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Come from Away

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Come from Away
Company typeMusical theatre production
IndustryTheatre, Entertainment
Founded2015
FounderIrene Sankoff and David Hein
Headquarters
New York City
,
United States
ProductsStage musical, Cast recording

Come from Away is a musical crafted by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, who wrote its book, music, and lyrics. The story centers on the happenings in Gander during the week following the September 11 attacks, when 38 aircraft carrying roughly 7,000 passengers were unexpectedly diverted to land at Gander International Airport. The narrative features characters inspired by actual residents of Gander and the travelers they welcomed.

After achieving unprecedented success at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, California, the Seattle Repertory Theatre in 2015, Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., and Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre in 2016, the show debuted on Broadway at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on March 12, 2017. It garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success. A live cast recording was issued on September 10, 2021, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the attacks. The Broadway engagement concluded on October 2, 2022, after running through 25 previews and 1,669 performances.

The production made its debut at Dublin’s The Abbey Theatre in December 2018 before transferring to London’s Phoenix Theatre in the West End in February 2019. The West End staging ended on January 7, 2023.

At the 71st Tony Awards held in 2017, Come from Away earned seven nominations including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Featured Actress for Jenn Colella. It secured a win for Best Direction of a Musical awarded to Christopher Ashley.

Inception and development

The concept originated with Michael Rubinoff, a Toronto-based lawyer, theatrical producer, and Associate Dean at Sheridan College's Visual and Performing Arts department. After consulting several writers, Rubinoff enlisted Irene Sankoff and David Hein—recognized for their 2009 musical My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, which had notable success at the Toronto Fringe Festival and with Mirvish Productions.

In 2011, Sankoff and Hein traveled to Gander on the tenth anniversary of the attacks to conduct interviews with local residents and stranded passengers. They transformed these accounts into a musical narrative, sometimes merging stories for dramatic effect. In 2012, Rubinoff produced a 45-minute workshop version through Sheridan College's Canadian Music Theatre Project. Motivated by its positive reception, he invited them to develop a full-length production for Sheridan’s 2013 season under the direction of Brian Hill. Despite receiving artistic praise, Rubinoff encountered difficulties securing Canadian producers for further advancement.

Concurrently, Goodspeed Musicals in Connecticut included the piece in its Festival of New Musicals. Later that year, the National Alliance for Musical Theatre in New York showcased it during autumn 2013; following this presentation, Junkyard Dog Productions—known for Memphis and First Date—optioned the rights to the show.

Synopsis

On September 11, 2001 morning, inhabitants of Gander—including Mayor Claude, Constable Oz, teacher Beulah, and SPCA worker Bonnie—share details about their daily lives as they learn about terrorist attacks targeting New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania ("Welcome to the Rock").

The closure of U.S. airspace forces 38 international flights to divert to Gander International Airport. This sudden arrival nearly doubles Gander’s population overnight; the community is unprepared for such an influx ("38 Planes"). The locals promptly organize efforts to provide shelter, food, clothing, and comfort to almost 7,000 passengers along with 19 animals ("Blankets and Bedding"). Initially confined aboard their planes, passengers and crew experience confusion regarding their unexpected grounding ("28 Hours / Wherever We Are").

Once disembarked and relocated to emergency shelters ("Darkness and Trees"), they watch news reports that clarify why they were forced to stay ("Lead Us Out of the Night"). Passengers attempt to contact family members while residents work tirelessly through the night offering assistance ("Phoning Home / Costume Party"). Though initially astonished by this warm reception, travelers gradually form connections with Gander’s unique locals. Residents accept guests without regard to race, nationality or sexual orientation. Beulah forms a bond with Hannah—a New Yorker—over their firefighter sons; one son remains missing after the attacks ("I Am Here"). Many find comfort within local places of worship ("Prayer").

To relieve tension ("On The Edge"), townsfolk ceremonially induct passengers as honorary Newfoundlanders at a neighborhood bar ("Heave Away / Screech In"). As U.S. airspace reopens, pilot Beverley Bass reflects on how her optimistic outlook has been altered by these events ("Me and the Sky"). Amidst tragedy some passengers develop new romantic relationships ("The Dover Fault/Stop the World"), while others face strain in theirs.

When flights resume departure schedules, passengers recount stories highlighting Newfoundland’s generosity ("Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere"), though one Muslim traveler endures prejudice through an embarrassing strip search before leaving. Life returns to normal in Gander but feels changed and somewhat emptier. Returning Americans confront grief; Hannah discovers her firefighter son died during rescue operations ("Something's Missing").

