38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 people from over 100 countries were diverted to a tiny island when US airspace was closed down on 11 September, 2001.
Now immortalised in this ground-breaking, Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical, COME FROM AWAY tells the remarkable real-life story of the ‘come from aways’, the unexpected outpouring of generosity and hospitality they received in Gander, Newfoundland, and it continues to inspire hope and humanity in audiences across the world.
COME FROM AWAY follows the incredible real-life journey of 7,000 air passengers who became grounded in Gander, Newfoundland in Canada in the wake of the September 11 tragedy. The small community that welcomed the ‘come from aways’ into their lives provided hope and compassion to those in need.
Award-winning husband and wife duo David Hein and Irene Sankoff (book, music and lyrics), travelled to Newfoundland and interviewed thousands of locals, compiling their stories to share with the world.
The kindness and spirit of humanity that ensued in the face of crisis; the indelible friendships forged and the anguish of not knowing what had happened to their loved ones, together with a rollicking Celtic-inspired soundtrack, make this musical one of the most celebrated to emerge from Broadway in recent history.
With book, music and lyrics by David Hein and Irene Sankoff, COME FROM AWAY is directed by Tony Award-winner Christopher Ashley, choreographed by Olivier Award Winner Kelly Devine (Rock of Ages, Be More Chill), costume design by Toni-Leslie James (Jelly’s Last Jam), lighting design by Howell Binkley (Jersey Boys, Hamilton), and sound design by Gareth Owen (Diana, A Bronx Tale).
COME FROM AWAY has won numerous awards including the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical (Christopher Ashley), and four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical, Best Theatre Choreography (Kelly Devine), Best Sound Design and Outstanding Achievement in Music. Additionally, the musical has received five Outer Critics Circle Awards (New York) including Outstanding New Broadway Musical, three Drama Desk Awards (New York), four Gypsy Rose Lee Awards (Seattle) and six San Diego Critics Circle Awards including Outstanding New Musical.
The recent Australian season saw more accolades for the production, becoming the most successful musical ever staged at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre, breaking box office records across the country, winning five Green Room awards, including Best Production and Best Ensemble and voted Ticketmaster’s ‘Ticket of the Year’ by Australian audiences in 2019.