Seven thousand people descended on the remote town of Gander, Newfoundland when the worst of humanity brought terror to New York.
But, in turn, the travellers from all over the globe who landed in the Canadian town found the very best of humanity in the altruistic acts and love they were shown by the locals.
And this beautiful musical perfectly captures the heart of the town and its people while also examining the individual traumas and stories of those who landed there so unexpectedly. It even captures the sudden, unexpected love and romance among some travellers.
But it also places the anti Muslim feeling which was sparked by the 9/11 atrocities – and the unjust ways those belonging to the faith were treated – under the microscope.
While this undercurrent is in the background, the overwhelming feeling of the piece is that of hope.
There is a strong Irish influence in the Canadian province which is reflected in the accents on stage and music which accompanies the cast.
Fiddles, accordion’s and bodhrans are front and centre as this ceilidh gets going.
But there is also a hauntingly beautiful religious section and some very moving solos as those stranded try to determine if their loved one back home are safe.
On stage the actors switch between taking on the roles of locals and the visitors. It is organised chaos – choreographed to within an inch of its life.
With little in the way of set, no fancy costumes or special effects, this musical relies on talents of its actors, musicians and singers to make it work.
And each individual cast member is exceptional, moving between roles with consummate ease and turning in divine vocal performances.
This is not a glitzy show-off, it is a stripped back, powerful, emotionally truthful look at what happened on one of the worst days in history.
And if you are not wiping away tears you do not have a poetic soul.
• Runs until Saturday