Come From Away — the universally adored musical about 7000 passengers who became stranded in Gander, Newfoundland in Canada in the wake of September 11 — will begin a run at the Canberra Theatre Centre in November.
The Broadway show, which opened in 2013, tells the incredible (and heartwarming) true story of 38 planes that were forced to land unexpectedly after the terrorist attacks and the community that welcome the stranded travellers into their lives and homes.
The musical racked up seven Tony Awards in the wake of its release, winning for Best Direction of a Musical and is currently enjoying a run at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre. The Canberra season will begin on November 4, 2021, and will be strictly limited.
“The season at the Canberra Theatre Centre of Come From Away — a major Broadway musical and huge international hit — reflects Canberra’s status as a creative capital,” ACT’s Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism, Andrew Barr, said in a statement.
“This is a huge opportunity to attract interstate visitors to Canberra and the themes of Come From Away align nicely to who we are as a city – progressive, open and welcoming. I am delighted the ACT Government has the opportunity to support this award-winning hit musical. This is one of many major events that provide the local tourism sector leverage to encourage visitation to Canberra.”
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.
Speaking of the move to Australia’s capital high commissioner for Canada in Australia Mark Glauser said, “I remember September 11, vividly. I would never have thought that there would be a musical about anything related to those events. Certainly, nothing is stunning as Come From Away. Nothing as captivating; nothing as uplifting as Come From Away.
“While the story is unique, it’s also universal. Even in the darkest hours, there is light. Come From Away is about that light. It’s about joy. It’s about unexpected friendships.”
Added producer Rodney Rigby, “As the world collectively faces one of the greatest challenges in modern times, this show reminds us that compassion is at the core of our humanity. This is a story about unity, and about acting with kindness regardless of our differences.”
Come From Away play at the Canberra Theatre Centre from November 4 for a strictly limited season. Tickets will be on sale from July 19 and you can join the waitlist at comefromaway.com.au.
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