A small town on the eastern Canadian shore suddenly became an international refuge when 38 planes carrying 7,000 passengers were diverted on September 11, 2001. Unfazed, the people of Gander, Newfoundland, provided not only the essential comforts of food and shelter but a profound sense of joy and shared humanity that turned thousands of strangers into a lifelong family.

A preshow talk is offered in the West Lobby 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Listen to the original Broadway cast recording on Spotify Recommended reading: The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede.

Tickets are currently only available as part of a season ticket package. Individual show tickets will go on sale in summer 2026.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please fill out this form. We have Playhouse donors who have generously supported a limited number of pay-what-you-can tickets for distribution. Requests should be made prior to opening night.

Performance Times:

7:30 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays & 2:00 PM Sundays

Theatre:

Signature Series in the John Viars Theatre

Run Time:

TBD

Content Advisory:

The Playhouse does not rate subject matter as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have questions about content, age appropriateness, or other aspects of the show (ie strobe lights and other theatrical effects), please contact the ticket office at 515.277.6261.