” said Moonlight Producing Artistic Director Steven Glaudini. “Through its extraordinary true story of compassion, connection and hope, this musical reminds us that even in humanity's darkest moments, kindness can shine.”
There is also a particularly significant San Diego connection behind this production. Director Geno Carr was part of the world-premiere production of Come From Away at La Jolla Playhouse and subsequently performed in the musical more than 1,200 times on Broadway. He now returns to the story from the other side of the stage, directing Moonlight's new production with an unusually intimate understanding of the material.
“We are especially honored to have Geno Carr direct this production, bringing insight and heart he gained through more than 1,200 Broadway performances and his involvement in the musical's world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse,” Glaudini said.
Before Come From Away became an international theatrical phenomenon, its creators Irene Sankoff and David Hein traveled to Newfoundland in 2011 for events commemorating the 10th anniversary of September 11. There, they interviewed residents of Gander along with passengers and flight crews who had returned for a reunion. Those firsthand stories became the foundation for the show's characters, dialogue and songs.
The musical eventually premiered at San Diego's La Jolla Playhouse in 2015 before making its way through additional productions and arriving on Broadway in 2017. It earned seven Tony Award nominations, winning the award for Best Direction of a Musical, and ultimately ran for more than 1,600 Broadway performances while spawning touring and international productions around the world.
Its unconventional structure helps distinguish Come From Away from more traditional Broadway musicals. A relatively small ensemble rapidly shifts among numerous characters, portraying stranded travelers, local residents, pilots, journalists and others whose lives intersect during those five remarkable days.
The story moves quickly, often shifting from heartbreak to humor within moments, while a Celtic-influenced score reflects Newfoundland's musical traditions and gives the production an energy that contrasts with its somber historical backdrop.
Songs including “Welcome to the Rock,” “Me and the Sky,” “Blankets and Bedding,” “Prayer” and “Something's Missing” help recount individual experiences while gradually revealing the larger story of a community that suddenly nearly doubled in population.
At Moonlight, the cast includes Bryan Barbarin, Gerilyn Brault, Tym Brown, Nancy Snow Carr, Lena Ceja, Berto Fernández, Jason Guffey, Lulu Lloyd, Anthony Methvin, Rebecca Murillo, Melissa Musial, Kürt Norby, Meghan O'Brien Lowery, Nick Siljander, Erin Vanderhyde and Eli Wood.
The production represents a dramatically different finale from the shows that preceded it during Moonlight's anniversary year. The company's 2026 season opened with the jukebox spectacle The Cher Show, followed by the contemporary Broadway comedy Mean Girls and the family-oriented fantasy Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. August brought a lavish revival of the Golden Age classic Guys and Dolls, which returned to the Moonlight stage after an 18-year absence.
Now Come From Away closes that five-show season with a considerably more intimate story centered not around fantasy, celebrity or romantic comedy, but ordinary people confronting an almost unimaginable moment in history. It is also a fitting showcase for the type of theatrical experience Moonlight has cultivated over the past 45 years.
Located amid Brengle Terrace Park in Vista, Moonlight Amphitheatre combines large-scale professional musical productions and live music with an open-air setting where audiences can arrive early, picnic and dine before watching the stage illuminate as daylight fades over North County. That environment may be particularly suited to a show built around the idea of community.
Come From Away runs September 9-26 at 7:30pm at the Moonlight Amphitheatre, located at 1250 Vale Terrace Drive in San Diego's North County city of Vista. Gates open at 6pm for picnicking and dining. The Friday, September 18 performance will feature American Sign Language interpretation with designated orchestra seating available for guests seeking an optimal view of the interpreters.
Tickets range from $21-$71, with discounts available for seniors, students and military. For tickets and additional information, visit moonlightstage.com.
Originally published on September 5, 2026.
