DIANE | Female | Any Ethnicity | Age: 50-60  

Also plays: Crystal, Brenda, and others (Track 1)  

Diane is a woman in the midst of a major life transition. Divorced, mother of a now adult child, and not sure about what comes next. Up until the events depicted in the show, she has lived a very traditional life in Texas, but something changes in her while she’s in Gander - she discovers a joyful, carefree side of herself that never had the opportunity to surface in her old life. Vocal Range: A3-C#5 (Mezzo Soprano)  

HANNAH | Female | Traditionally African American | Age: 40-60  

Also plays: Margie, Mickey, and others (Track 2)  

Hannah is a brave and deeply spiritual woman trying to hold it all together as she waits for news of her son, who is a NYC firefighter. She finds friendship, solace, and strength in Beulah. While the other characters are able to put aside the horror of the day and week, Hannah is our reminder that for many people, life would never be the same. Vocal Range: F3-B4 (Alto)  

JANICE | Female | Any Ethnicity | Age: 20-30  

Also plays: Britney, Flight attendant, and others (Track 3)  

September 11, 2001 is Janice’s first day as a news anchor in Newfoundland. Thrown directly into the most eventful day in recent Gander history, she confronts her first day jitters and finds the courage to put aside her personal feelings in order to report on, record - and even coordinate - the herculean efforts of the community. Vocal Range: B3-E5 (Mezzo Soprano)  

BEULAH | Female | Any Ethnicity | Age: 40-60  

Also plays: Delores and others (Track 4)  

When Beulah is in the room, she is in charge and everyone knows it! She is calm, decisive, fearless - and also warm, loving, and empathetic. Beulah is in charge of the Gander Legion, and takes her role welcoming “Come From Aways” very seriously. Vocal Range: G3-G5 (Mezzo Soprano)  

BONNIE | Female | Any Ethnicity | Age: 30-40  

Also plays: Martha and others (Track 5)  

Bonnie’s heart for animals (and people) in need is her primary motivation for nearly everything - she is the head of the local SPCA, and quickly becomes the coordinator (and champion!) of care for the animals trapped in the cargo holds of the grounded planes. Bonnie has three kids and is married to Doug, who might not always understand her, but always supports her. Vocal Range: G3-G5 (Mezzo Soprano)  

BEVERLY | Female | Any Ethnicity | Age: 50-60  

Also plays: Annette, reporter, and others (Track 6)  

Beverly: As the first female pilot in American Airlines history, Beverly has always had to be a strong, fearless, and skilled leader. She has to set aside her own fears for her children, husband, and coworkers to focus on her most important job: getting her passengers safely where they are going. She sings one of the only true solo numbers in the show, reflecting back to us how our lives were divided into “before” and “after” in the blink of an eye.  Annette: A School Teacher at Gander Academy who assists Beulah in preparing for and assisting the Come From Aways. She also has an active fantasy life, sometimes seeing more in people than they see in themselves. Vocal Range: G3-E5 (Mezzo Soprano/Belter)  
 

Oz | Male | Any Ethnicity | Age: 30-50  

Also plays: Joey, Customs Officer, Mr. Michaels, Terry, Matty, Rabbi, Cardiologist and others (Track 7)  

Oz is the quirky and down-to-Earth constable of Gander’s two-person police force. His job becomes more than he could have ever anticipated on September 11, but he rises to the challenge with every new obstacle. The actor in this track has to manage MANY roles and will need to display the versatility necessary to give each character a full life onstage! Vocal Range: C3-G4 (Baritone)  

Kevin T | Male | Any Ethnicity | Age: 30-50  

Also plays: Garth, President Bush, and others (Track 8)  

Kevin T, head of an LA-based Environmental Company, is on vacation with his boyfriend (also named Kevin), when they are stranded in Gander. Despite the circumstances, Kevin T finds connection, joy, and a sense of adventure in Gander, and is inspired to give back to the people of Newfoundland by creating the Pay it Forward 9/11 Foundation*. Vocal Range: C3-G4 (Tenor/Baritone)  

Kevin J | Male | Traditionally Asian, Latino, Middle Eastern, or BIPOC  | Age: 30-50  

Also plays: Ali and others (Track 9)  

Kevin J:  Kevin T’s boyfriend and assistant. He is far less delighted by their diversion to Gander and just wants to go home - a home that may or may NOT involve Kevin T.  Ali: An Egyptian world traveler and renowned professional chef. He finds himself isolated and targeted by the Islamophobia of authorities and the other passengers, but still chooses to offer whatever kindness and assistance he can to ease the burden and suffering of others. Vocal Range: B2-G4 (Baritone)  

Bob | Male | Traditionally Black | Age: 20-40  

Also plays: Muhumuza, Captain Bristol, and others (Track 10)  

Bob’s life experience could not possibly be more different from the world he encounters in Gander. He’s a hardened New Yorker with a natural distrust of overly friendly people, but soon learns that the helpfulness of strangers can, in fact, be sincere. Bob is any of us born and raised in a big city and suddenly dropped into a small town in the middle of nowhere - with culture shock and bewilderment give way to affection and gratitude. Vocal Range: B2-G4 (Baritone)  

Claude | Male | Any Ethnicity | Age: 40-60  

Also plays: Derm, Brenda’s Brother, Eddie, every Mayor in Newfoundland, and others (Track 11)  

Claude is Gander’s outgoing, beloved, and respected Mayor. He is good in a crisis, keeping a cool head and working to ensure all sides of an issue are considered, but a crisis of this size tests the limits of even Claude’s patience and resilience. He cares deeply for the people of Gander, and extends that same care to the Come From Aways who are suddenly Gander’s newest residents. Vocal Range: A2-F4 (Baritone)  

Nick | Male | Any Ethnicity | Age: 50-60  

Also plays: Doug, Officer Stephenson, Male Townsperson, and others (Track 12)  

Nick: a London native on a work trip for his Oil company when he finds himself in Gander. A little awkward, but very sweet, he falls for Diane but isn’t sure how to tell her. Doug: as an air traffic controller, Doug is right at the heart of the most eventful day at Gander Airport in decades. He carries it all lightly, getting planes to the ground, and then turns his attention to helping his beloved wife, Bonnie, care for the animals in the planes’ cargo holds. Vocal Range: B2-G4 (Baritone)