Jenn Colella and Real Life COME FROM AWAY Pilot Beverley Bass Chat Bond Between Performer and Character Inspiration

COME FROM AWAY is a story that touches on many lives, but a select few in particular. For the most part, the characters represent a collection of individuals, but one character in particular is based on a remarkable woman. Jenn Colella portrays Beverley Bass, a female pilot and an all-around pioneer.

On September 11, 2001, Bass was piloting an American Airlines flight that was rerouted to Gander, Newfoundland, kicking off the story that inspired COME FROM AWAY and plays out on the stage each night.

And according to The New York Times article by Michael Paulson, Bass has been in the audience more than once or twice. 61 times to be exact.

"I never get tired of it," Bass says. "It's embarrassing - I can't believe I've seen it that many times - but I'm ready to go back."

Read the full NYT article here.

With a book, music and lyrics by Canadians Irene Sankoff & David Hein, Come From Awayis directed by Tony Award nominee Christopher Ashley (Memphis), with musical staging by Tony Award nominee Kelly Devine (Rocky), music supervision by Ian Eisendrath (A Christmas Story), scenic design by Tony Award winner Beowulf Boritt (Act One), costume design by Tony Award nominee Toni-Leslie James (Jelly's Last Jam), lighting design by two-time Tony Award winner Howell Binkley(Hamilton), sound design by Tony Award nominee Gareth Owen (End of the Rainbow), orchestrations by August Eriksmoen (Bright Star), and music arrangements by Ian Eisendrath.

In a heartbeat, 38 planes and 6,579 passengers were forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland, doubling the population of one small town on the edge of the world. On September 11, 2001 the world stopped. On September 12, their stories moved us all.

Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy