The worldwide smash hit, Tony and Olivier award-winning musical Come From Away will have its official opening night, Thursday 1 September at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre.
“Come From Away is the perfect show for our time; an opportunity to come together and celebrate an inspirational story of hope and humanity,” said Producer Rodney Rigby. “The reception for this show across Australia has been ecstatic and we are thrilled to be sharing it with audiences in Melbourne.”
Melbourne has had a love affair with this world class production, taking the city by storm when the musical premiered in July 2019. Enjoying months of standing ovations and universal acclaim, it went on to break box office records to become the most successful production in the Comedy Theatre’s 94-year history.
Come From Away follows the incredible real-life journey of 7,000 air passengers who were 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 writers David Hein and Irene Sankoff travelled to Newfoundland and interviewed thousands of locals, turning their stories into an inspiring musical to share with the world.
The outstanding ensemble includes Kyle Brown, Zoe Gertz, Manon Gunderson-Briggs, Douglas Hansell, Kat Harrison, Joe Kosky, Phillip Lowe, Joseph Naim, Sarah Nairne, Natalie O’Donnell, Emma Powell, David Silvestri, together with Kaya Byrne, Jeremy Carver-James, Noni McCallum, Michael Lee Porter, Alana Tranter and Jasmine Vaughns.
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), and sound design by Gareth Owen (Diana, A Bronx Tale).
Come From Away won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical (Christopher Ashley) and for Olivier Awards including Best New Musical, Best Theatre Choreographer (Kelly Devine), Best Sound Design (Gareth Owen) and Outstanding Achievement in Music.
Since its Australian premiere in 2019 the production has added five Green Room awards, including Best Production and Best Ensemble, to its award tally, along with being voted Ticketmaster’s Ticket of the Year by Australian audiences.
Come From Away
Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Season continues to 30 October 2022
Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au
Following its Melbourne season, Come From Away will play the Theatre Royal Sydney from 5 November 2022, followed by the Canberra Theatre Centre in June 2023. For more information, visit: www.comefromaway.com.au for details.
Image: The Cast of Come From Away – photo by Jeff Busby