The Tony Award-winning Musical Come From Away, written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, premiered in 2016 as a co-production of La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle Repertory Theatre, staged in Washington and Toronto. From its debut, the show played to sold-out audiences and achieved great success, though it was forced to pause during the pandemic. After being redeveloped post-pandemic, the musical continues to captivate audiences at the Royal Alexandra Theatre under the direction of Christopher Ashley. It is also a joint production by David and Hannah Mirvish and the National Arts Centre English Theatre.
Come From Away is an incredibly moving production inspired by a true story, bringing to the stage one of the most touching events in Canadian history. With its uninterrupted 100-minute pace and enchanting narrative, it tells the story of how a small town demonstrated an extraordinary example of solidarity in the aftermath of a world-shaking terrorist attack, highlighting the healing, uplifting power of hospitality and togetherness.
On September 11, 2001, following the horrific terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers in the United States, U.S. airspace was closed. This dramatic decision redirected dozens of planes to the small town of Gander on Newfoundland Island, Canada’s eastern Atlantic coast. This ordinary town suddenly became the protagonist of an extraordinary story. Gander’s modest airport received 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers—almost equal to the town’s population.
Come From Away, written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, directed by Christopher Ashley, produced by David and Hannah Mirvish.
Meanwhile, the passengers, unaware of the events unfolding in the world, waited inside the planes for 28 hours. In this extraordinary situation, every town resident came together and welcomed the people in need. The hospitality and solidarity they extended to these unexpected visitors over five days became a testament to humanity. Schools were transformed into dormitories, ice hockey rinks into refrigerators, and churches into sacred spaces where people of all faiths could worship together. The townsfolk opened their homes and hearts. The friendships forged between the passengers from diverse languages, religions, and cultures and the people of Gander blossomed into unforgettable bonds.
The stage production features 12 actors and a group of musicians. The characters in the play are inspired by the real people who lived through these events. Stories like that of Bonnie Harris, who cared for nine dogs, ten cats, and two bonobo monkeys from the planes, and the love story of passengers Diane from Dallas and Nick from England, who met during their time in Gander and later married, are faithfully included.
Characters represent the diverse passengers and residents of Gander, including a Muslim and a Jewish person, a gay couple, a mother with a son who was a New York firefighter, and locals like a police officer, the mayor, a teacher, and a local TV presenter. Each character was thoughtfully chosen to portray the initial prejudices between different cultures and the friendships that developed thereafter. All these characters are brought to life by the 12 actors transitioning seamlessly between roles bring all these characters to life. They alternately portray Gander residents, plane passengers, and airport workers, using their voices and gestures to embody distinct characters in ways that feel almost magical.
Come From Away, written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, directed by Christopher Ashley, produced by David and Hannah Mirvish.
Aside from a few chairs and tables, the set design relies on a minimalist aesthetic. The rotating platform at the center of the stage, combined with the positioning of the chairs and lighting effects, masterfully facilitates location changes. The transitions between characters, times, and settings are so intricately handled that the storytelling captivates the audience without losing its momentum.
Throughout the musical’s 15 exceptional songs, the audience witnesses the unforgettable five-day story that unfolded in Gander. Moments like “Me and the Sky,” which recounts a woman’s journey to becoming a pilot in a male-dominated world, “Prayer,” which depicts people of various faiths praying together peacefully, and the gay couple’s initial hesitation to reveal their relationship but later finding embracing in Gander, all highlight Canada’s welcoming and inclusive spirit.
The storytelling conveys the painful realities of tragedy without veering into melodrama, celebrating friendship and solidarity in an uplifting atmosphere. Music, dance, pantomime, and moments of humour are expertly woven together to transform a horrific tragedy into an epic tale of humanity.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this heart-warming, unforgettable show—it’s a must-see that will stay with you long after the curtain falls. Now extended through April 2025.
Toronto, 2025
Come From Away, written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, directed by Christopher Ashley, produced by David and Hannah Mirvish.
COME FROM AWAY
Book, Music and Lyrics by
IRENE SANKOFF And DAVID HEIN
Featuring
Kyle Brown, Saccha Dennis, Steffi Didomenicantonio, Barbara Fulton, Lisa Horner, James Kall, Jeff Madden, Ali Momen, Cory O’brien, Kristen Peace, David Silvestri, Cailin Stadnyk, Clint Butler, Kate Etienne, Barbara Johnston, Jawon Mapp, Sarah Nairne, Aaron Walpole
Scenic Design
Beowulf Boritt
Costume Design
Toni-Leslie James
Lighting Design
Howell Binkley
Sound Design
Gareth Owen
Hair Design
David Brian Brown
Production Stage Manager
Lisa Humber
Casting
Stephanie Gorin Csa, Cdc
Dialect Coach
Joel Goldes
Orchestrations
August Eriksmoen
Arrangements
Ian Eisendrath
Music Director
Bob Foster
General Management
Mirvish Productions
Alchemy Production Group
Executive Producers
Junkyard Dog Productions
Brian Sewell
Music Supervision
Ian Eisendrath
Musical Staging
Kelly Devine
Directed by
Christopher Ashley
THE CAST
(in alphabetical order)
Bob and Others
Kyle Brown
Hannah and Others
Saccha Dennis
Janice and Others
Steffi Didomenicantonio
Diane and Others
Barbara Fulton
Beulah and Others
Lisa Horner
Nick/Doug and Others
James Kall
Kevin T./Garth and Others
Jeff Madden
Kevin J./Ali and Others
Ali Momen
Oz and Others
Cory O’brien
Bonnie and Others
Kristen Peace
Claude and Others
David Silvestri
Beverley/Annette and Others
Cailin Stadnyk
STANDBYS
Understudies never substitute for listed performers unless a specific announcement is made at the time of performance
For Kevin T., Nick, Claude, and Kevin J
Clint Butler
For Janice, Bonnie, Hannah, and Beverley
Kate Etienne
For Beulah, Bonnie, Diane, and Janice
Barbara Johnston
For Kevin J., Bob, Kevin T., and Oz
Jawon Mapp
For Hannah, Beverley, Diane, and Beulah
Sarah Nairne
For Claude, Oz, Nick, and Bob
Aaron Walpole
DANCE CAPTAIN
Sarah Nairne
This post was written by the author in their personal capacity.The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of The Theatre Times, their staff or collaborators.
This post was written by Berna Ataoğlu.
The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.
