“Come From Away” Takes Flight in Linz, Reflecting on 9/11 and Newfoundland’s Kindness
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The critically acclaimed musical “Come From Away,” a poignant story of resilience and human connection in the wake of the September 11th attacks, premiered at the Landestheater Linz in Austria on November 15, 2025. The production, with a German translation by Sabine Ruflair, brings to life the true story of Gander, Newfoundland, and the remarkable hospitality shown to nearly 7,000 stranded passengers when US airspace was closed.
A Personal Connection to a Global Tragedy
The premiere carries a particularly resonant weight, as one attendee, identified as Helmut Huber, shared a deeply personal connection to the events of 9/11. Huber recounted being aboard a Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Washington, D.C. on that fateful day. He described the serene conditions at cruising altitude, unaware that the world was changing below. “Nobody on board knew that a jet had crashed into the World Trade Center at 2:46 p.m. Central European Summer Time, three minutes before the first picture was taken,” he recalled. Huber’s flight ultimately turned back to Frankfurt, narrowly avoiding the fate of dozens of othre planes diverted to Gander.
Gander: An Unlikely Haven
Gander, Newfoundland, a town founded in 1936 to support transatlantic air travel, found itself thrust into the global spotlight on September 11, 2001. Originally established as a refueling station and, during World War II, a vital base for the Western Allies, the airport had largely become obsolete with the advent of longer-range aircraft.Though, its expansive facilities proved crucial when 38 flights, carrying approximately 7,000 passengers, were unexpectedly grounded. The local population, roughly equal in number to the stranded travelers, rose to the occasion, providing food, shelter, and unwavering support.
The musical, which ran for 1,669 performances on Broadway after premiering in 2017 and received seven Tony nominations – winning for Best director – captures the essence of this unusual outpouring of kindness. It’s a story built on “a wealth of strange, funny, touching, turbulent and desperate anecdotes,” according to one review.
A Breathtaking Ensemble Performance
The Linz production features an ensemble cast of 13 performers, including Alexandra-Yoana Alexandrova, astrid Nowak, and Max Niemeyer, tackling around 35 roles. Critics lauded the cast’s technical prowess and emotional depth. “They manage this huge workload, technically absolutely flawlessly down to the last detail, including seamless personality changes often only for one or two sentences, but they also capture the emotions of the audience in this whirlwind of impressions,” one observer noted.
The production’s success also hinges on its dynamic staging and musical direction. Director Matthias Davids and choreographer kim Duddy have crafted a performance that is both sensitive and engaging.The music, described as “catchy, mainly in the folk rock genre,” complements the narrative without overshadowing it. The orchestra, dubbed “The Newfound shreekers,” is led by Tom Bitterlich, who also contributes on the accordion.
Minimalist Stage Design, Maximum impact
The stage design, by Andrew D. Edwards, departs from his typically elaborate historical sets, opting for a simpler, more versatile approach. A revolving stage and projections by Gregor Eisenmann effectively convey the vastness of the ocean surrounding Newfoundland. Costumes, designed by Adam No, strike a balance between realism and practicality, facilitating quick changes. Lighting, managed by Florian Menzl, further enhances the atmosphere.
While the musical may not be a conventional plot-driven narrative, the Linz production delivers “an overwhelming ensemble performance, which alone is reason enough to visit.” The audience’s keen response at the premiere underscored the enduring power of this story, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the extraordinary kindness found in unexpected places.
