Melbourne has fallen completely in love with global hit musical Come From Away, with the announcement that it will extend its season with the final performance at the Comedy Theatre on Sunday 8 March 2020.
With no further extensions possible because of touring commitments in China, the final weeks will go on sale to the general public this Friday 20 December at 9.00am.
Establishing a new record, the most successful musical in the Comedy Theatre’s history, the Australian production opened in July 2019 and continues to attract capacity houses and spontaneous standing ovations from the entire audience at each and every performance.
“Come From Away in Melbourne has exceeded our wildest expectations, embraced by audiences from across Australia and New Zealand and making a significant additional impact to the Victorian economy,” said Producer, Rodney Rigby.
Currently there are five productions of Come From Away playing simultaneously around the world, and it has won more than 40 international awards.
The first production opened on Broadway to rave reviews in 2017 and has continued its record-breaking triumph with a second production in Toronto approaching its third year, a third production touring North America, now in its second year, and a West End production that opened in February earlier this year.
Opening in July, the Australian production in Melbourne marks the fifth company. Come From Away will tour China with the Australian company, opening in April 2020.
The ground-breaking new musical is based on the incredible real-life events in the wake of the September 11 tragedy when 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 people from over 100 countries were redirected to Gander, Newfoundland, almost doubling the population of the remote Canadian town.
Capturing the generosity and hospitality of the small community of Gander who invited the “come from aways” into their homes, it is an inspirational story of hope and humanity.
With book, music and lyrics by David Hein and Irene Sankoff, Come From Away is directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley, choreographed by Kelly Devine (Rock of Ages, Diana), with music supervision by Ian Eisendrath (A Christmas Story, Diana), scenic design by Beowulf Boritt (Rock of Ages, Be More Chill) costume design by Toni-Leslie James (Jelly’s Last Jam), lighting design by Howell Binkley (Jersey Boys, Hamilton), sound design by Gareth Owen (Diana, A Bronx Tale).
As of 2019, the musical added to its international award tally with four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical, Best Theatre Choreographer, Best Sound Design and Outstanding Achievement in Music and recently won Broadway World UK awards.
In Australia, it has won the Ticketek Ticket of the Year award for 2019, and recently took out the Drama Victoria award for Best Performance by a Theatre Company. Come From Away continues at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre until 8 March 2020. For more information, visit: www.comefromaway.com.au for details.
Image: Come From Away (Original Australian Company) – photo by Jeff Busby