Come From Away
Comedia Musica Players to present story of kindness, unity, resilience
-Submitted photo <BR> Some of the cast for Comedia Musica Players' production of "Come From Away" rehearse a scene at a recent rehearsal, as Dan Cassady, music director, center, conducts, and Shelly Bottorf accompanies on keyboard.
-Submitted photo <BR> The cast for Comedia Musica Players’ upcoming production of “Come From Away” poses for a photo recently. The musical will be presented Nov. 12-14 at the Historic Phillips Auditorium.
-Submitted photo <BR> Some of the cast for Comedia Musica Players' production of "Come From Away" rehearse a scene at a recent rehearsal, as Dan Cassady, music director, center, conducts, and Shelly Bottorf accompanies on keyboard.
-Submitted photo <BR> The cast for Comedia Musica Players’ upcoming production of “Come From Away” poses for a photo recently. The musical will be presented Nov. 12-14 at the Historic Phillips Auditorium.
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Comedia Musica Players is set to present its annual fall musical "Come From Away," this month at the Historic Phillips Auditorium in Fort Dodge.
"Come From Away" is based on the true story of when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander's airstrip on Sept. 11, 2001.
Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we're all part of a global family.
"This is a retelling of the 9/11 events from the perspective of the town of Gander. It really shows how this town came together to support 500 people in their town overnight," said Jacob Pedersen, assistant music director. "This is a very harrowing story that I think everyone needs to hear."
"Come From Away" gives theaters the opportunity to contribute to its worldwide impact by spreading the show's message of kindness, unity, and resilience within their communities.
"Come From Away" is a critically acclaimed musical featuring a culturally relevant script accompanied by a moving score by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. The show has earned global success with 37 award nominations, 13 of which resulted in wins, most notably Best New Musical at the 2019 Olivier Awards and Outstanding Musical at the 2017 Drama Desk Awards.
"This musical is a very good way to introduce the younger audiences to what happened during 9/11. The first time I watched it I learned about things that I did not even know happened," said Pedersen.
The creative team behind the production includes Alyssa Sparks as show director, Pedersen and Dan Cassady as music director/conductors, Shelly Bottorf as rehearsal accompanist, and Jenna Hendrix as choreographer. There are 28 people in the cast.
"'Come from Away' is one of the most challenging productions I've ever directed with its intricate staging and constant transitions," Sparks said. "It is incredibly demanding on the cast. But it's also one of the most beautiful and rewarding shows I've been a part of. Watching all those moving pieces come together to tell such a powerful story has been truly amazing. I couldn't be prouder of what we've created together."
Comedia Musica Players presents "Come From Away" on Nov. 12-14 at Historic Phillips Auditorium, 1015 Fifth Ave. N. There will be performances at 7 p.m. each night with a special matinee performance at 2 p.m. Nov. 14.
Tickets to Comedia's musical theater productions are $15 for adults and $10 for students/children. A student/child ticket would apply to children of all ages, up to college students. Tickets are general admission.
Tickets are available for purchase at Hy-Vee Customer Service in Fort Dodge, at the door, or online at www.comediamusica.com.
The doors will open at 6 p.m. for ticket sales. Doors to the auditorium will open at 6:30 p.m. to the public for evening performances and 1:30 p.m. for the matinee.
"Come From Away" does not have an official age rating, but it is generally recommended for audiences 12 and older.
"This is going to be a great production and everyone should come and experience the show for themselves," Pedersen said. "It is based on true stories and is a breathtaking musical that shows you how ordinary people transformed a tragedy into an international celebration of friendship."