Broadway will welcome a new musical, “Come From Away,” in 2017 with unlikely subject matter: the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks.
Canadians Irene Sankoff and David Hein wrote the book, music and lyrics of the show, which is set in the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland — whose population doubled on Sept. 11, 2001 when 38 planes and 6,579 passengers were re-routed there.
The production will begin performances at a Shubert Organization-owned theater in February, following runs at Washington, D.C.’s Ford Theatre and and Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre last fall, Junkyard Dog Productions announced Thursday.
Tony Award nominee Christopher Ashley (“Memphis”) will direct, while Kelly Devine (“Rocky”) will choreograph.
The cast includes Newfoundland native Petrina Bromley (Stratford’s “As You Like It”); Geno Carr (The Old Globe’s Dr. Seuss‘ “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”); Jenn Colella (“If/Then”); Joel Hatch (“Annie”); Rodney Hicks (“The Scottsboro Boys”); Kendra Kassebaum (“Wicked”); Tony Award nominee Chad Kimball (“Memphis”); Lee MacDougall (Stratford’s “The Music Man”); Caesar Samayoa (“Sister Act”); Q. Smith (“Mary Poppins”); Astrid Van Wieren (North American premiere of “Mamma Mia!”) and Sharon Wheatley (“Avenue Q”).
“Come From Away” was originally co-produced in 2015 by La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle Repertory Theater.
The creative team also includes scenic designer Beowulf Boritt (“Act One”), costume designer Toni-Leslie James (“Jelly’s Last Jam”), lighting designer Howell Binkley (“Hamilton”), sound designer Gareth Owen (“End of the Rainbow”), music supervisor Ian Eisendrath (“A Christmas Story”) and orchestrator August Eriksmoen (“Bright Star”).