On Saturday, Sept. 20, a group of Burroughs students traveled to the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts to see the award-winning musical Come From Away. Organized by Musical Theatre Teacher Amber Petersen and Drama Company Teacher Eileen Poole, the field trip gave students an inspiring opportunity to experience a live, professional production that blended history, emotion, and artistry.
Come From Away, based on a true story, unfolds in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, where nearly 40 planes were diverted following the September 11 terrorist attacks. With more than 7,000 stranded passengers suddenly grounded, the residents of Gander and surrounding communities opened their homes, schools, and hearts to people from all over the world. In a time marked by fear and tragedy, the musical celebrates generosity, humor, and the shared humanity that binds people together.
“I was grateful when Ms. Poole extended the invitation to my musical theatre class to attend Come From Away,” Petersen said. “I had heard about it on social media, but I didn’t really know the story or the music beforehand. Even after researching it, I wasn’t prepared for the depth of emotion it stirred up. It’s a masterclass in timing, storytelling, and comedic relief. I was so moved that I went back to see it again with my husband and parents.”
For many students, the show offered more than entertainment—it was a lesson in what professional theatre can achieve. “Our students got to see firsthand all of the elements of theatre in action,” Petersen explained. “They were wowed by the technical aspects—the way the orchestra was set right on stage with the actors—and by the level of precision and teamwork. The cast and crew had only two weeks of rehearsals before opening night. That kind of professionalism and preparation made a huge impression.”
The Drama Club helped fund the trip, and the students’ enthusiasm made it well worth the effort. After the show, the stage manager noticed the large group from Burroughs on the monitors and invited them to stay in the lobby to meet the cast. Performers and crew members spent time sharing stories about their training, careers, and the realities of working as full-time theatre professionals.
“The performers were so generous with their time,” Petersen said. “Our students were absolutely enthralled. It gave them a glimpse of what’s possible if they pursue this craft seriously.”
One memorable moment came when a student who had collected cast autographs accidentally left her signed playbill at a restaurant. After she emailed the theatre in hopes of replacing it, the staff went above and beyond—sending her a new program, signed again by the entire cast.
For Poole and Petersen, experiences like this embody what arts education is all about: connection, creativity, and inspiration.
“The trip was more than just a fun outing,” Poole reflected. “It was a reminder of how powerful theatre can be. Through Come From Away, our students witnessed how story, music, and emotion can turn history into hope—and how live performance brings people together in ways nothing else can.”
