Come From Away
"Come From Away" is a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein.
Come From Away is a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. It is based on the true story of how residents of Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed thousands of stranded air travellers after flights were diverted following the September 11 attacks. The musical premiered at La Jolla Playhouse in 2015 and opened on Broadway in 2017, where it won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical.
Background and inspiration
Come From Away is based on the real-life response of the people of Gander, Newfoundland, who housed and fed thousands of stranded airline passengers after the September 11 attacks. The musical centers on 38 planes diverted to Gander when U.S. airspace was closed.
Development and premiere
The musical was written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, a Canadian married couple. It first staged at La Jolla Playhouse in 2015 before moving to Broadway in 2017. Christopher Ashley directed the production.
Plot and themes
The story follows residents and travellers during a tense and unusual week in Gander, emphasizing generosity, resilience, and community. Characters are based on real residents of Gander and stranded travellers.
Reception and awards
The production was widely praised and received seven Tony Award nominations, winning for Best Direction of a Musical directed by Christopher Ashley.
Key facts
- Inspired by real events in Gander, Newfoundland, after the September 11 attacks.
- The musical centers on 38 planes diverted to Gander when U.S. airspace was closed.
- Created by Canadian married couple Irene Sankoff and David Hein.
- Premiered at La Jolla Playhouse in 2015 and opened on Broadway in 2017.
- Won Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical.
"Come From Away" is strongly connected to Canada because it is set in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, and it was created by Canadian writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein. For Canadian readers, it is a well-known work about Newfoundland hospitality and a notable Canadian theatrical success.
Frequently asked questions
What is "Come From Away" about?
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References
- TheaterMania — https://www.theatermania.com/news/5-facts-about-broadways-come-from-away_1749745/Supports: Premiere at La Jolla Playhouse in 2015; Broadway premiere in 2017; 38 planes diverted to Gander; Tony nominations and Christopher Ashley's directing award.
- Segerstrom Center for the Arts — https://www.scfta.org/discover-watch-listen/articles/_/story-behind-come-from-awaySupports: Based on real events in Gander, Newfoundland, following the September 11 attacks.
- LondonTheatre.co.uk — https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-come-from-away-in-londonSupports: Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein; set after the 9/11 attacks; based on real stories of stranded travellers and Gander residents.
- New York Theatre Guide — https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-come-from-away-on-broadwaySupports: Plot context, 38 diverted planes, creators, running time, Tony recognition, and production details.
- Time — https://www.time.com/4703321/come-from-away-musical-review/Supports: Canadian creators, La Jolla premiere in 2015, and development based on interviews in Gander.
- Official site — https://comefromaway.com/about.phpSupports: Official description of the musical as the story of stranded passengers and the town in Newfoundland that welcomed them.