Come From Away will play Broadway in Spring 2017.

I think that would make it all more intriguing

I saw "Come From Away" at La Jolla Playhouse last year, and when I heard about it as a subscriber I thought "Oh, jeez, that doesn't sound like a good prospect for a musical - why would I want to see that?" And when the show started I thought it was going to another one of those stylized, one-set, cast playing many parts and talking to the audience explaining what happens, musicians on stage, "Once"-like folk musicals. Not my favorite! But seeing the show I was caught up almost immediately. It has a good cast and focuses on personal stories of both the people from various countries who were grounded on their way to America as they find out about what happen on 9/11 and the stories of people in the small town in New Foundland rising to the occasion of taking thousands of people into their town in on a moment's notice. The musical has a good energy and heart. The score is effective, and Christopher Ashley's direction is strong. The show became a highlight of the La Jolla 2014- 2015 season for me. That said, it's still a tough sell - like the film "The Walk" and the similar styled musical "Hands on A Hardbody". Neither of those met with great success. But if the producers can find a way to sell the very human, moving element of the show above the 9/11 and "news event" aspect of it I hope it finds an audience like it has in other cities where it's played.

Updated On: 2/16/16 at 10:08 AM

I hear you, BroadwayConcierge, and I agree with you. It's more suited as an off-Broadway show, in my opinion. But I'm sure all involved know the challenges they're facing bringing the show to Broadway. Time will tell.

Updated On: 2/16/16 at 10:22 AM

I agree. But unless it plays at let's say the Helen Hayes or Court, it will be a very tough sell.

I'm really excited about this and hope that Jenn Colella will be on board. I haven't seen it but the true story it's based on is so touching and I've heard bits of the score.

I agree with RippedMan that maybe it doesn't have to be billed as "The untold story of 9/11 in Canada" but rather as a musical about the goodness of people and the power of humanity when we choose to open our hearts and more literally, our homes. I know you can't brush off 9/11 and get that it's still raw for people, but I also think it's not too soon for something like this.

I do think it would be better off in a smaller house to preserve intimacy - but I also haven't seen it so that's just my speculation based on what I've heard about the story.

Mirvish in Toronto just announced their next subscription season by email today. I hadn't heard about the show until i read the blurb about it in the email, and then later saw and read this thread. Based on the description, i don't think "the 9/11 musical" or something similar would really capture what the show is about. In particular, it is not about the events in NYC or DC or PA on that day. Here is the blurb from the email sent out this morning:

*******************quoted from Mirvish email*********************************

COME FROM AWAY is the breathtaking new musical that played record-breaking engagements in La Jolla and Seattle - and now it's coming to Toronto prior to its Broadway run. Written by Canadians Irene Sankoff and David Hein (My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding), this is the stunning production from Tony®- nominated director Christopher Ashley (Memphis) that the Los Angeles Times calls "an affecting and stirring new musical."

On September 11th, 2001, 38 planes with 6,579 passengers were stranded in a remote town in Newfoundland. The locals opened their hearts and homes, and hosted this international community of strangers for a week - spurring unexpected camaraderie in extraordinary circumstances.

When the world stopped, their stories moved us all.

*****************************end quote***********************************

I wish this nothing but the absolute best. My father was one of the 6000+ travelers diverted to Gander And to this day, I'm grateful beyond words what that town did. 9/11 is a touchy subject, but it's also a unifying subject for many people. The story addresses a very specific event in time, but it also covers a lot of universal themes that have nothing to do with 9/11. Some highly personal stories have succeeded in Broadway and others haven't, but the show, on paper at least, has the right elements.

I'll admitted I'm biased, but the show was good.