You’ve probably heard the hype. Maybe a friend told you they cried in a darkened theater, or you saw a stray 9/11 anniversary post that mentioned a tiny town in Newfoundland. But honestly, seeing Come From Away Cincinnati at the Aronoff Center is a whole different beast than just hearing about it. It’s loud. It’s fast. It’s 100 minutes of pure, unadulterated adrenaline and empathy that doesn't even give you an intermission to check your phone.
Most people expect a somber, tragic memorial. It isn't that.
The show tells the true story of 7,000 "come from aways"—travelers from across the globe—who were grounded in Gander, Newfoundland, when the U.S. airspace closed on September 11, 2001. The town's population basically doubled overnight. What followed wasn't a political debate or a military drama. It was a massive, chaotic, and deeply human effort to feed, clothe, and house thousands of frightened strangers.
The Real Gander Story Behind the Cincinnati Tour
When the touring production hits Cincinnati, people often ask if the characters are real. They are. Captain Beverley Bass? Real. She was the first female captain for American Airlines, and her song "Me and the Sky" is a literal biography of her career trajectory and the heartbreak of seeing her beloved planes used as weapons.
The "Islander" hospitality you see on stage isn't an exaggeration for the sake of Broadway flash. Gander had a massive international airport because, back in the day, planes needed to refuel before crossing the Atlantic. By 2001, the airport was mostly quiet. Then, 38 planes dropped out of the sky.
The Cincinnati audience gets a front-row seat to the logistical nightmare. Imagine trying to find 7,000 beds in a town of 9,000. You can't. So they used schools, legions, and private living rooms. They didn't just give them a place to sleep; they gave them their car keys. Seriously. Local Newfoundlanders would leave their keys in the ignition so the "plane people" could get around. It's the kind of radical trust that feels almost alien today.
Why the Aronoff Center is the Perfect Venue
There is something specific about the acoustics at the Aronoff’s Procter & Gamble Hall. Because Come From Away Cincinnati relies heavily on a "folk-rock" or "celtic-rock" score, the clarity of the band matters. The band—the "buddies"—isn't hidden in a pit. They are right there on stage.
You’ve got a bodhrán (an Irish drum), a fiddle, and an accordion. It feels like a kitchen party. When the drums kick in during "Screech In," you can feel the floorboards vibrate. That’s the magic of this specific tour stop. The intimacy of the theater allows the audience to feel like they are sitting in that Gander legion, drinking questionable rum and kissing a cod.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Show
A common misconception is that this is a "9/11 musical" in the way we think of tragedy. It's not. It’s a 9/12 musical. It’s about the day after. It’s about what happens when the initial shock wears off and you're just a person stuck in a gym with a stranger who speaks a different language.
- The Set is Minimalist: Don't expect falling chandeliers or massive spinning barricades. It’s twelve chairs and two tables. That’s it.
- The Actors Play Multiple Roles: One second, an actor is a stiff-upper-lip British passenger; the next, they are a foul-mouthed Newfoundland mayor. It’s a masterclass in physical acting.
- No Intermission: This catches people off guard every single time. Once the lights go down, you are in it for the long haul. 100 minutes. Go to the bathroom first.
The pacing is relentless. It mimics the confusion of the characters. You don’t get a break because they didn't get a break. The energy builds and builds until the finale, which usually results in a standing ovation before the final note even stops ringing.
The Cultural Connection to the Midwest
Why does Come From Away Cincinnati resonate so deeply with a Midwest audience? Maybe it’s the shared sense of "flyover country" pride. Gander is a place most people ignored until they absolutely needed it. There’s a grit and a "just get it done" attitude in the characters that feels very familiar to anyone from the Ohio Valley.
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We understand the concept of community mobilization. Whether it's a flood or a snowstorm, the instinct to check on your neighbor is a core value here. Seeing that reflected on a Broadway stage—not as a caricature, but as a superpower—is incredibly validating.
Authentic Details You Might Miss
Keep your eyes on the costumes. They are deceptively simple. Each actor has a "base" outfit and adds a hat or a jacket to switch characters. This isn't just a budget choice; it symbolizes how we all wear different hats in a crisis.
Listen for the "ugly stick." It’s a traditional Newfoundland instrument made of household junk—mop handles, beer bottle caps, and a boot. It’s loud, it’s rhythmic, and it’s the heart of the "Screech In" scene. It represents the idea of making something beautiful out of whatever you have lying around.
Navigating Your Visit to the Aronoff
If you're heading downtown for the show, don't just wing it. Cincinnati traffic around Walnut Street can be a nightmare on show nights, especially if there's a Reds or Bengals game happening simultaneously.
- Parking: The Fountain Square garage is a solid bet, but the structures on 6th and 7th are usually faster for a quick exit.
- Dining: Most people hit up Nada or Sotto, but if you want to stay on theme, find a spot with a good pub vibe. You want a pint and some hearty food before you sit through 100 minutes of high-energy theater.
- Timing: The doors usually open 45 minutes before curtain. Get there early. The Aronoff has some great art installations in the lobby that people usually breeze right past.
The Impact of the "Screech In"
One of the funniest and most iconic parts of the show involves a tradition called the "Screech In." It’s how you become an honorary Newfoundlander. It involves shots of cheap rum, a short recitation, and kissing a (usually frozen) cod fish.
In the context of the play, it’s the moment the "come from aways" stop being afraid and start being part of the family. It’s a turning point. It reminds us that even in the middle of a global catastrophe, humans still find ways to be weird, laugh, and welcome each other. It’s the antithesis of the fear that defined that era.
Why it Still Matters in 2026
We live in a pretty polarized world. It feels like every time you open an app, people are yelling at each other. Come From Away Cincinnati offers a temporary escape into a world where people actually helped each other without checking their political affiliation first.
It’s not sentimental "fluff." It shows the friction too. It shows the Islamophobia that surfaced immediately after the attacks through the character of Ali. It shows the strain on marriages when one person changes and the other doesn't. It’s honest. And that honesty is why it hasn't faded into obscurity like other "topical" shows.
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Making the Most of the Experience
If you go, go with an open heart. Don't worry about "understanding" theater or knowing the songs beforehand. The lyrics are conversational. The story is clear.
- Watch the musicians: During the exit music (the "Playout"), don't rush for the doors. The band does a jam session that is arguably the best part of the whole night. Stay in your seat. Clap along.
- Check the Broadway in Cincinnati website: They often post "Know Before You Go" guides that include specific cast changes or stage door policies.
- Talk to the ushers: Many of them have been at the Aronoff for years and have seen every touring show that comes through. Ask them where this one ranks. Usually, it's in their top three.
Come From Away Cincinnati is more than just a musical; it's a reminder of a time when the world stopped, and for one brief moment, everyone decided to be kind. It’s a heavy subject handled with a light touch and a lot of heart.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Verify Show Dates: Check the official Cincinnati Arts Association website for the most current performance schedule and any "Value Night" discounts.
- Review the Seating Map: If you have trouble with stairs, avoid the upper Balcony at the Aronoff, as it is quite steep; the Loge or Orchestra levels are better for accessibility.
- Listen Ahead: If you're worried about the fast-paced dialogue, listen to the opening track "Welcome to the Rock" on Spotify to get used to the Newfoundland accent and the rhythm of the storytelling.
- Support Local: If you're inspired by the show's message of community, consider a small donation to a local Cincinnati food bank like Freestore Foodbank, which mirrors the efforts shown by the people of Gander.