COME FROM AWAY Extends in D.C. Before Broadway Run

Ford's Theatre Society announced today that the new Irene Sankoff and David Hein musical "Come From Away," based on the heart-warming true story of how a small Canadian town cared for 6,579 airline passengers stranded in Newfoundland after 9/11, has extended due to popular demand. The musical, which is directed by Christopher Ashley, now runs through October 16, 2016.

In a heartbeat, 38 planes with 6,579 passengers were stranded in a remote town in Newfoundland on September 11, 2001. The locals opened their hearts and homes, hosting this international community of strangers-spurring unexpected camaraderie in extraordinary circumstances. That day, the world stopped. On September 12, their stories moved us all. Featuring a rousing score of folk and rock, "Come From Away" honors the better angels of our nature, revealing hope and humanity in a time of darkness.

Tickets for all remaining performances may be purchased at www.fords.org, or by calling (888) 616-0270. Partial view seats can only be purchased in person at the Ford's Theatre Box Office (511 Tenth Street NW Washington, DC).

"The incredible true story of 'Come From Away' shines a spotlight on human kindness at a time of tremendous loss and sacrifice. The remarkable care the Gander residents showed nearly 7,000 strangers urges us to consider our own behaviors and how we too might graciously welcome 'the other.' This is a vital message for us all to hear," said Ford's Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault.

Following the run at Ford's Theatre, "Come From Away" will travel to Gander, Newfoundland, for two special benefit concert performances on October 29, 2016. The production will have a limited engagement at Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre from November 15 to January 8, 2017. Broadway performances begin February 18, 2017 with an Opening Night of March 12, 2017, at a Shubert Theatre to be announced.

"Come From Away" features an ensemble cast of: Geno Carr (Old Globe's "Allegiance"), Jenn Colella (Broadway's "If/Then"); Joel Hatch (Broadway's "Annie"); Rodney Hicks (Broadway's "The Scottsboro Boys"); Kendra Kassebaum (Broadway's "Wicked"); Alyssa Wilmoth Keegan (Round House's "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"); Chad Kimball (Broadway's "Memphis"); Lee MacDougall ("Wizard of Oz" National Tour); Caesar Samayoa (Broadway's "Sister Act"); Q. Smith (Broadway's "Mary Poppins"); Sharon Wheatley (Broadway's "Avenue Q"); and Astrid Van Wieren ("Mama Mia" National Tour).

One of the most visited sites in the nation's capital, Ford's Theatre reopened its doors in 1968, more than a hundred years after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Operated through a partnership between Ford's Theatre Society and the National Park Service, Ford's Theatre is the premier destination in the nation's capital to explore and celebrate Abraham Lincoln's ideals and leadership principles: courage, integrity, tolerance, equality and creative expression.

The Ford's Theatre Society was founded under the guidance of executive producer Frankie Hewitt, who, during her 35-year tenure, established Ford's as a living, Working Theatre producing performances that

highlighted the diversity of the American experience. Since the arrival of Paul R. Tetreault as Director, critics and the theatregoing public have recognized Ford's for the superior quality of its artistic programming. With works from the nationally acclaimed "Big River" to the world premieres of "Meet John Doe," "The Heavens Are Hung In Black," "LiberTy Smith," "Necessary Sacrifices," "The Widow Lincoln" and "The Guard," Ford's Theatre is making its mark on the American theatre landscape. In the last decade, the mission of Ford's Theatre Society expanded to include education as a central pillar. This expansion led to the creation and construction of the Center for Education and Leadership, which opened in February 2012. Currently, under the leadership of Board of Trustees Chairman Eric A. Spiegel, Ford's enters a second phase of strategic planning to ensure the organization's place as a national destination for exploring Lincoln's legacy and the American experience through the intersection of history, performance and education.