On the day of the Sept. 11 attacks, hundreds of flights were diverted after U.S. airspace was shut down. “Come From Away,” a musical currently showing at the Citizens Opera House, tells the story of how one small Newfoundland town handled 38 planes' worth of passengers who found themselves suddenly and unexpectedly stranded.
On Tuesday, “Come From Away” actor Marika Aubrey visited the Boston Public Library to talk about the show, and the heartwarming real-world story it’s based on.
"I think we all are looking for stories that remind us of what it is to be human, and to be big-hearted,” Aubrey said. “It’s not about politics, it's about kindness and compassion … and about looking after one another.”
Aubrey also touched on the close relationship she developed with Beverly Bass, who she plays in the musical. “It’s a very rare, and weird, and wonderful experience,” she said. “She says that before I sing her song in the show she gets a little bit nervous. … ‘Oh, here it comes!’"
During the real-life event in 2001, the town of Gander, Newfoundland, saw its population nearly double for the five days that flights were halted. Rather than turn passengers away, the town's residents opened their doors and welcomed people into their homes.
“It was kindness and generosity at a time when that was very difficult to be kind and generous," Aubrey said.
“Come From Away” is the winner of the 2017 Tony for Best Direction of a Musical, and is currently showing at the Citizens Opera House through November 17.
