Opening night was an incredible way to honor the 25th 9/11 anniverary. ❤️

COME FROM AWAY at the PHIPPS CENTER FOR THE ARTS in Hudson, Wisconsin, through SEPTEMBER 27, 2026.

Book, Music, and Lyrics by IRENE SANKOFF and DAVID HEIN
Directed by SEAN BYRD
Music direction by JC LIPPOLD
Choreography by LAURI KRAFT

The hit musical Come From Away is based on an inspiring true story from 9/11.

38 (yes 38) commercial aircraft were diverted to Gander International Airport in Newfoundland, Canada, when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) closed the U.S. airspace. Gander’s population was around 10,000 at the time, and with the “plane people” (an additional 7,000), it doubled. What could have been a disaster turned into an incredible human story of acceptance and love. The Gander townspeople didn’t just help; they embraced the plane people. Bonds were formed, unlikely connections turned into lifelong friendships, and love blossomed.

WELCOME TO THE ROCK at the PHIPPS CENTER FOR THE ARTS in Hudson, Wisconsin.

This was my first time visiting the Phipps Center for the Arts and my second time seeing Come From Away. I highly recommend both!

TICKETS to Come From Away

As we entered the theater, there was one empty chair on stage. One single chair with a powerful message. In Director Sean Byrd‘s opening statement, he shared that the chair is their way of honoring, remembering, and celebrating the lives that were tragically lost on September 11, 2001, and the many chairs that remained empty after that day. After his opening statements, we shared a moment of silence. Sean also mentioned that this is not a 9/11 story but a 9/12 story. And that really hit me. It’s a story of perserverance and how life continues through chaos.

The production starts with the song “Welcome to the Rock,” which immediately locks you in because of the beat and movement between singing, talking, and set changes. The song perfectly sets up the who, what, and where of Gander. From there the story continues to unfold just as it did for many of us that day. Ordinary moments burned into our memories through tragedy, shock, fear, and confusion.

I was impressed the first time I saw Come From Away and again this time with the extraordinary way this (at times scary and sad) story is told. It’s the contrast of evil and good, the intensity of how the story builds and the wonderment of what happens next, and then the release that comes with humor. It’s a microcosm of life, how judgement is taught, but our hearts are inherently good.

Come From Away is performed in the John H. Potter Theater.

Where to eat before a show at the PHIPPS CENTER FOR THE ARTS in Hudson, Wisconsin.

Hudson, Wisconsin, sits on the banks of the beautiful St. Croix River. We enjoyed dinner at Pier 500 which has a spacious patio with river views and delicous food. I loved the walleye. And when in Wisconsin, the cheese curds and New Glarus Spotted Cow is a must!

TICKETS to Come From Away

Run time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. No intermission.

© Tracy Blowers unless otherwise stated.