INTERVIEW: Local theater company brings 9/11 survival story to Thalian Hall stage

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The Opera House Theatre Company has opened its production of "Come From Away" at Thalian Hall, running across two weekends with performances through next Sunday.

The musical is based on the true story of Gander, Newfoundland, a Canadian town of roughly 9,000 people that took in approximately 7,000 airline passengers after U.S. airspace closed following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Diverted flights landed at Gander’s large but largely dormant airport, and residents housed and cared for stranded travelers for five days.

Cast members Jason, Erin and Joy joined WECT in the studio Friday, July 17, to discuss the upcoming performances.

“It’s a celebratory story of the events of 9/11, an uplifting story of humanity, resilience, of the community of Gander, Newfoundland, Canada,” Erin said.

The show features 16 performers on stage alongside a seven-piece live band playing a mix of musical theater and Celtic rock.

“It’s not Annie, it’s not a typical musical theater show,” Jason said. “It’s gonna sound very different, it’s gonna look very different, and we’re excited for people to come see it.”

Erin described the production as one of the most demanding of her acting career. Each performer plays multiple roles throughout the show.

“It’s really tested all our emotional boundaries, our mental boundaries,” she said.

Joy said the ensemble structure added to the challenge. “Being able to snap in and out of characters is so important, and being able to do a show that really is dependent upon every single person in the cast has been a phenomenal, but challenging experience.”

Showtimes and tickets

Come From Away runs at Thalian Hall on the following schedule:

• This weekend: Friday, July 17; Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19
• Next week: Wednesday, July 22; Thursday, July 23; Friday, July 24; two shows Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26

Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Matinees begin at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available through the Thalian Hall website or by calling the box office at 910-632-2285.