As the world remembers Sept. 11 on its 20th anniversary, it’s fair to recall that not much good came from the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, DC – except maybe a little play set in Newfoundland that became a world-wide sensation, based on its premise that love can overcome hate and set to a wonderful soundtrack rooted in the Rock’s Irish heritage.

“Come From Away,” the title playing on Newfoundlanders’ name for foreigners, chronicled the unprecedented days following the attack, which saw dozens of planes diverted to Gander when US airspace was shut down, and the small town’s amazing hospitality towards thousands of stranded passengers. And more particularly the ongoing relationships that were forged and which followed.

First previewed in 2015 (in San Diego), the production rolled into the Royal Alex in 2016 and debuted in New York in 2017, where it is still running in both cases. It has become the longest-running Canadian musical in Broadway history, and a live recording is set to be released to coincide with this year’s 9/11 anniversary.

In the meantime, in keeping with the theme of today’s issue, we offer this performance, featuring the entire cast and orchestra of Come From Away gathered in CBC’s Studio q to perform the opening number of the show, “Welcome to the Rock.”