Seattle Repertory Theatre to Present COME FROM AWAY

September 11th marks one of the most somber occasions in American history, when 2,753 lives were taken by terrorist actions committed on American soil. Every one of us can recount where we were that morning and how the events of the day and the days that followed impacted our lives and forever changed our world.

As the days passed though, images of the horror and devastation were interspersed with those of selfless sacrifice and kindness, and we began to rally with stories that reminded us of the true qualities of our humanity.

One of the most poignant of these stories came from Gander in Newfoundland, Canada. In this tiny town, at the top of the world, there existed a large airport and runway complex. Built in another era when planes had to refuel before continuing to Europe and beyond, Gander sat relatively idle in the modern world of refined equipment and jet fuel.

That is the reason that 38 jet planes flying over North America were rerouted there on that 9/11. For five days, 5,000 passengers of all nationalities, customs and languages were taken in and cared for by a town of less than 7,000 people. And that tiny town fed, housed and comforted those displaced passengers while they waited to see what would happen next.

This true story is told in the new musical Come From Away, presented by Seattle Repertory Theatre in conjunction with La Jolla Playhouse. As the citizens of Gander struggled to accommodate their unexpected guests, their spirit of giving outshone the evil that had been done. To quote Seattle Rep Acting Artistic Director Braden Abraham,"Come From Away is inspiring in its generosity of spirit. In the face of grief and fear, the musical conveys a story of immense humanity that exemplifies what it means to be a member of the global community."

Come From Away will play at Seattle Repertory Theatre November 13 - December 13, just in time for families to celebrate the holiday season. The show played La Jolla Playhouse this summer and met universally ecstatic reviews, as much about the show as the message. The engagement there was extended two times trying to accommodate the public's great desire to experience this heartfelt show. As the San Diego Union Tribune said, "Come From Away is an inspired and highly original piece ... whose compelling uplift could levitate a fleet of jets."

Book music and lyrics are by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, directed by Christopher Ashley.

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