Roundup: COME FROM AWAY Plays Newfoundland Before Toronto and Broadway Runs

Come From Away, a new musical about what happened when 38 planes landed in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, following the September 11 attacks, is set to begin a Broadway run this coming spring, following a Toronto run beginning in November. As BroadwayWorld reported, before moving on to Toronto and the Great White Way, the musical made a stop to play two performances in the town where it all began. Below, check out the reactions to the emotional two-show run:

Chris Ensing, CBC News: Daphne Izer, who was born in Newfoundland, traveled from Maine to watch the show in Gander. "I wanted to come to Gander to see the play as opposed to going to Broadway in New York," said Izer. "Because this is where it all happened and I'm very pleased to be here, I'm just emotional right now." Izer was part of a crowd that waved an American flag during the finale on Saturday night as the crowd gave the cast a long standing ovation. "I've heard a lot about it and the didn't disappoint. They were great, they were awesome," said Izer, who said she can't believe a musical has been created about Newfoundland's response.

Sue Bailey, Flambourough Review: Long before the closing number of "Come From Away" was over, a sold-out crowd of almost 2,600 cheering Newfoundlanders was on its feet. They roared in appreciation as the cast of the hit musical en route to Broadway performed the first of two benefit concerts Saturday to thank the people of Gander and surrounding towns for their kindness after 9/11.

News desk, VOCM: For Gander Mayor Claude Elliott, it was a defining moment, not just for his town, but the surrounding communities that helped in the days following the events of September 11th, 2001. Elliott says it was overwhelming and something most communities could only ever dream of. Elliott says fifteen years ago, when the stranded passengers left, they never imagined this would ever happen.

J. Kelly Nestruck, The Globe and Mail: Regular waves of laughter of recognition followed at local references - from the town mascot Commander Gander to the Newfoundland delicacy known as toutons - and tears could be seen all around during the show's more emotional moments. A standing ovation began during the final number and lasted through the curtain call.