Come from Away (film)

Come from Away (film)
Company type	Musical film
Industry	Film, Theatre
Founded	2021
Founder	Irene Sankoff and David Hein (original musical creators)
Headquarters	New York City, United States
Key people	Christopher Ashley (director), Mark Gordon (producer), Jennifer Todd (producer), Bill Condon (producer), Junkyard Dog Productions (producer)
Products	Musical film recording
Parent	Apple TV+

Come from Away is a 2021 musical film presenting a live recording of the stage production originally created by Irene Sankoff and David Hein in 2017. The narrative portrays the experience of 7,000 airline travelers who were unexpectedly grounded in the small community of Gander, Newfoundland, and how they were generously accommodated following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. This film was developed as a response to the Broadway shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Directed by Christopher Ashley, it was captured in front of a live audience that included frontline workers and survivors of 9/11 during May 2021 at New York City's Gerald Schoenfeld Theater, featuring performers from the Broadway ensemble.

The release occurred on Apple TV+ on September 10, 2021, just ahead of the twentieth anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The film was met with widespread critical acclaim.

Cast

Petrina Bromley portraying Bonnie Harris among other roles
Jenn Colella as Annette, Beverley Bass, and additional characters
De'Lon Grant in the roles of Bob and others
Joel Hatch as Claude Elliott and various other parts
Tony LePage playing Garth, Kevin Tuerff, and others
Caesar Samayoa as Ali, Kevin Jung, and more
Q. Smith taking on Hannah O'Rourke and additional roles
Astrid Van Wieren as Beulah Davis among other characters
Emily Walton performing as Janice Mosher and others
Jim Walton in the roles of Doug Harris, Nick Marson, and more
Sharon Wheatley portraying Diane Gray and others
Paul Whitty as Oz Fudge and additional parts

Production

In November 2017, The Mark Gordon Company revealed intentions to adapt the musical into a feature film, with Sankoff and Hein penning the screenplay and Christopher Ashley set to direct. By April 2019, plans shifted toward shooting on location in Gander, utilizing lesser-known actors alongside local residents as extras.

Nevertheless, on February 2, 2021, due to ongoing disruptions in film and theatre caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the feature film project was cancelled. Instead, a filmed live version of the Broadway performance was created for a September 2021 release commemorating the twentieth anniversary of 9/11. This production was backed financially by Entertainment One and RadicalMedia, shot at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater under Ashley’s direction with Gordon producing. Additional producers included Jennifer Todd, Bill Condon, and Junkyard Dog Productions. Executive producers comprised Sankoff, Hein, Jon Kamen, Dave Sirulnick, and Meredith Bennett. The entire production involved a team of 222 cast members, crew, and creative staff. On April 30, 2021, distribution rights were secured by Apple TV+.

Critical response

According to review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 98% of 42 critics offered favorable evaluations of the film, yielding an average score of 8.3 out of 10. The critical consensus reads: "Come from Away uncovers hope amid tragedy — showcasing the restorative strength found in human connection." On Metacritic, it achieved a score of 83 out of 100 based on nine reviews, signifying "universal acclaim."

External links

Cast

Production

Critical response

See also

External links