Come From Away

Come From Away (Musical - Mainstage, Kizzie)

Book, Music, & Lyrics by: Irene Sankoff & David Hein

On September 11, 2001, 38 planes were diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, doubling its population overnight. As fear and confusion spread, the people of Gander welcomed 7,000 stranded travelers with open arms, shelter, and compassion. Come From Away tells the inspiring true story of how generosity, hope, and human connection helped thousands of strangers find community when they needed it most. This breathtaking musical blends humor, heart, and soaring music to tell a story of resilience and humanity. It’s a celebration of what happens when people choose kindness in the face of tragedy.

Content/Intimacy Notice

Come From Away centers on the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  While no violence from the attacks is shown, the script contains frequent references to the tragedy, missing people, and death. It also contains racism (Islamophobia, racial profiling) mild to strong profanity, alcohol use, and death of an animal.

contains themes of poverty, prostitution, suicide, revolution, and intense violence:

• Injury and death caused by gunshots and stabbing
• male-to-male physical violence
• male-to-female physical and sexual violence
• female-to-female physical violence

Some intimate moments may include: 

• romantic/non-violent male and female kissing, 
• romantic/non-violent male and female physical contact
• non-romantic/non-violent male to male physical contact
• non-romantic/non-violent male and female physical contact
• non-romantic/non-violent female to female physical contact

Consent-forward intimacy staging will be part of any rehearsal involving these scenes.  If you have concerns you would like to discuss, contact Cole at [email protected].  Concerns or limitations with any of the above material will not affect your consideration for the roles.

Characters

CLAUDE & OTHERS – (Male, 40-60) The gregarious and well-liked Mayor of Gander, Newfoundland, Claude loves his work, the townspeople and his daily traditions, but he's never had to deal with a crisis of this magnitude before.  Also plays Derm & Brenda’s Brother, Eddie.

BONNIE & OTHERS – (Female, 30-40) Vocal Range top: B4. A no-nonsense mother of three, Bonnie is the head of the Gander area SPCA. When she discovers animals are trapped on the planes, she stops at nothing to ensure their safety - but in frustration, she often lashes out at those around her. Also plays Martha.

BEULAH & OTHERS – (Female, 40-60) The head of the Gander Legion, with a firefighter son, who walks Hannah to her church and prays with her. Also plays Delores.

OZ & OTHERS – (Male, 30-50) Vocal Range top: G4. The quirky constable in the two-person Gander police force. When the town's population suddenly doubles, Oz helps out in unexpected ways. Also plays Joey, Customs Officer, Mr. Michaels, Terry, Matty, Rabbi, and Head Cardiologist.

JANICE & OTHERS – (Female, 20-30) Vocal Range top: E5. An eager new local TV reporter, Janice is thrown into the deep end on her first day. Initially naïve about the world, Janice must face the pain and confusion around her. Also plays Britney and Flight Attendant.

BEVERLY/ANNETTE & OTHERS – (Female, 40-60) Vocal Range top: C#5. Beverely: The first female captain for American Airlines Pilot, Beverly Bass has always loved flying, when her world suddenly changes. Annette: A schoolteacher at Gander Academy with an active fantasy life. 

DIANE & OTHERS – (Female, 50-60) Vocal Range: A3-C#5. A traditional divorcee from Texas, who is terrified that her son may have been flying at the time of the attacks. When she finds out that he's safe, she's given a new lease on life and discovers a wilder, more carefree side of herself. Also plays Crystal and Brenda.

NICK/DOUG & OTHERS – (Male, 50-60) Vocal Range top: E4. Nick: An English oil engineer who is focused on his work, Nick's life is turned upside down when he falls for Diane. Doug: An Air Traffic Controller, married to Bonnie, who tries to help his wife and the animals. Also plays Officer Stephenson, and Male Townsperson.

KEVIN T/GARTH & OTHERS – (Male, 30-50) Vocal Range top: G4. Kevin T: The head of an environmental energy company in Los Angeles, Kevin was on vacation with his boyfriend (and secretary, also named Kevin), when they are stranded in Gander. Inspired by the town's generosity, Kevin creates the Pay It Forward Foundation.

Garth: The head of the local union, representing the Bus Drivers.

KEVIN J/ALI & OTHERS – (Male, 30-50) Kevin J: Kevin's boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, he wants to leave as soon as possible. Ali: An Egyptian man traveling to America who experiences isolation and Islamophobia but who finds a connection to Beulah. Also plays Dwight.

HANNAH & OTHERS – (Female, 40-60) Vocal Range top: E5. The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hannah waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah. Also plays Margie and Mickey.

BOB & OTHERS – (Male, 20-40) A hardened New Yorker, Bob is suspicious of where he's landed, fearing that it's World War 3, that someone is going to shoot him and steal his wallet - but instead, he ends up losing his New York jadedness. Also plays Muhumuza and Captain Bristol.

Director: Phillip Fazio

Choreographer: Dawn Lebrecht Fornara

Music Director: Charles Fornara

Stage Manager: Taylor Matthews