In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States of America in 2001, a small town in Canada welcomed 7,000 stranded airline passengers.
As airspace was closed, 38 planes were diverted to remote Gander, Newfoundland, nearly doubling the town’s population overnight.
Canberra-based community theatre company Dramatic Productions is excited to tell this story in October this year at the Gungahlin Theatre, through their production of Olivier Awards-winning Come From Away.
The show is a heartfelt reminder of hope, humanity, and resilience, which, in the spirit of the story itself, and thanks to an initiative of Dramatic Productions, will simultaneously provide a helping hand to local Canberrans. A portion of ticket sales for all performances with the exception of opening and closing nights, will go directly to local charities.
Dramatic Productions’ Managing Director and Producer Richard Block said that the theatre company decided to extend its impact to the wider community though its Dramatic Difference initiative in 2017.
“We’re proud to say that we have since raised almost $60,000 for local charities,” Mr Block said.
“Come From Away, with its focus on what a local community can do for strangers, is a show we just had to make our own.
“Its story is who we continue to strive to be.”
The organisations in the Canberra region who will be supported by donations from Come From Away ticket sales, are Headspace, Dainere’s Rainbow, Soldier On, RSPCA, Home in Queanbeyan, Rise Above, Canberra Hospitals Foundation, Hands Across Canberra, Helping ACT, AFP Legacy, Newborn Intensive Care Foundation and Majors Creek Wombat Rescue.
Audiences can also extend their impact by purchasing Pay-It-Forward tickets for $25, which are distributed through these charities to underprivileged families, volunteers, and those facing hardship.
Hands Across Canberra Chief Executive Officer Genevieve Jacobs AM, who spent time with the Come From Away cast and team at a recent show rehearsal, said that the foundation was always delighted to work with great community partners like the Dramatic Difference program.
“Their consistent generosity and commitment to Canberra, and to helping locals who need a hand, is so welcome and a great example to others,” she said.
More than a musical, Come From Away stands as a testament to the uplifting potential of community action during times of crisis.
With its blend of heartfelt storytelling, compelling music, and the triumph of kindness over fear, the production promises to leave audiences inspired and deeply moved.
Come From Away will run at Gungahlin College Theatre from 3–18 October. Tickets can be purchased at: stagecenta.com/showid/9131/theatreid/1132/ShowdetailsC.aspx
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