Dynamic story, music anchor ‘Come From Away’

9/2/2026

One of America’s best community theatres, the Des Moines Community Playhouse, does stellar work in what it produces. Comedies, dramas, musicals –– all developed through a professional production team and the invaluable contributions of thousands of volunteer hours for each show. With a rich tradition that blends a strong book and score with powerful messaging, their season-opening musical promises to be a dandy. 

“Come From Away,” the 2017 musical, was nominated for seven Tony Awards, winning for Best Direction of a Musical. The show was inspired by events in Gander, Newfoundland, during the week following the Sept. 11 attacks. Thirty-eight planes, carrying about 7,000 passengers, were ordered to land unexpectedly at Gander International Airport. Its characters, based on actual Gander residents and passengers, tell a story of compassion, fear, resolve and love. It also showcases the courage of the locals who housed and fed the stranded travelers, and acknowledges the relationships and conflicts that were created. 

A brief exchange with Katy Merriman, the show’s director and the Playhouse’s Artistic Director, reveals wonderful insight into this production. 

CS: Talk about the heart and soul of “Come from Away.” 

KM: The heart is human connection. “Come From Away” takes a step beyond the singular day (Sept. 11 attacks) and affirms that in the midst of this terrifying attack, there were also people from around the globe who opened their homes and hearts to welcome strangers and take care of people trying to cope with this tragedy. For as much shock and destruction as the attacks on 9/11 brought, there was even more hope, strength, connection, and determination to make the world better.

CS: Describe some takeaways from “Come from Away.”

KM: One of the most striking messages is summarized at the end of the play when two plane passengers visit the Dover Fault, (when) millions of years ago, two continents crashed together at that spot. They separated, but a little part of each continent was left behind. When the “plane people” leave Gander, everyone has crashed together and left parts of themselves with each other that will always remain. They’ve changed each other forever. It feels like confirmation that most people will take care of each other when it really comes down to it. 

CS: How does this being anchored in a real event adds to the power of this show?
KM: Many plays and musicals are based on real historical events, but I haven’t directed many where every person in the cast remembers it and has a personal story about where they were when it happened. The youngest members of the cast were in elementary school and had a vastly different experience of the 9/11 attacks from another cast member, who was living in New York City when it happened. There is an inherent understanding and a deep respect for this event and story, and it leads to very connected and meaningful performances. We are fortunate to get to honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11 on our opening night. 

 

New seasons beckon

Now is a perfect time to make performing arts plans for the coming season, as most theatre producers are encouraging engagement through special ticket packaging deals. From national Broadway tours to dynamic regionally produced theatre, a bounty awaits cultural adventurers. 

Under guidance from their new CEO, Des Moines Performing Arts continues its legacy of touring productions. With its savvy track record of investing in Broadway shows, DMPA often welcomes new shows early in their touring schedules. “Spamalot” begins the new Willis Broadway Series. Add other series –– Temple Comedy, Dance, Family and more –– and the beginning of a properly filled calendar of superb shows is awaiting patrons.

The Des Moines Playhouse anchors its producing with its Signature Series and Kate Goldman Family Series. These Playhouse series begin with “Come from Away” and “Junie B. Jones in Boo…and Mean It,” respectively. Add a healthy sprinkling of other programming and shows, and this nationally recognized community theatre has plenty to offer. 

Tallgrass Theatre, Iowa Stage Theatre, Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre, CAP Theatre and Carousel Theatre have their season schedules on their websites. As with DMPA and the Playhouse, they offer ticketing packages with discounts and first-booking benefits. Add consideration for the Des Moines Symphony and Ballet Des Moines as well.

Other producers in the area invite performing arts patrons to consider their shows as well. About Time Theatre, a relative newcomer, offers immersive and adventurous experiences in “found spaces.” Midwest Theatre tours its namesake region, periodically landing in Des Moines to present a show. Urbandale Community Theatre produces one show each summer. ♦

John Busbee produces “The Culture Buzz,” a weekly arts and culture radio show on www.kfmg.org, covering Iowa’s arts scene with an inclusive sweep of the cultural brush. He received the Iowa Governor’s Arts Award for Collaboration and Partnership in the Arts. He has performed in more than 100 musicals, including many leading roles.