Come From Away: One-Night-Only Performance At The Lincoln Memorial

Come From Away, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical is set for a one-night-only performance live from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to mark the 20^th anniversary of 9/11. Following a break from the coronavirus pandemic restrictions that closed the show, the musical will be hosted outside in a free concert show come rain or shine.

Come From Away – the story behind the musical

The show was created to tell the stories of real people in the immediate wake of 9/11 – of the 7,000 passengers who were left stranded in Canada upon the grounding of flights and shutdown of American airspace on September 11 2001. In the small town of Gander in Newfoundland, these passengers were welcomed by the local townspeople who rallied round to comfort and look after the travellers who had been grounded. Gander’s population doubled with the addition of the new visitors, and the show highlights the many emotions they collectively shared through their experiencing of the tragedy together. This is their story.

Come From Away delves into the profound themes and reactions spawned from the darkest period in recent American history, including the prejudice that immediately faced Muslims in North America, and conversely, the kindness of strangers and sense of community brought on by the tragedy. Following a return to normal life, the aftermath of the events is experienced by the characters differently, and the show’s finale ends with a bittersweet reunion of the crew and passengers who assemble in Gander ten years later to celebrate the friendships and connections they formed.

The book, music and lyrics were written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, while music supervision was by Ian Eisendrath. The show was choreographed by Kelly Devine, and directed by Christopher Ashley.

The characters in the musical were created by Sankoff and Hein, based on real residents and passengers – some even sharing the real names of the people they were inspired by. The show’s reception has been one of huge critical success since its first semi-professional production in 2013, before eventually reaching both Broadway and London’s West End. The musical has received nominations and subsequently won some of the most prestigious awards in the Arts, and is universally perceived as a story of hope, and humanity triumphing over hate.

Come From Away – The one-night-only show

The outdoor concert on Friday, September 10 2021 will mark 20 years since 9/11 and is set to be a free, ticketless performance available to all. Hosted on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, the show will be the first performance in the United States since March 2020.

The event will be modified for the outdoor setting by including minimal props and costumes as compared to the theatre shows, and preparations have been made to ensure the event can take place come rain or shine.

The performance is 100 minutes with no intermission and is recommended for ages 10 and up. Audiences are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs and water for comfort, and are urged to leave folding tables, pets, alcohol, glass, hazardous materials and firearms at home.

To read more about the show’s background, and a full list of guidance and rules for audiences, visit the Ford’s Theatre website.

To plan your trip to attend what is certain to be an emotive and poignant show, visit the Lincoln Memorial webpage for details on how to get there and relevant information.

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