This March, the talented students of the Brien McMahon High School Drama Club will present the inspiring and award-winning musical Come From Away. As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 is commemorated this year, the school’s theatre community is bringing to the stage a production centered on compassion, resilience, and the power of community — values that strongly reflect the spirit of Rowayton as well.

Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, after the events of September 11, 2001. When 38 planes were diverted to the small Canadian town, its population nearly doubled overnight. In the days that followed, the people of Gander opened their homes and hearts to strangers from around the world. What emerged was an extraordinary testament to kindness and human connection in the face of global tragedy. It is a story that feels just as meaningful today as when it first premiered.

Brien McMahon High School, known as the “Home of the Senators,” offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, and its theatre program has become a source of pride across Norwalk. Over the past two years, the award-winning drama team has earned prestigious nominations and wins from the HALO, Stephen Sondheim, and Jimmy Awards. Recent standout productions have included 12 Angry Jurors, Romeo and Juliet, Footloose, and Newsies, while last fall’s CLUE was praised by audiences as “Broadway-worthy,” complete with an impressive rotating set.

For Rowayton families, the connection to the BMHS Drama Club runs especially deep. Many Rowayton children begin at Rowayton Elementary School, continue on to Roton Middle School, and then attend Brien McMahon High School. Along the way, generations of Rowayton parents, students, alumni, and local supporters have helped sustain the drama program. A number of parents continue volunteering long after their own children have graduated, and former students often return to their alma mater to assist with productions or cheer on the next cast from the audience.

Productions of this caliber are only possible because of that kind of community support. Rowayton businesses, organizations, and individuals have consistently shown up for the BMHS Drama Club over the years, helping fund sets, costumes, lighting, and future opportunities for student performers and technicians. Among those supporters are Dre Towey and JAM, Brendan’s 101, Five Mile River Nursery School, Rowayton Market, Rowayton Civic Association, Rowayton Arts Center, The Bast Family and Coastal Orthopedics, Pinnacle Team at Compass for Darien/Rowayton, Joe Pavia and Evolve Building Group, Tammy Langalis and William Raveis Realty, BMHS PTSA, Halley Griggs and Triple Threat Lacrosse, Meg Schwanhausser and House of Swans, Rowayton Gardeners, STROLL Rowayton, Mollie Boyle and SPRING Pilates, Dani Snow’s Visual Communication / Art Direction /Graphic Design and many other supporters from Norwalk and beyond.

The BMHS Drama Club encourages families, neighbors, and local businesses to attend and support these hardworking students.