Ten years later, former stranded crew members and passengers—the "come from aways"—choose to reunite in Gander to celebrate lasting friendships born from adversity ("Finale"), as Mayor Claude declares: "Tonight we honor what was lost, but we also commemorate what we found."

Characters and casts

Character San Diego
 Seattle
 Washington, D.C.
 Toronto
 Broadway Canada
 North American tour Dublin West End Australia Pro-Shot US non-equity tour UK tour Toronto[1]
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2021 2023 2024 2024
Kevin Tuerff/Garth Chad Kimball Jack Noseworthy Andrew Samonsky David Shannon Doug Hansell Tony LePage Shawn W. Smith Mark Dugdale Jeff Madden
Beverley Bass/Annette Jenn Colella Eliza-Jane Scott Becky Gulsvig Rachel Tucker Zoe Gertz Jenn Colella Addison Garner Sara Poyzer Cailin Stadnyk
Claude Elliott Joel Hatch George Masswohl Kevin Carolan Clive Carter Richard Piper Joel Hatch Andrew Hendrick Nicholas Pound David Silvestri
Bob Rodney Hicks Kevin Vidal James Earl Jones II Nathanael Campbell Kolby Kindle De'Lon Grant Jason Tyler Smith Dale Mathurin Kyle Brown
Kevin Jung/Ali Caesar Samayoa Ali Momen Nick Duckart Jonathan Andrew Hume Nicholas Brown Caesar Samayoa Trey DeLuna Jamal Zulfiqar Ali Momen
Janice Mosher Allison Spratt Pearce Kendra Kassebaum Steffi DiDomenicantonio Emily Walton Emma Salvo Sarah Morrison Emily Walton Hannah Kato Natasha J Barnes Steffi Didomenicantonio
Bonnie Harris Petrina Bromley Alyssa Wilmoth Keegan Petrina Bromley Kristen Peace Megan McGinnis Mary Doherty Kellie Rode Petrina Bromley Kathleen Cameron Rosie Glossop Kristen Peace
Oz Fudge Geno Carr
Nick Marson/Doug
Hannah O'Rourke
Diane Gray
Beulah Davis


Significant Cast Changes

Song List

  • "Welcome to the Rock" – Claude, Ensemble
  • "38 Planes" – Ensemble
  • "Blankets and Bedding" – Ensemble
  • "28 Hours/Wherever We Are" – Ensemble
  • "Darkness and Trees" – Ensemble
  • "On the Bus" † – Ensemble
  • "Darkness and Trees (Reprise)" † – Ensemble
  • "Lead Us Out of the Night" † – Ensemble
  • "Phoning Home" † – Ensemble
  • "Costume Party" – Diane, Kevin T, Beverley, Hannah, Kevin J, Nick, Bob
  • "I Am Here" – Hannah
  • "Prayer" – Kevin T, Ensemble
  • "On the Edge" – Ensemble
  • "In the Bar/Heave Away" † – Ensemble
  • "Screech In" – Claude, Ensemble
  • "Me and the Sky" – Beverley, Female Ensemble
  • "The Dover Fault" † – Nick, Diane
  • "Stop the World" – Nick, Diane, Ensemble
  • "38 Planes (Reprise)/Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere" – Beverley, Ensemble
  • "Something's Missing" – Ensemble
  • "Finale" – Claude, Ensemble
  • "Screech Out" † – Band

† These numbers are omitted from the official Playbill.

