Lessons from Come From Away written by the Queen on March 31st, 2022. This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
Know Before You Watch Come From Away on Apple TV
Movie: Come From Away
Genre: Musical, Drama, Comedy
Length: 1 hrs 46 mins
Age suggested: 10 and up
Where to Stream: Apple TV
Release Date: (Streaming) September 10th, 2021
Warnings: Death, loss, rough language, prejudice, sexual conversations/topics **Those that experienced trauma on September 11th might want to read a full summary of the play before deciding if seeing it is right for them**
Come From Away Summary
Come From Away is an extremely uplifting musical based on the true story of 7,000+ people from planes that were grounded at Gander, Newfoundland on 9/11/2001. The ‘islanders’ who helped and cared for them locally. And how they both coped while the air space was closed. Come From Away shares with us hope in the midst of fear. The hope that Mr. Rogers directed us to see. “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping”.
5 Heartwarming Lessons from Come From Away
People Can Come Together During Tough Times
More than the food and shelter the islanders provided to the “plane people,” it was the comfort and companionship that helped the most and was remembered the longest. It is these relationships that are celebrated most in Come From Away.
Even During the Toughest Times There are Moments of Levity, Hope, and Faith.
It feels very strange writing the word “comedy” next to drama on the genre line of this review. Even when things are the hardest, however, there are moments of laughter that help us de-stress, regulate, and get us through. Like Beulah telling Hannah bad jokes to distract her from waiting by the phone. Or the Screech In ceremonies at the bars. We also loved the moment in Channel of Peace when you saw people of all different faith traditions praying together.
Continue reading for more lessons from Come from Away
In the Biggest Disasters, Everyone Can Be a Helper
When more than 7,000 people land in any town needing help, there is something everyone can do. People needed blankets, pillows, food, diapers, and at one point, the helpers realized they even need people to clean the bathrooms!
Separation and Dehumanization from Fear is insidious
Bonnie could not get to the animals to help them because of an understandable fear of what might have been in the cargo hold on the planes. Ali is forced to undergo a body search leaving Gander and isn’t allowed to help in the kitchen initially because of the correlation people made between Muslim’s and terrorists. (And still do! While many American’s felt a sense of heightened comradery after 9/11, many Middle Eastern citizens felt growing bigotry and isolation. Harvard article). Once people got to know each other, they became more human and there was less isolation. Which leads into our final lesson…
Years Later, Friendships Developed from Helping Others are What We Remember Most
The “plane people” kept in touch with the islanders who helped them on 9/11 and the days after. They wrote them letters, sent them money to repay them for all the food and groceries they provided, and even had reunions where they came back to visit. And their stories of friendship have impacted thousands of lives. And continue to impact people through this beautiful musical.
Come From Away Discussion Questions
- Did Come From Away give you new perspective on any of the occurrences of 9/11?
- Who was your favorite character?
- Many of those whose stories were told are now more involved in community service, specifically helping refugees. Does their story change your perspective on refugees at all?
- Which of the songs did you feel was the most emotionally impactful? The most impressive?
- How do you respond to stress- which character did you relate to most in that way?
Come From Away Resources
Come From Away extras to check out…
- Article on the real people who inspired the shows characters
- How the musical and event changed their lives
- Check out Kevin Tuerff’s Pay It Forward initiative
- The ‘I am an Islander’ initiative to connect kids to their communities with a free study guide.
- Everyday Money has a great article on organizations still working with victims and their families.
- Check out more from RAICES on how you can get involved in helping refugees.
Reading Resources
- Me and the Sky: Captain Beverley Bass, Pioneering Pilot
- The Day the World Came to Town Updated Edition: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland
Thanks for reading our Lessons from Come From Away. Check out some of our related content:
–In the Heights Movie Adaptation Review
–West Side Story Discussion Questions and Review
–Hamilton Parent Review
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