In a world that often feels divided, Come From Away explores a true story of compassion and community that feels more necessary than ever.
We spoke with Michael Barnard, Producing Artistic Director and director of Come From Away, about bringing the uplifting story of rerouted passengers and Gander residents during September 11, 2001 to our stage.
At its heart, the production is a powerful reminder of what can happen when strangers choose kindness, generosity, and connection in the face of uncertainty. Read about the incredible preparation Barnard and the cast took to honor this story.
Q: Tell us about Come From Away, the origins.
Barnard: Well, it is a true story. The day of 9/11 and, we certainly know what happened to the planes that flew into the Twin Towers. This story is about 38 other planes that were heading towards New York, and they were suddenly diverted to an airport in Gander, Newfoundland.
This little town of 7,000 people took in over 11,000 passengers. These passengers came from all over the world. It is the story of the population in Gander that, without asking for anything in return, fed them, clothed them, sheltered them, got them access to telephones, got them anything that they requested and needed, from toothbrushes, to you know, hygiene, etc.
It was one of the most remarkable things that’s ever transpired and taken place. And it is a true story of gratitude, caring, friendship, and the importance of respecting each other as human beings. And it’s funny, it’s poignant. It’ll rip at your heart. At the same time, it will make you laugh.
Q: How did you work with the cast to capture all the characters?
Barnard: It was really trying in casting to find individuals that had a unique skill to be able to alter from one character to another and make them distinct enough that you could tell that each role they played have their own personality, their own point of view, their own body language. There was a great deal of time spent on transference of character and physicality, beyond just dialect.
Q: How did you all prepare for the show?
Barnard: It is such a complex piece when you watch it. As an audience member, it seems simple enough. Easy enough. But I’ll tell you, it’s one of the hardest things an actor has been given to do, because they do all the scenic changes with these various chairs. They do all their own costume changes with the various costume pieces and props, etc. They have to know exactly where these chairs are being set up. There are 41 scenes in the show, and there are about 37 different locales, and each locale required them to move these 12 chairs in a different setup from a plane, to a bus, to a city hall, to a party in a local bar, to the Canadian Legion, etc.
It’s remarkable that they had to know how to do this, and they had to know how to move this furniture in the dark, and be precise about where they were landing. We spent a lot of time just going through the routine of moving and scenic set up. “How would a costume piece get passed off to you? Where would you get it from? Can you you have time to get it from off stage? Does it have to be hidden in a pocket, or a drawer of a table, or something like that? Can it be passed off by another actor?” All of this had to be negotiated and worked out so that they could then concentrate on being the character that they’re trying to portray at any particular time. It requires the ability to use your brain, in a variety of different ways. It’s extremely complex.
Q: What excites you specifically about this show?
Barnard: The storytelling for sure. And just how important this story is today, in today’s world. It is truly amazing to go back to a moment in our history that we all experienced from one point of view, from being here in America and watching those towers and the Pentagon, etc. be destroyed. We know the story of 9/11 that way. But, to understand and hear the humanity of these people and the caring about other people, and respecting other people for who they are and accepting them for whoever they are. No judgment being taken ever. Everybody was treated equally. It is a remarkable story in that regard.
Event Details
What: Come From Away
When: January 28 – March 29, 2026
Where: The Phoenix Theatre Company, Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J Stephenson Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Tickets: Available at www.phoenixtheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at (602) 254-2151
Click here for a PDF of the full article.
Click here to watch the full recording of the Director’s Download with Michael Barnard.
