Producers Rodney Rigby and Junkyard Dog Productions today announced that the worldwide smash hit, Tony and Olivier award-winning musical, Come From Away, will play at the Canberra Theatre Centre from 4 November 2021 for a strictly limited season.
At a reception in Canberra hosted by His Excellency Mark Glauser, High Commissioner for Canada in Australia, and featuring a performance from actor Zoe Gertz of the musical’s emotional show-stopper Me and the Sky, it was announced that Canberra will host a first class musical in Come From Away.
The ACT’s Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism, Andrew Barr, said this is an opportunity for the Canberra community to participate in a world-class entertainment experience.
“The season at the Canberra Theatre Centre of Come From Away – a major Broadway musical and huge international hit – reflects Canberra’s status as a creative capital,” said Mr Barr.
“This is a huge opportunity to attract interstate visitors to Canberra and the themes of Come From Away align nicely to who we are as a city – progressive, open and welcoming.”
“I am delighted the ACT Government has the opportunity to support this award-winning hit musical. This is one of many major events that provide the local tourism sector leverage to encourage visitation to Canberra,” said Mr Barr.
Set to inspire audiences, 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 Australian Company took Melbourne by storm in 2019, becoming the most successful musical ever staged at the Comedy Theatre and breaking all box office records. It marks the fifth production of the musical worldwide, joining international productions on Broadway, in Toronto, the West End and the US National Tour.
The production is currently performing to sold out audiences at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, after a triumphant encore season in Melbourne from January 2021, followed by a season at QPAC in Brisbane from March 2021.
“We are thrilled to bring the internationally acclaimed musical Come From Away to Canberra,” said Producer Rodney Rigby. “As the world collectively faces one of the greatest challenges in modern times, this show reminds us that compassion is at the core of our humanity. This is a story about unity, and about acting with kindness regardless of our differences.”
“You don’t have to be Canadian to fall in love with Come From Away,” said His Excellency Mark Glauser, High Commissioner for Canada in Australia. “It is a timeless story about a community coming together. As we approach the twentieth anniversary of September 11, it is a story that resonates more than ever.”
Come From Away is directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley (Diana, Memphis), choreographed by Olivier Award Winner Kelly Devine (Diana, Rock of Ages, Rocky), with music supervision by Ian Eisendrath (A Christmas Story, Diana), scenic design by Beowulf Boritt (Act One, 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 will play at the Canberra Theatre Centre from Thursday 4 November for a strictly limited season. Tickets on sale from 19 July 2021. For more information and to join the waitlist, visit: www.comefromaway.com.au for details.
Image: The Australian Company of Come From Away – photo by Jeff Busby