Staging History

Production Venue/Location Preview Date Opening Night Closing Date Remarks
San Diego La Jolla Playhouse May 29, 2015 June 13, 2015 July 12, 2015 Initial staging; pre-Broadway tryout.
Seattle Seattle Repertory Theatre November 13, 2015 November 18, 2015 December 20, 2015 Second pre-Broadway tryout.
Washington, D.C. Ford's Theatre September 2, 2016 September 8, 2016 October 9, 2016 Third pre-Broadway tryout.
Gander Steele Community Centre N/A October 29, 2016 October 29, 2016 Concert performance before Broadway debut.
Toronto Royal Alexandra Theatre November 15, 2016 November 24, 2016 January 8, 2017 Fourth pre-Broadway tryout.
Broadway (New York) Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre February 18, 2017 March 12, 2017 October 2, 2022
  • Premiere major production; ranks among longest-running Broadway shows with over 1,000 performances.
Canada Initial venue: Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Winnipeg January 4, 2018 January 11, 2018 December 22, 2021
  • Royal MTC run Jan-Feb 2018; multiple Toronto venues through Dec 2021; Ottawa engagement July-August 2024; Toronto return Sept 2024.
North American tour Starting at Capitol Theatre, Yakima, WA October 5, 2018 October 14, 2018 May 24, 2023
Dublin Abbey Theatre December 6, 2018 December 11, 2018 January 19, 2019 Subsequently transferred to London.
West End (London) Phoenix Theatre January 31, 2019 February 18, 2019 January 7, 2023
  • Planned concert edition cancelled in January 2021.
Australia Comedy Theatre (Melbourne) and others N/A July 10, 2019 July 9, 2023
  • Launched in Melbourne; second leg toured Gold Coast, Sydney & Canberra; preview performances postponed due to crew illness.
The Netherlands Nieuwe Luxor Theater, Rotterdam November 3, 2021 November 18, 2021 June 6, 2022 Dutch production not following original staging.
Buenos Aires Teatro Maipo June 4, 2022 December4 ,2022 Currently running with scheduled intermissions through August2024 Spanish-language production with unique staging.
Denmark Fredericia Musicalteater N/A October21 ,2022 November6 ,2022 Danish production with distinct interpretation.
US non-equity tour First venue: Koger Center, Columbia SC N/A October17 ,2023 May9 ,2025
Seoul Kwanglim Arts Centre N/A November28 ,2023 February18 ,2024 Korean production featuring original staging variations.
UK tour First venue: Curve Theatre Leicester March1 ,2024 N/A January5 ,2025
  • Additional performances scheduled in Trieste from Jan10-12 ,2025.
Japan Nissay Theatre, Tokyo N/A March7 ,2024 May12 ,2024
  • Replica of original Japanese staging.
Brussels Karreveld Castle July10 ,2024 July13 ,2024 September4 ,2024
  • French-language production with unique design elements.
Madrid Teatro Marquina September12 ,2024 September19 ,2024 February9 ,2025
  • Spanish production transferred from Buenos Aires with new staging.
Panama City National Theatre of Panama N/A September24 ,2024 October6 ,2024
  • Spanish-language production with original adaptation.
Canada (return) Babs Asper Theatre Ottawa / Royal Alexandra Theatre Toronto August14 ,2024 September22 ,2024 May4 ,2025
  • Ottawa run Aug-Sept; Toronto engagement Sept-May.
Germany First venue: Theater Regensburg Regensburg N/A February22 ,2025 July13 ,2025
  • German-language production featuring Regensburg and Munich locations.
Philippines Samsung Performing Arts Theater Makati N/A June6 ,2025 June29 ,2025
  • English-language production with distinct local elements.

Pre-Broadway tryouts (2015–2017)

Come from Away had its professional debut at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego on May 29, 2015. Under the direction of Christopher Ashley and choreography by Kelly Devine, the engagement was extended from July 5 to July 12 due to overwhelming audience interest.

The show subsequently transferred to the Seattle Repertory Theatre, where it opened on November 13, 2015. Its run was prolonged through December 20 after breaking multiple box office records, including the highest gross and largest single-day ticket sales in the theatre’s history.

From September 2 to October 9, 2016, it was staged at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. Following this, a concert version was presented by the cast at the Steele Community Centre in Gander.

The final stop before Broadway took place at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre, beginning November 15, 2016. The entire engagement sold out by its second week and set a new theatre record with $1.7 million in ticket revenue within one week. Responding to strong demand, Mirvish Productions added four box seats, standing room tickets, and an additional performance on December 18. This Toronto run concluded on January 8, 2017.

Broadway (2017–2022)

The musical began previews on Broadway on February 18, 2017, officially opening on March 12 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. It consistently attracted audiences that reached standing-room-only capacity. The creative team featured Christopher Ashley as director, Kelly Devine as choreographer, Beowulf Boritt handling scenic design, Toni-Leslie James responsible for costumes, lighting by Howell Binkley, sound design by Gareth Owen, and music direction by Ian Eisendrath. The March 15, 2017 performance was attended by notable figures including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, and Ivanka Trump.

