Me and the Sky (Come from Away)

Me and the Sky is a number from the musical Come from Away that tells the story of Beverley Bass, who became the first female captain at American Airlines. The song highlights her experience landing in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, amid the events of the September 11 attacks.

History

Ten years after the events of 9/11, Bass participated in a memorial event in Gander where songwriters Irene Sankoff and David Hein conducted an extensive four-hour interview with her about her groundbreaking aviation career. This conversation served as a foundation for much of the musical’s narrative and lyrics, including those of "Me and the Sky." The song was first introduced during a studio staging of Come from Away at Sheridan College in Ontario.

Music and lyrics

"Me and the Sky" contains a powerful, soaring chorus characteristic of musical theatre. It recounts Bass’ lifelong aspiration to become a pilot, the obstacles she faced as a woman breaking into a male-dominated profession in the mid-1900s, and the deep emotional resonance of 9/11. The words are directly inspired by Bass’ own reflections shared during her interview, blending recognition of her accomplishments with the somber reality of the tragedy.

In the original Broadway rendition, Jenn Colella delivers "Me and the Sky," performing it one key higher to enhance its intensity. Colella carefully captured Bass’ calm leadership style during an intensely personal moment following 9/11, even mimicking her distinctive hand movements. Bass herself commended Colella’s performance for its authenticity and commanding presence—traits vital for a female pilot earning respect in her field. For this role, Colella received a Tony Award nomination and won the 2017 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical.

Although the musical’s pacing does not allow applause at the conclusion of this song, audiences frequently applaud during the section celebrating Bass’ breakthrough of the glass ceiling. This particular segment resonates deeply with women both onstage and in the audience, and it remains Bass’ preferred moment in the production.

Choreography

The choreography accompanying Me and the Sky is minimalistic yet effective, involving only female ensemble members interacting with chairs and tables in line with the show’s overall aesthetic. The scene opens with Beverley seated at a table while other female performers remain backstage in shadow. At the lyric "1986 the first female American captain in history," the ensemble rises and claps, moving outward from center stage. Beverley stays seated as they approach a central table and put on flight attendant hats. When reaching "suddenly no one is saying 'Stay grounded'," Beverley stands and moves to center stage as the ensemble assembles alongside her. During the final verse referencing 9/11, cast members return to their seats, remove their caps, and Beverley resumes sitting as they end the number together seated.