Come From Away
Written By: Irene Sankoff & David Hein
Creative Team: Director – Joe Russell
Music Director – Robert Young
Choreographer – Mandy Russell
Come From Away – performed as part of the Adelaide Fringe at the Shedley Theatre in February/March 2027!
Experience the remarkable true story that captured hearts around the world in the award-winning musical Come From Away.
Set against the extraordinary events of September 11, 2001, Come From Away tells the inspiring true story of 7,000 stranded airline passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them with open arms. Featuring a soaring, unforgettable score by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, this internationally acclaimed musical is a powerful celebration of kindness, compassion and the incredible strength of the human spirit. Funny, uplifting and deeply moving, Come From Away reminds us that even in the darkest of times, hope can be found in the most unexpected places.
When 38 planes are suddenly diverted to the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland, its population of just 9,000 people almost doubles overnight. As frightened travellers from around the world arrive with no idea what lies ahead, the people of Gander open their homes, their hearts and their community to complete strangers. Through laughter, music, friendship and extraordinary generosity, lifelong bonds are formed, proving that we are all far more connected than we realise. Filled with unforgettable characters, emotional storytelling and an uplifting message that continues to resonate today, Come From Away is a theatrical experience that audiences will never forget.
Auditions open to performers aged 18+
Information Session:
Audition Information: https://www.trybooking.com/DNUVE
| Audition Information #:1 | |
| Date: | 26/09/2026 |
| Time From – Time to: | 15:00 – 18:00 |
| Character Descriptions #:1 | |
| Role Name: | Claude |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | The gregarious and well-liked Mayor of Gander, Newfoundland, Claude loves his work, the townspeople and his daily traditions, but he’s never had to deal with a crisis of this magnitude before. |
| Character Descriptions #:2 | |
| Role Name: | Bonnie |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | A no-nonsense mother of three, Bonnie is the head of the Gander area SPCA. When she discovers animals are trapped on the planes, she stops at nothing to ensure their safety – but in frustration, she often lashes out at those around her. |
| Character Descriptions #:3 | |
| Role Name: | Beulah |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | The head of the Gander Legion, with a firefighter son, who walks Hannah to her church and prays with her. |
| Character Descriptions #:4 | |
| Role Name: | Oz |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | The quirky constable in the two-person Gander police force. When the town’s population suddenly doubles, Oz helps out in unexpected ways. |
| Character Descriptions #:5 | |
| Role Name: | Janice |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | An eager new local TV reporter, Janice is thrown into the deep end on her first day. Initially naïve about the world, Janice must face the pain and confusion around her. |
| Character Descriptions #:6 | |
| Role Name: | Beverley |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | The first female captain for American Airlines Pilot, Beverly Bass has always loved flying, when her world suddenly changes. |
| Character Descriptions #:7 | |
| Role Name: | Annette |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | A schoolteacher at Gander Academy with an active fantasy life. |
| Character Descriptions #:8 | |
| Role Name: | Diane |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | A traditional divorcee from Texas, who is terrified that her son may have been flying at the time of the attacks. When she finds out that he’s safe, she’s given a new lease on life and discovers a wilder more carefree side of herself. |
| Character Descriptions #:9 | |
| Role Name: | Nick |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | An English oil engineer who is focused on his work, Nick’s life is turned upside down when he falls for Diane. |
| Character Descriptions #:10 | |
| Role Name: | Doug |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | An Air Traffic Controller, married to Bonnie, who tries to help his wife and the animals. |
| Character Descriptions #:11 | |
| Role Name: | Kevin T |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | The head of an environmental energy company in Los Angeles, Kevin was on vacation with his boyfriend (and secretary, also named Kevin), when they are stranded in Gander. Inspired by the town’s generosity, Kevin creates the Pay It Forward Foundation. |
| Character Descriptions #:12 | |
| Role Name: | Garth |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | The head of the local union, representing the Bus Drivers. |
| Character Descriptions #:13 | |
| Role Name: | Kevin J |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | Kevin’s boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, he wants to leave as soon as possible. |
| Character Descriptions #:14 | |
| Role Name: | Ali |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | An Egyptian man traveling to America who experiences isolation and Islamophobia but who finds a connection to Beulah. |
| Character Descriptions #:15 | |
| Role Name: | Hannah |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hannah waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah. |
| Character Descriptions #:16 | |
| Role Name: | Bob |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | A hardened New Yorker, Bob is suspicious of where he’s landed, fearing that it’s World War 3, that someone is going to shoot him and steal his wallet – but instead, he ends up losing his New York jadedness. |
| Character Descriptions #:17 | |
| Role Name: | Various |
| Gender: | Undefined |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | Various secondary characters. Some will be doubled with primary roles as in the professional productions and some may be cast separately. |
More Information at: https://www.trybooking.com/DNUVE
Contact: Joe
nowproductionssa@gmail.com
