Musical Depicting 9/11 Flight Diversion Experience Opens at Lincolnshire Theatre
A former Chicago resident is witnessing their 9/11 flight diversion experience depicted on stage as the musical "Come From Away" premieres at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.
Raleigh Durham, NC, September 10, 2026 — The acclaimed musical “Come From Away,” which recounts the experiences of passengers and crew whose flights were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001, has opened at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. The production allows a former Chicago resident to see their own experience from that day depicted on stage.
“Come From Away” is a musical with music, lyrics, and book by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. The show tells the true story of how 38 planes carrying almost 7,000 people were rerouted to the small town of Gander, located in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, during the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks. The residents of Gander opened their homes and community to the stranded passengers, fostering bonds that lasted long after the flights were able to resume their journeys.
The narrative highlights the human connections formed under extraordinary circumstances, focusing on acts of kindness and the spirit of community that emerged in response to the global crisis. While the summary indicates that a former Chicago resident is among those witnessing their experience brought to life, specific details regarding this individual, such as their name or the particular circumstances of their flight diversion, were not provided.
The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is now hosting this production, bringing the story of unexpected hospitality and resilience to a local audience. The musical has been recognized for its powerful storytelling and its ability to evoke a range of emotions, from the initial fear and uncertainty of the event to the profound sense of connection and gratitude experienced by those involved.
The exact dates of the premiere and the run of the show at the Marriott Theatre were not specified in the provided summary. Similarly, the specific flight or details of the former Chicago resident’s involvement in the events of 9/11 are not detailed.
Story summarized from the original created by WLS on abc7chicago.com, see more information here.
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