“Come From Away” arrives in Hershey
Coming to Hershey on December 26 - 31, 2023
By Marquis Lupton
Aired; December 20th, 2023.
“Come From Away,” set to grace the Hershey Theatre from December 26th to the 31st, vividly brings to life the extraordinary events that unfolded in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Grounded in reality, the musical delves into the heartwarming narrative of Gander, Newfoundland, a small town that became an unexpected haven for 7,000 stranded passengers. When the Federal Aviation Administration abruptly closed airspace on that fateful morning, numerous planes were diverted to nearby airports, including Gander.
The production captures the essence of the true story, highlighting the resilience and compassion of the townspeople as they rallied to accommodate the unexpected influx of visitors. At the center of this narrative is the real-life Mayor of Gander, Claude Elliott, portrayed by actor Andrew Hendrick. Elliott, who served as mayor from 1996 to 2017, seamlessly juggled his civic duties with a full-time role as a paramedic at Gander’s Memorial Hospital.
“Come From Away” paints a compelling portrait of human connection and kindness in the face of adversity. The musical celebrates the spirit of a small community that opened its doors and hearts to strangers during a challenging moment in history. As audiences immerse themselves in this poignant tale, they are invited to witness the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of unity in the face of unexpected circumstances.
