'Come From Away' comes back
Following its sell-out season in Melbourne in 2019, Come From Away is returning to Australia in 2012.
The producers, Rodney Rigby and Junkyard Dog Productions, are bringing the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical to QPAC’s Lyric Theatre in Brisbane from 28 March, 2021, for a strictly limited season. It will be the first major musical to open in Queensland since the Covid-enforced shutdown.
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 and the small community that welcomed them their lives. Award-winning husband and wife duo, David Hein and Irene Sankoff, who write the book, music and lyrics, travelled to Newfoundland and interviewed thousands of locals, compiling their stories to share with the world.
The musical took Melbourne by storm in 2019, becoming the most successful musical ever staged at The Comedy Theatre and breaking all box office records. The 2021 season marks the fifth production of the musical worldwide, joining international productions on Broadway, in Toronto, the West End and the US National Tour.
Rodney Rigby commented, “As the world collectively faces one of the greatest challenges in modern times, Come From Away 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.”
Among the musical’s international awards are five Green Room awards won in 2020, including Best Production and Best Ensemble, four Olivier Awards in 2019, including Best New Musical, Best Theatre Choreographer, Best Sound Design and Outstanding Achievement in Music, Ticketmaster’s Ticket of the Year judged by Australian audiences and four Broadway World UK awards.
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).
The production will open in Brisbane in QPAC’s Lyric Theatre with performances commencing 28 March for a strictly limited season.
Tickets are on sale from Thursday 26 November at comefromaway.com.au.