Come From Away in Gander - "The Kind of Show People Need in 2024"
By Newfoundland & Labrador*Header image "Original Gander Cast".
After a hugely successful inaugural run, producer Michael Rubinoff has announced the return of director Jillian Keiley’s production of Come From Away at the Joseph R Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador. Set to run from June 28 to September 1, 2024, original Broadway cast members Petrina Bromley and Astrid Van Wieren will join a multitude of Newfoundland and Labrador talent, including Alison Woolridge, Ryan Alexander, Jacquelyn French, Peter Halley, Timothy Matson, Shelley Neville, Kiersten Noel, and Miranda MacDonald.
"Everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador deserves to see this."
Petrina Bromley has been along for the entire run of Come From Away, from its opening night in La Jolla in 2015, to starring in the film capture of the musical on Apple TV+ released in 2021. After performing for more than five years on Broadway in the role of Bonnie, she rejoins this Come From Away cast as Captain Beverley Bass. Beverley is an American aircraft pilot and was the first female captain of an American Airlines commercial plane. In a recent interview, Bromley reflected on how the anticipation of bringing Come From Away home to Newfoundland and Labrador was a huge part of what made last year so special. The show had sold out entirely before it even started, and the people of Gander embraced all cast and crew with arms wide open.
“This is the kind of show that people need right now.”
Like Petrina, fellow Newfoundlander and Labradorian Alison Woolridge will also return to the Come From Away cast in Gander this year. Woolridge hit the Joseph R Smallwood stage as a part of this production for the first time last summer, in the role of Bonnie Harris, the manager of the Gander SPCA. She fondly remembers gathering at the local legion with members of the community and fellow castmates, stating that many people were grateful that this story was being told and celebrated in such a beautiful way. She is excited to do it all again starting in June, with the addition of new cast members.
Although there are many cast members returning, some are joining for the first time. Amongst the national and international talent are names such as Melrose Johnson and Cyrus Lane. Melrose, who is currently based in New Jersey, will play the role of Hannah, who was one of the many passengers stranded in Gander during the events of 9/11. She expressed to us that her initial excitement in landing a role in the show grew as she learned more about the production and community that surrounded its story. This opportunity will bring Melrose to Newfoundland and Labrador for the first time, and we can't think of a better way to spend the summer.
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Come From Away will run in Gander from June 28 - September 1, 2024. Buy your tickets today and learn more here.