January 19, 2026 - 164 views
This week, Powerplay Musical Theatre Company proudly presents the award-winning musical 'Come From Away' at Theatr Colwyn, bringing a truly uplifting story to the local stage.
'Come From Away' recounts the extraordinary true story of 38 planes unexpectedly grounded in Gander, Newfoundland on 11 September 2001. With a population of just 10,000, Gander found itself welcoming nearly 7,000 stranded passengers – nearly doubling its size for almost a week until US airspace reopened following the tragic events in New York.
The production is based on real-life accounts, with writers having visited Gander on the 10th anniversary to interview both locals and the so-called 'come-from-aways' about their remarkable experiences. The result is a moving, authentic portrayal of genuine people and their stories.
At its heart, this is a powerful tale of community spirit, compassion, and resilience, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, kindness can shine through when people unite.
The Powerplay cast consider it a privilege to bring such an inspirational narrative to life, telling the real stories of those involved. One cast member reflected, "It's been a unique experience portraying a real person, and we've worked tirelessly to honour them and their story with authenticity and respect."
Among those whose experiences are depicted is Kevin Tuerff, one of the original 'come-from-aways'. Inspired by the generosity he encountered in Gander, Kevin went on to establish 'Pay it Forward 9/11', an organisation dedicated to encouraging acts of kindness in memory of those lost, and in celebration of the spirit of community and selflessness he experienced.
Embracing the ethos of the show, Powerplay's cast have themselves undertaken 38 random acts of kindness – one for each plane that landed in Gander. Their efforts have included paying for strangers' shopping, leaving uplifting notes for others to find, volunteering at animal shelters, donating essentials to families in need, supporting students with reading, and providing meals for the homeless.
Many cast members remarked on how rewarding it felt to give back, noting that even the smallest gestures can have a profound impact.
As a final act of kindness before the curtain falls, the company is inviting audience members and the wider community to support the local foodbank by bringing donations of non-perishable food to the performances. A collection box will be available in the foyer prior to each show on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. With tickets selling briskly, Powerplay hopes to make a meaningful difference for families in need.
For those wishing to experience this inspirational production, 'Come From Away' runs from 22nd to 24th January at Theatr Colwyn.
Don't miss your chance to witness a celebration of humanity, hope, and the extraordinary power of community.