Performances were halted on March 12, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The production resumed its Broadway run on September 21, 2021. From June 21 through August 7, 2022, original cast member Jenn Colella briefly returned to portray Beverley/Annette. On June 8, 2022, it was announced that the Broadway production would close on October 2, 2022 after completing 25 previews and 1,669 regular shows—making it the 49th longest-running Broadway musical.

Original Canadian production (2018–2021)

Following its successful pre-Broadway engagement, Mirvish Productions mounted a Canadian version featuring an entirely Canadian cast announced in July 2017.

This production had a limited engagement at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre in Winnipeg from January 12 to February 3, 2018—all performances sold out. It then launched an open-ended run at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre beginning February 13, 2018 and recouped its full investment within fourteen weeks. Due to ongoing demand, it closed at the Royal Alexandra on January 20, 2019 and transferred to the nearby Elgin Theatre, as Mirvish had already scheduled Dear Evan Hansen to open at the Royal Alexandra in March that year.

During this transition period, eight benefit concerts were held at Holy Heart Theatre in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Come from Away reopened at the Elgin Theatre on February 5, 2019. After Dear Evan Hansen ended its run prematurely, the show returned to the Royal Alexandra Theatre on December 13, 2019 and continued until March 2020 when it closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following a hiatus of twenty-one months, the production resumed performances at the Royal Alexandra Theatre on December 15, 2021. However, due to cast illnesses and restrictions related to the omicron variant, it closed again on December 21 with plans to reopen on December 28. On December 27, 2021, an announcement was made confirming its permanent closure.

Canadian revival (2024–2025)

In May 2022, plans were unveiled for a revival of the Canadian staging of Come from Away slated for 2024, with financial backing from the federal government. By June 2024, it was confirmed that the majority of the original Canadian cast would reprise their roles. The production held a limited run at Ottawa’s Babs Asper Theatre from August 14 to September 1, 2024, before commencing an open-ended engagement at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre starting September 22, 2024.

Non-replica productions

During 2023, a non-replica version of Come from Away was performed in Gander at the Joseph R Smallwood Arts & Culture Centre between July 7 and September 3, featuring original Broadway performers Petrina Bromley and Astrid van Wieren. Additional local productions took place in Gander during the summers of 2024 and are planned for 2025 as well. Furthermore, a German-language production is scheduled to run in Regensburg from February through June 2025.

North American tour (2018–2023)

The North American tour kicked off in October 2018, covering over fifty cities, with its opening performance at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre.

Dublin and West End (2019–2023)

Following a run at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre from December 2018 to January 2019, the show transferred to London’s Phoenix Theatre in the West End on January 30, 2019, featuring a British cast. Key performers included Rachel Tucker portraying Captain Beverley Bass until February 2020, when she was succeeded by Alice Fearn, alongside Clive Carter as Claude. The West End production concluded on January 7, 2023, after completing 1,048 performances.

Australia (2019–2023)

The Australian staging debuted at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre in July 2019. Although plans for a China tour were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the initial Melbourne season ended prematurely. The show returned briefly in February 2021 and subsequently played seasons at Brisbane’s Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Sydney’s Capitol Theatre. This Melbourne run became the most successful musical ever staged at the Comedy Theatre. The production later toured the Gold Coast, Perth, and Canberra, with additional seasons in Melbourne and Sydney.

UK and Ireland tour (2024–present)

A UK tour commenced on March 1, 2024, at the Leicester Curve Theatre. Performances were held at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre from March 12 to March 23, with further shows scheduled at New Theatre Oxford beginning April 23.

Europe

  • The Nordic debut took place on September 26, 2020, in Norrköping, Sweden, produced by Östgöta Theatre.
  • A Dutch version was announced on April 12, 2021, starring Willemijn Verkaik as Beverley Bass.
  • A Danish production premiered on October 21, 2022, at Fredericia Musicalteater.
  • Germany’s inaugural production is planned for February 22, 2025, at Theater Regensburg.

South America

A Buenos Aires staging by The Stage Company had been scheduled for April 2020 at Teatro Maipo but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; it eventually opened in April 2022.

Seattle

Misha Berson from the Seattle Times commended Christopher Ashley's seamless direction, describing the production as a "significant comfort to the numbed spirit" that celebrates "our ability for modest kindness and shared compassion." Jay Irwin of Broadway World characterized the show as "emotionally uplifting" and declared it "the finest musical I've witnessed this year, possibly ever."

