In yet another spectacular triumph, global hit Come From Away has smashed the highest weekly gross income for the week ending 19 January, surpassing the weekly box office records of all other productions staged at the theatre since it opened in 1928.
“Come From Away has enjoyed tremendous success since we opened last July,” said Producer Rodney Rigby. “After being crowned Ticketmaster Ticket of the Year in November last year, we couldn’t be more delighted by this record breaking result. I can honestly say that Melbourne and the people across Australia have truly taken Come From Away into their hearts.”
Come From Away is based on the incredible real-life events in the wake of the September 11 tragedy. Set in Gander, Newfoundland where 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 people from over 100 countries were redirected during this traumatic event, 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 Olivier Award Winner 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).
The incredible cast who brings this story to life every night includes: Nicholas Brown, Nathan Carter, Zoe Gertz, Sharriese Hamilton, Doug Hansell, Kolby Kindle, Simon Maiden, Sarah Morrison, Richard Piper, Emma Powell, Katrina Retallick and Kellie Rode – together with Tony Farrell, Angela Kennedy, Kathleen Moore, Jensen Overend, Ash Roussety and Alana Tranter.
Come From Away opened on Broadway to rave reviews in 2017 and has continued its record-breaking triumph with a second production in Toronto, a third production touring North America, a West End production and the Australian production in Melbourne – which recently took out the Drama Victoria award for Best Performance by a Theatre Company and continues to attract spontaneous standing ovations at every performance.
Following on from its Australian success, Come From Away producers Junkyard Dog Productions, Rodney Rigby and ACOrange recently announced the show will close on 8 March and tour to China in April. For more information, visit: www.comefromaway.com.au for details.
Image: The Australian Cast of Come From Away – photo by Jeff Busby