The ground-breaking new musical, Come From Away, is based on the incredible real-life events in the wake of the September 11 tragedy when 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 people from over 100 countries were redirected to Gander, Newfoundland, almost doubling the population of the remote Canadian town.
Capturing the generosity and hospitality of the small community of Gander who invited the “come from aways” into their homes, it is an inspirational story of hope and humanity.
With book, music and lyrics by David Hein and Irene Sankoff, COME FROM AWAY is directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley, choreographed by Kelly Devine (Rock of Ages, Diana), with music supervision by Ian Eisendrath (A Christmas Story, Diana), scenic design by Beowulf Boritt (Rock of Ages, Be More Chill) costume design by Toni-Leslie James (Jelly’s Last Jam), lighting design by Howell Binkley (Jersey Boys, Hamilton), sound design by Gareth Owen (Diana, A Bronx Tale).
The remarkable true story will be brought to life by a stellar ensemble cast: Nicholas Brown (STC’s The Long Forgotten Dream, Disney India’s Beauty and the Beast) will play Kevin J (and others); Nathan Carter (Kinky Boots, Wicked and Opera Australia’s My Fair Lady) will play Nick (and others); WAAPA graduate Zoe Gertz (Les Miserables, Wicked, and She Loves Me and High Fidelity at Hayes Theatre) will play Beverley (and others) – and the list goes on, and one.
COME FROM AWAY has won numerous awards including the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical (Christopher Ashley), Winner of five Outer Critics Circle Awards (New York) including Outstanding New Broadway Musical. On top of this, the musical has received three Drama Desk Awards (New York) including Outstanding Musical, four Helen Hayes Awards (Washington, D.C) including Outstanding Production of a Musical, four Gypsy Rose Lee Awards (Seattle) including Excellence in Production of a Musical and six San Diego Critics Circle Awards including Outstanding New Musical.
Its February 2019 West End premiere received nine Olivier Nominations, including Best New Musical and Best Director, with winners to be announced in April.
The New York Times theatre critic Ben Brantley wrote, “A gale of good will blows out of this smart, robust musical. Even the most stalwart cynics may have trouble staying dry-eyed during this portrait of heroic hospitality under extraordinary pressure.”
Newsweek said, “It does what all the best musicals do: takes you to a place you never want to leave. A funny, charming and uplifting celebration. One of the best ensemble pieces in years!”
Chief Theatre Critic for The Times UK, Dominic Maxwell, said “… it takes all of ten seconds to be in its generous embrace. You stay there for the next 100 minutes: laughing, tapping your foot, wiping away tears, feeling good about humanity… without ever feeling you’re just being sold gloopy musical-theatre good cheer.”
COME FROM AWAY will commence previews from 3 July 2019 and open on Saturday 20 July at the newly refurbished Comedy Theatre in Melbourne.
Onya Magazine has a double pass to COME FROM AWAY to giveaway, for Tuesday 9 July at 7pm. To be in with a chance to win, simply email info@onyamagazine.com with the subject line ‘COME FROM AWAY’ and your full name and postal address. The winner will be selected at random and notified via email on Tuesday July 2, 2019.