Washington, DC

David Gerson of DC Metro Theatre Arts lauded the production as "one of the most invigorating artistic works" in recent years, emphasizing its melodic folk and country-inspired pop soundtrack alongside compelling performances by the cast. Peter Marks from The Washington Post highlighted the musical’s profound 9/11 significance and its catchy, raw score, singling out a standout scene set in a Gander pub featuring an eccentric local welcoming tradition.

Toronto

Kelly Nestruck of The Globe and Mail praised the musical for its warmth and originality, noting its relatable narrative and strong emotional foundation enhanced by beautiful songwriting. Robert Cushman of the National Post described the show as "exceptional," while Liz Braun from the Toronto Sun awarded it a flawless 5-star rating, applauding its transformation of a somber chapter in American history into a jubilant tribute to human resilience. Alan Henry of Broadway World stressed the emotional power of the performance and encouraged audiences not to overlook it.

Broadway

Ben Brantley, chief theatre critic for The New York Times, referred to Come From Away as a "warm embrace of a musical" that, although beginning with a somewhat "harsh tone of intense sincerity," ultimately portrays an inspiring story of courageous hospitality under duress. He granted it the Critics' Pick honor for its excellence.

Joe Dziemianowicz from the New York Daily News described it as "generous-hearted and crowd-pleasing," underscoring its message that people can rise to their best selves during difficult times.

Joe Westerfield of Newsweek applauded the production for whisking viewers away to an unexpected yet captivating setting. Frank Scheck at The Hollywood Reporter found it "heartfelt and thoroughly enjoyable," particularly relevant amid divisive political climates.

Johnny Oleksinski from the New York Post called it "Broadway's most delightful surprise this season," urging all New Yorkers to experience it. Peter Marks of The Washington Post referred to it as "a sparkling musical" and "a remedy for what troubles the American spirit."

Michael Dale at Broadway World described it as an "uplifting, humorous, and stunningly crafted new musical" he highly recommends during its Broadway run. Steven Suskin of The Huffington Post praised it as "bold, innovative, unique, and deeply moving."

Robert Kahn with NBC highlighted its respectful tone, discovering a spiritual dimension that balances human kindness with the isolation linked to 9/11. Jennifer Vanasco from WNYC called it "a heartfelt tribute – to Newfoundland, to New York, and to what people can achieve when they overcome fear and hatred."

Offering a more critical perspective, Jesse Green of New York Magazine described it as "overly pleasant," suggesting some New Yorkers might see it as Canadian boosterism. However, he conceded that it was "well-directed" and "beautifully sung."

Recording

The original Broadway cast album was made available on March 10, 2017, through Molly Records. It attained the position of number 92 on the Top Current Albums chart and climbed to the second spot on the Cast Albums chart.

Original Washington, D.C. production

Year Award Ceremony Category Nominee Outcome
2017 Helen Hayes Award Outstanding Musical—HAYES Production Template:Win
Outstanding Direction of a Musical—HAYES Production Christopher Ashley Template:Won
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical—HAYES Production Jenn Colella Template:Won
Kendra Kassebaum Template:Nom
Alyssa Wilmoth Keegan Template:Nom
Q. Smith Template:Nom
Astrid Van Wieren Template:Nom
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical—HAYES Production Joel Hatch Template:Nom
Rodney Hicks Template:Nom
Chad Kimball Template:Nom
Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical—HAYES Production Template:Won
Outstanding Choreography, Musical—HAYES Production Kelly Devine Template:Nom
Outstanding Musical Direction—HAYES Production Ian Eisendrath Template:Nom
Outstanding Sound Design—HAYES Production Gareth Owen Template:Nom

