La Jolla's World Premiere of Rock Musical Come from Away, With Jenn Colella and Chad Kimball, Begins | Playbill

News La Jolla's World Premiere of Rock Musical Come from Away, With Jenn Colella and Chad Kimball, Begins The world-premiere musical Come from Away, inspired by the story of a small town hosting people on Sept. 11, begins its world-premiere production at California's La Jolla Playhouse May 29.

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Jenn Colella

A co-production with Seattle Repertory Theatre, Come from Away will officially open June 11. It was originally scheduled to run through July 5 but was extended through July 12.

The musical features book, music and lyrics by the Canadian husband-and-wife team Irene Sankoff and David Hein (My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding).

Playhouse artistic director Christopher Ashley directs a cast that includes Jenn Colella (Chaplin, High Fidelity) as Beverly, Tony Award nominee Chad Kimball (Memphis, Good Vibrations) as Colin 1, Joel Hatch (Billy Elliot, Annie) as Claude, Rodney Hicks (The Scottsboro Boys, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Bob, Caesar Samayoa (Sister Act, Carmen) as Colin 2, Q Smith (Mary Poppins) as Lana, Sharon Wheatley (Les Miserables, Cats) as Diane, Petrina Bromley (Oil and Water) as Bonnie, Lee MacDougall (Urinetown) as Nick, Astrid Van Wieren (Colony of Unrequited Dreams, Mamma Mia!) as Beulah, Geno Carr (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) as Oz and Allison Spratt Pearce (Sideways) as Janice.

"Come from Away is an original, rock-infused world-premiere musical based on the true story of when the isolated town of Gander, Newfoundland played host to the world," press notes state. "What started as an average day in a small town turned in to an international sleep-over when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from across the globe, were diverted to Gander on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the spirited town cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we're all part of a global family."

"We've haven’t even begun previews for Come From Away, but the excitement around the piece is highly palpable,”  Ashley said in an earlier statement. "It is tremendously gratifying that audiences are as eager to experience this touching new musical – one that celebrates our humanity in times of crisis – as we are to share it with them." The creative team includes Ian Eisendrath, music director; Kelly Devine, choreographer; Beowulf Boritt, scenic design; Toni-Leslie James, costume design; Howell Binkley, lighting design; Gareth Owen, sound design; August Eriksmoen, orchestrator; Shirley Fishman, dramaturg; and Martha Donaldson, production stage manager.

Tickets to Come from Away are on sale individually or through a subscription purchase by calling the Patron Services Department at (858) 550-1010 or online at LaJollaPlayhouse.org.

 
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