An Evening at Erie Playhouse: Watching Come From Away with Delaney

Stories That Bring Us Together: Seeing Come From Away at the Erie Playhouse

By Daniel Gillespie | The Brown Side of Autism

Recently, my girlfriend, Delaney, and I went to see Come From Away at the Erie Playhouse. Sharing a night at the theater with her was special, and what stood out to me most was the storytelling and the different roles that brought those stories to life.

The musical is based on the true story of approximately 7,000 airline passengers who were stranded in Newfoundland after the September 11, 2001, attacks, and the small community that welcomed them. It explores how people from different backgrounds came together during a frightening and uncertain time.

Every Story Added Something

What caught my attention was how each character contributed something different. There wasn’t just one person’s experience to follow. There were many stories, each offering another way to understand what was happening.

I enjoyed seeing how those stories connected. Each role had a purpose, and together they helped tell a bigger story about people responding to circumstances they never expected.

That’s one of the things I appreciate about storytelling. You can begin by knowing very little about someone, then learn more as their story unfolds. Their words, actions, and relationships give you a reason to pay attention and understand their perspective.

Making Room for Others

The kindness at the center of Come From Away gives us something to think about beyond the theater. People who suddenly found themselves far from home needed help, and a community made room for them.

Sometimes, making someone feel welcome starts with something simple: listening, offering support, or recognizing that they may be experiencing a situation differently from you.

Here at The Brown Side of Autism, we talk about acceptance and understanding. Those values matter in everyday interactions. Do we give people time to express themselves? Do we try to understand their needs? Do we make them feel like they belong?

Every autistic person has their own experiences, personality, and way of communicating. Getting to know someone means making space for their individual story—including when they share it without spoken words.

A Night to Share with Delaney

I’m glad I got to experience this show with Delaney. Spending time together and watching these stories unfold made for a meaningful outing.

The stories and the different roles were what stayed with me. They offered plenty to reflect on about how people connect, support one another, and find understanding during difficult circumstances.

Everyone has a story. Taking the time to listen can be the beginning of making someone feel welcome.

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