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Irene Sankoff

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BIO

Irene Sankoff and David Hein are a Canadian married writing team. Their first show, My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding (based on David’s mother’s true story) was the hit of the Toronto Fringe Festival, and then picked up for a commercial run by Mirvish Productions. It has now played and won best musical awards in the New York Musical Theatre Festival and across North America, with Sankoff and Hein performing in most productions. Come From Away was developed at the Canadian Music Theatre Project and Goodspeed Musicals’ Festival of New Artists, showcased at the NAMT Festival of New Works and enjoyed a record setting world premiere at the La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle Repertory, followed by Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto and the Gander Community Centre Hockey Rink. Come From Away won three 2017 Dora Mavor Moore Awards, four Helen Hayes Awards, five Outer Critics Circle Awards and three Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical. David and Irene were nominated for Tony® Awards for Best Book and Score and won the 2017 Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk awards for Best Book. Irene and David are proud members of the Dramatists Guild and ASCAP. Immeasurable thanks to all of Molly’s People, to everyone who helped us on this journey and to our extraordinary friends from Away and in Newfoundland for inspiring and trusting us to tell your story.

Photos

Productions

 
[West End, 2021] [Replacement]
Book, Music, Lyrics[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Book, Music, Lyrics[Replacement]

Writing

Book, Music, and Lyrics

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Irene Sankoff, Come From Away

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Lyrics

Irene Sankoff, Come From Away

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Music

Irene Sankoff, Come From Away


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Book of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Irene Sankoff, Come From Away

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Irene Sankoff, Come From Away

Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Book of a Musical

Irene Sankoff, Come From Away

Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Irene Sankoff, Come From Away

Videos

News


SWEENEY TODD, COME FROM AWAY And More Set for Playhouse on the Square 57th Season
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 5, 2025

Playhouse on the Square will present its 57th season of shows starting on July 11th, 2025. The full lineup has been announced. Titles for the season include Seussical, Jagged Little Pill, and more. Get full details here!
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG And More Announced for Grand Theatre 2025 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 4, 2025

Grand Theatre has unveiled its 2025/26 season, titled “You Are Here.” The lineup features six productions, including, Tony, Olivier, and Pulitzer Prize winning shows. Check out all of the detials here!
COME FROM AWAY Comes To The Palace Theater In April
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 28, 2025

The Palace Theater has announced the national tour of COME FROM AWAY, a Broadway musical about the true story of the small town that welcomed the world, will make its Waterbury debut the Palace Theater for a limited engagement April 4-5, 2025.
Cast Set For Third Season of COME FROM AWAY in Gander
by Stephi Wild - Feb 25, 2025

The cast, band, and creative team have been announced for the third season of Come From Away, directed by Jillian Keiley. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!
COME FROM AWAY Soars To The Ordway Next Month
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 25, 2025

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts will present the critically acclaimed musical, Come From Away, from March 5-8, 2025. The production is returning to the Ordway after a highly successful run in June 2024.
Review: COME FROM AWAY at Van Wezel
by Jacob Ruscoe - Feb 19, 2025

Do you ever go see a show and know you will be on your feet for a standing ovation the minute the last chord sounds? I have now seen Come From Away 7 times including last year at the Van Wezel and it simply never gets old. It is powerful. It stirs your soul
Joan Rivers Play, COME FROM AWAY, ANASTASIA & More Set for Cape Playhouse 2025 Summer Season
by Joshua Wright - Feb 18, 2025

Discover the Cape Playhouse's 2025 'Season of Hope,' featuring productions like BUDDY, RENT, ANASTASIA, and more. The season will run June 4 to September 20 at the historic Cape Playhouse in Dennis, MA.
COME FROM AWAY Will Close in Toronto in May Following Final Extension
by Stephi Wild - Feb 18, 2025

A final extension has been announced for the all-Canadian production of Come From Away. The production will add four more weeks of performances to its current run at the Royal Alexandra Theatre.
COME FROM AWAY Heads to Manila in June 2025
by Oliver Oliveros - Feb 17, 2025

GMG Productions brings Broadway, West End, and homegrown talents on stage via the Philippine premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical 'Come From Away.'
Broadway Hit COME FROM AWAY Plays The King Center In February
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 6, 2025

The American Theatre Guild, with ASM Global and the King Center, will present the national tour of COME FROM AWAY, a Broadway musical about the true story of the small town that welcomed the world.
COME FROM AWAY se despide de Madrid esta semana
by Jose German Martinez Paneque - Feb 4, 2025

El próximo domingo 9 de febrero el musical COME FROM AWAY se despedirá de. Teatro Marquina de Madrid tras haber conquistado el corazón del público español y argentino a lo largo de 3 temporadas entre Buenos Aires y nuestra capital.
Review: COME FROM AWAY at Capital One Hall
by Pamela Roberts - Feb 2, 2025

The national tour of COME FROM AWAY is making a brief stop at Capital One Hall in Tysons – just five performances Friday, Jan. 31 to Sunday, Feb. 2 – so act quickly. This show is good medicine to soothe rough times.
Paramount Theatre Reveals 2025-26 Broadway and BOLD Series
by Blair Ingenthron - Feb 1, 2025

Paramount has revealed the lineup for their 2025-26 Broadway and BOLD series, including the Chicago premieres of Come From Away and Dear Evan Hansen. Learn more here!
COME FROM AWAY & More Set for Milwaukee Rep 2025/26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2025

Milwaukee Repertory Theater has revealed its inaugural season of the Associated Bank Theater Center, its new home for entertaining, provoking, and engaging theater. See the lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
What Broadway Shows Are On Tour Across North America in 2025? - A Complete Guide
by Joshua Wright - Jan 27, 2025

Looking for a show to see in a city near you? Check out our guide of current and upcoming Broadway tours, and learn about each production as they make their way across the United States and Canada on their North American routes, including musicals and plays.
John Tartaglia, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Rob Ruggiero & More Join The Muny 107th Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 17, 2025

The Muny has revealed the teams of directors, choreographers, music directors and lead designers whose creative visions will bring the theatre’s bold 2025 season to life. Learn more about the upcoming season!
Original Canadian Production of COME FROM AWAY to Perform 1000th Performance
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 16, 2025

The original Canadian production of Come From Away will mark a milestone on January 29, 2025 when it gives its 1000th performance at the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
WHEN ELVIS MET THE BEATLES Will Premiere at Ogunquit Playhouse; 2025 Season Announced
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 14, 2025

Ogunquit Playhouse has unveiled their 93rd season, featuring a world premiere production, Guys and Dolls, and much more. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
COME FROM AWAY Celebra 250 Funciones en el Teatro Marquina de Madrid
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - Dec 26, 2024

El aclamado musical COME FROM AWAY alcanza un hito importante en su exitosa temporada en Madrid al celebrar 250 funciones en el Teatro Marquina. Estrenado el 28 de septiembre de 2023, este emocionante espectáculo se ha ganado el corazón del público español gracias a su conmovedora historia y su innovadora puesta en escena.
COME FROM AWAY Returns To The Washington Pavilion In January
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 12, 2024

The Washington Pavilion will welcome the popular musical production of COME FROM AWAY back to its stage for a limited time engagement on January 7–9, 2025.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Irene Sankoff written?

Irene Sankoff has written 1 shows including Come From Away (Book, Music, and Lyrics).

What awards has Irene Sankoff been nominated for?

Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Come From Away, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Come From Away, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Come From Away, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Come From Away, Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Come From Away, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Come From Away and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Come From Away.

What awards has Irene Sankoff won?

Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Come From Away, and Outstanding Book of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Come From Away.

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