Cains Choral Society performing Come From Away musical at CPAC inspired by September 11

No one will forget the extraordinary events of September 11, but few know of this stirring and uplifting story that focuses on the days that followed, which is set to be performed in Cairns.

Inspired by the extraordinary events of September 11, a Cairns performing arts group will present a stirring and uplifting musical focussing on the terrorism attack’s impacts on a small community in the days that followed.

Cairns Choral Society's rendition of Come From Away begins at CPAC on Friday, with performances running through until Saturday, January 18.

Come From Away is a story about September 12, 2001 when 38 planes, forced out of US air space on September 11, were unexpectedly diverted to the small town of Gander in Canada’s most easterly province, Newfoundland.

The Cairns Choral Society will perform the musical Come From Away at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre from January 10 to 18. Cairns Choral Society's Dale Schultz (top) sings the opening number with fellow cast members Seth Diedricks, John Margettes, Michelle Jackson and Alan Maclean in the musical Come From Away. Picture: Brendan Radke

The town’s population doubled following the unexpected arrival of 7000 stranded passengers who were nicknamed “come from aways,” and they found themselves welcomed into the open arms of the islander locals who rallied to provide shelter, food, and comfort in the wake of a global tragedy and one of the 21st century’s darkest days.

And after six months of rehearsals, the 20-strong cast, which includes debutants, will be under the guide of first-time director, local drama teacher Shaneen Mason.

The Cairns Choral Society will perform the musical Come From Away at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre from January 10 to 18. Cairns Choral Society's Yasmine Croghan performs as an airline pilot in the musical Come From Away. Picture: Brendan Radke

“This is a verbatim piece which means that the piece is literally about real life people, the writers interviewed people after what happened in Gander and workshopped it from there,” Ms Mason said.

“We anticipate songs like Screech and Welcome to the Rock will enthral audiences and showcase the united voices of the Islanders and the Plane People.”

Originally published as Cains Choral Society performing Come From Away musical at CPAC inspired by September 11