As the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks approaches, Waco Civic Theatre is telling a story about what happened in the days immediately afterward — and the unexpected acts of kindness that followed.
The theater’s newest production, "Come From Away," opens Thursday and tells the true story of 38 passenger planes that were diverted to Gander International Airport in Newfoundland after airspace across the United States was shut down.
The unexpected arrivals nearly doubled the population of the small Canadian town overnight.
Kelly MacGregor, executive director of Waco Civic Theatre and director of the production, said the show captures the uncertainty people felt in the aftermath of the attacks.
“In those days after 9/11, we were all so immersed in the impact, like what happens next?” MacGregor said.
But, she said, it also captures the feeling when strangers come together after tragedy.
“I’ve rarely encountered a show or a story that is so full of hope and heart as this one," she said.
The production also takes an unconventional approach to staging. Instead of keeping the action primarily on a stage in front of the audience, much of the show happens around the theater - something MacGregor calls the "reverse round."
MacGregor said Waco Civic Theatre’s decision to open the show during the 25th anniversary of 9/11 was intentional.
“Trying to remember something like that in its true form, in a realistic look at the light side and the dark side, the unity and the disunity. This story tells that, but then how we can land on the side of hope,” she said.
Cathy Hawes, who plays American Airlines Capt. Beverly Bass, said the story highlights one of the many acts of generosity that came out of the tragedy.
“These people of Gander asked no questions. They opened their hearts, their arms, their homes to strangers from all over the world,” Hawes said.
MacGregor described that response as “irrational hospitality.”
“But then ask yourself, ‘Well, why does it have to be, uh, irrational? Why is it radical? And why can’t it be normal? Why can’t it be something that we just do?’” she said.
The first two performances will include special talkback sessions to commemorate the anniversary. On Sept. 10, a Canadian ambassador will open the show, followed by a question-and-answer session hosted by historian Brad Livingstone.
Waco attorney J.D. Rassetar, who was in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, will share his experience before the theater’s anniversary performance on the 11th.
“It was a terrible point in the history of the country, but it was also kind of a, a great moment in some respects too,” Rassetar said.
Waco Civic Theatre is among the first community theaters to stage "Come From Away." The production runs for three weekends beginning Sept. 10.
For more information and tickets, visit wacocivictheatre.com.
DISCLAIMER: Waco Civic Theatre is a financial supporter of KWBU. KWBU is a community-supported, public radio station that is donor-supported. Financial supporters play no role in our journalism or reporting decisions.
