Couple who met, married after 9/11 stranded their flight in Canada previews hit musical coming to Washington Pavilion

This paid piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Co.

Here’s the first thing to know about the hit Broadway musical “Come From Away”: It’s not a story about the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

It’s an incredible story about Sept. 12, 2001, and the days following it.

Set in the remote Canadian town of Gander – population fewer than 10,000 in 2001 – the musical tells a powerful story of what happened when 38 flights were diverted there, nearly doubling the population overnight.

“This group of random folks banded together to show community, to show humanity, to show compassion for your fellow man,” said Bob Wendland, assistant director of performances and events at the Washington Pavilion.

“It’s an empowering story of people coming together in a great time of need.”

It’s also a story Nick and Diane Marson lived.

Nick, a British businessman, was headed to Texas for work. Diane – then Diane Kirschke – was headed back to her hometown of Houston after visiting her son in England.

When Continental Airlines Flight 5 instead veered into Newfoundland, Canada, the two strangers found themselves among 7,000 stranded passengers embraced by the town of Gander.

“They were cooking food as soon as we landed,” Nick said. “I don’t think there was a kitchen in Gander that wasn’t cooking food or making sandwiches, and for the first two days, the food came out of their own pantries. They displayed the very best of humanity. 9/11 displayed the very worst and 9/12 in Newfoundland displayed the very best.”

Every community building was turned into a shelter, Diane added.

“The Canadian Army brought in cots and stretchers, and people brought pillows out of their homes,” she said. “The local merchants donated toiletries, and people brought clothing. It was amazing.”

And it wasn’t long before Nick and Diane discovered something else amazing could come out of a tragic turn of events.

While neither landed in Gander looking for love, it found them nonetheless.

They both ended up in a small shelter in Gambo, about 30 miles outside Gander, where they bonded over mothball-smelling blankets and realized they’d been on the same detoured flight. After striking up a conversation, they realized they had a lot to talk about. Both divorced with adult children, they came from different countries but determined they shared the same values.

Five days after their planes landed in Gander, they were allowed to leave.

The detour was over. But the relationship was just beginning. Two months later, they were engaged.

“For the longest time, we weren’t comfortable sharing our story,” Nick said. “I think it’s called ‘survivor’s guilt.’ It wasn’t right we’d found love and marriage in the middle of such a disaster.”

But, much like the story of “Come From Away,” theirs brings hope in the aftermath of tragedy. They spent their honeymoon in Gambo, where the town hosted a surprise wedding reception and the mayor wrote a song to commemorate the event.

They’ll celebrate their 20th anniversary this year.

And their story is one of several woven through the musical the couple now has seen on three continents, in four countries and in too many cities to name.

“From our point of view, what you see on stage really happened,” Nick said. “The words in places are verbatim what happened to us and what we told the playwrights.”

“Come From Away” will offer eight performances May 3-8 in Sioux Falls.

“With a show like this that everyone should see, we’re so glad to be able to offer eight shows,” Wendland said.

The long run also means Sioux Falls will be able to host the cast and crew – so watch for them around town.

“We have such a great team that cares about hospitality, so we try to give our artists on the road the full Sioux Falls experience,” Wendland said.

“We hear all the time how they can’t wait to get back to Sioux Falls because they have such a good time, and then the word gets out in the touring community that we have a really special spot in the middle of the country and you’re lucky to be here performing. Many of our artists will say it’s the best audience they’ve ever performed for because they’re so grateful.”

The Marsons experienced a similar feeling when they made a visit to Sioux Falls a couple of years ago to announce the show.

“We were made to feel so welcome,” Diane said. “The theater was just gorgeous, and so many wonderful people were there. We got to see the Falls and many of the downtown buildings and left thinking it would be a wonderful place to come back and visit.”

What to expect

“Come From Away” is a fast-moving show lasting 90 minutes with no intermission. It’s recommended for those age 12 and older.

There are 12 cast members, who take on various roles throughout the show.

And just because the backstory involves the 9/11 attack, don’t expect to leave downcast. Quite the opposite.

“It will shake people to their core in the best possible way, and it’s a story we need right now. It couldn’t be more timely for what we’re dealing with in the world today,” Wendland said.

And even though they’ve seen it 133 times – the Marsons say they still leave feeling like they’ve renewed their vows every time.

“It’s a story the world needs right now,” Nick said. “You leave the show wanting to be your very, very best self.”

Ready to reserve your tickets to Come From Away? Click here.

Next season’s Broadway series includes both new blockbusters and fan favorites

The 2022-23 Pavilion Performance Series was just announced last week. “The Book of Mormon” will return to Sioux Falls for five performances in October.

“Legally Blonde — The Musical” will take the stage in November.

“On Your Feet!” will bring the inspirational story and music of Gloria Estefan to the Pavilion in January 2023.

“Tootsie,”a new musical but familiar story, will create laugh-out-loud moments in February 2023. Three performances of “My Fair Lady” will wow audiences in March 2023, and blockbuster “Dear Evan Hansen” offers eight incredible performances in April 2023 to round out the series.

Current subscribers can renew or upgrade their seats through April 8. New subscribers can purchase Pavilion Performance Series subscriptions later this spring or sign up for the waitlist with a deposit now. Single tickets to individual shows will go on sale this summer.

Click below for a preview:

Washington Pavilion announces next season’s Broadway shows