Original Broadway production

Year Award Ceremony Category Nominee Outcome
2017 Tony Award Tony Award for Best Musical Template:Nom
Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical Irene Sankoff and David Hein Template:Nom
Tony Award for Best Original Score Template:Nom
Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical Christopher Ashley Template:Won
Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical Jenn Colella Template:Nom
Tony Award for Best Lighting Design in a Musical Howell Binkley Template:Nom
Tony Award for Best Choreography Kelly Devine Template:Nom
2017 || Drama Desk Awards || Outstanding Musical || || Template:Won 2017 || Drama Desk Awards || Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical || Jenn Colella || Template:Won 2017 || Drama Desk Awards || Outstanding Director of a Musical || Christopher Ashley || Template:Nom 2017 || Drama Desk Awards || Outstanding Choreography || Kelly Devine || Template:Nom 2017 || Drama Desk Awards || Outstanding Book of a Musical || Irene Sankoff and David Hein || Template:Won 2017 || Drama Desk Awards || Outstanding Music || Irene Sankoff and David Hein || Template:Nom 2017 || Drama Desk Awards || Outstanding Lyrics || Irene Sankoff and David Hein || Template:Nom 2017 || Drama Desk Awards || Outstanding Orchestrations || August Eriksmoen || Template:Nom 2017 || Drama Desk Awards || Outstanding Costume Design for a Musical || Toni-Leslie James || Template:Nom
Year Award Ceremony Category Nominee Outcome
2017 || Drama League Award|| Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Production|| || Template:Nom
Year Award Ceremony Category Nominee Outcome
2017||Outer Critics Circle Awards||Outstanding Broadway Musical|| || Template:Won 2017||Outer Critics Circle Awards||Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (The Marjorie Gunner Award)||Irene Sankoff and David Hein||Template:Nom 2017||Outer Critics Circle Awards||Outstanding Book of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway)||Irene Sankoff and David Hein||Template:Won 2017||Outer Critics Circle Awards||Outstanding Director of a Musical||Christopher Ashley||Template:Won 2017||Outer Critics Circle Awards||Outstanding Choreographer||Kelly Devine||Template:Nom 2017||Outer Critics Circle Awards||Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical||Jenn Colella||Template:Won 2017||Outer Critics Circle Awards||Outstanding Sound Design (Play or Musical)||Gareth Owen||Template:Won
Year Award Ceremony Category Nominee Outcome
2017-18||Chita Rivera Awards for Dance and Choreography||Outstanding Ensemble in a Broadway Show|| || Template:Nominated 2017-18||Chita Rivera Awards for Dance and Choreography||Outstanding Choreography in a Broadway Show||Kelly Devine||Template:Nominated
Year Award Ceremony Category Nominee Outcome
2018||60th Grammy Awards||Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album||Ian Eisendrath, August Eriksmoen, David Hein, David Lai & Irene Sankoff (producers); David Hein & Irene Sankoff (composers/lyricists)||Template:Nominated
Year Award Ceremony Category Nominee Outcome


Original West End production

Year Award Ceremony Category Nominee Result
2019 Laurence Olivier Award Best New Musical Template:Won
Outstanding Achievement in Music David Hein, Irene Sankoff, Ian Eisendrath, August Eriksmoen, Alan Berry and 'the band' Template:Won
Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical Clive Carter Template:Nom
Robert Hands Template:Nom
Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical Rachel Tucker Template:Nom
Best Lighting Design Howell Binkley Template:Nom
Best Sound Design Gareth Owen Template:Won
Best Director Christopher Ashley Template:Nom
Best Theatre Choreographer Kelly Devine Template:Won
Evening Standard Theatre Awards Best Musical Template:Nom
2020 Critics' Circle Theatre Award Best Musical Template:Won
Casting Directors' Guild Award Best Casting in Musical Theatre Pippa Ailion, Natalie Gallacher and Katherine Skene Template:Won

Criticisms

The musical has been critiqued for its portrayal of Newfoundland as predominantly generous, while its engagement with post-9/11 Islamophobia remains superficial. Although it presents the story of one individual's discrimination experience in Gander, the overall depiction of Canadian benevolence in Come from Away has raised concerns. This portrayal may unintentionally contribute to minimizing issues of racism and hateful discourse both within Newfoundland and beyond.

Cancelled theatrical feature film

In November 2017, The Mark Gordon Company revealed intentions to develop a feature-length film adaptation, with Sankoff and Hein tasked with the screenplay and Christopher Ashley set to direct. By April 2019, plans included filming on location in Gander, casting relatively unknown actors, and involving local community members as extras.

Filmed stage production

The planned theatrical film adaptation was cancelled in February 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruptive effects on the film and performing arts sectors. As an alternative, a live recording of the Broadway stage version featuring the original cast was produced by Entertainment One and RadicalMedia to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the attacks. Directed by Ashley and produced by Gordon alongside Jennifer Todd, Bill Condon, and Junkyard Dog Productions, this production involved 222 individuals including cast and crew members. Executive producers included Sankoff, Hein, Jon Kamen, Dave Sirulnick, and Meredith Bennett. In April 2021, distribution rights were secured by Apple TV+, with the film debuting on September 10, 2021.

See also

External links

  1. ↑ Come From Away, Programe, Second edition 2024/25, Royal Alexandra Theatre
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