Musical Come From Away was due to leave Sydney and head to Canberra to begin a run at the Canberra Theatre Centre in November, but for Sydneysiders (or anyone in Australia) who has been unable to see the beloved stage show, we have great news.
Much like Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s Hamilton was added to the Disney+ streaming library, Apple TV+ has announced that Come From Away will be available to watch on its platform from September 10, 2021 — just in time for the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Come From Away tells the story of 7,000 people stranded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland after all flights into the US are grounded on September 11, 2001. As the people of Newfoundland graciously welcome the “come from aways” into their community in the aftermath, the passengers and locals alike process what’s happened while finding love, laughter, and new hope in the unlikely and lasting bonds that they forge.
The timing of the Apple TV+ release couldn’t be more perfect, as much of NSW finds itself back in lockdown and theatre performances are put on hold.
The show was created by husband-and-wife duo David Hein and Irene Sankoff, who travelled to Newfoundland on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 to interview thousands of locals about their experience of the event. That research went on to become the book, music and lyrics for the now-renowned musical.
Prior to its Sydney run, the show enjoyed huge success in both Melbourne and Brisbane and was even the first production to return to the stage internationally after COVID-19 restrictions saw theatres shuttered all over the world.
The live performance of Come From Away was filmed at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre this past May in New York City, where the Broadway production is staged, for an audience that included 9/11 survivors and front-line workers. The show employed over 200 people including members of the Broadway crew, staff and creative teams.
The musical is directed by Tony Award-winner Christopher Ashley, who directed the original Broadway production, and stars an ensemble cast led by members of the Broadway show.
The original book, music and lyrics were written by Tony and Grammy Award nominees and Olivier Award winners Irene Sankoff and David Hein, who will also serve as executive producers alongside RadicalMedia’s Jon Kamen, Dave Sirulnick and Meredith Bennett.
Come From Away has won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical (Christopher Ashley), four Olivier Awards (London) including Best New Musical, five Outer Critics Circle Awards (NYC) including Outstanding New Broadway Musical and three Drama Desk Awards (NYC) including Outstanding Musical.
It was also nominated for seven 2017 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book of a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Jenn Colella.
Come From Away will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, 10 September.
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