Theatre Winfield will present the acclaimed Broadway musical Come From Away next weekend at Southwestern College, with free performances benefiting local first responders.
Shows are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, July 31 and Aug. 1, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 2, at 2 p.m. in the Richard Performing Arts Center on the Southwestern College campus. Admission is free, although donations will be accepted to support local first responders.
Based on the true events that followed the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Come From Away tells the story of the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, after 38 commercial airliners carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were diverted there when U.S. airspace was closed. With a population of fewer than 8,000 people, the community welcomed the stranded travelers, creating lasting friendships and demonstrating extraordinary generosity during a time of crisis.
Directed by Terry McGonigle, the musical was written by the award-winning husband-and-wife team of Irene Sankoff and David Hein. Since its Broadway debut, Come From Away has become one of the most celebrated musicals of the 21st century, blending humor, heartfelt storytelling and a Celtic-inspired score while highlighting the power of compassion and community.
Robbie Banks serves as musical director, while Yazmin Wood choreographed the production and is assisting with its fast-paced staging.
The cast features 26 performers who rapidly transition among dozens of roles, portraying townspeople, airline crews, pilots and passengers through quick costume changes and seamless movement.
“In my 50-plus years as a director, I have never worked with a script like this one,” McGonigle said. “We are all challenged and inspired by the writing, the characters, the music and the story. This will certainly be a theatrical experience for our audiences like none they have experienced before.”
Audience members attending the Saturday and Sunday performances are also invited to participate in special discussions with the production team. A pre-show conversation with the director and a post-show audience discussion will be offered following those performances.
For additional information, email [email protected] or call 620-441-3718.
