Just hours after the terror attacks of 9/11, 38 planes, unable to fly in American air space, landed in Gander, Newfoundland – a tiny island on the eastern coast of Canada. The people of Gander opened their homes and their hearts to the “plane people” – 6,700 scared souls who needed shelter, food and comfort. This story of kindness and human connection is extraordinary. Come From Away is extraordinary, too. Discover this heartwarming story that you’ll never forget at Ivoryton Playhouse in August.
Humor and Heart Are Up Next at Ivoryton Playhouse:
Presenting the Acclaimed Musical Come From Away
The Remarkable True Story Begins Performances August 6 and Runs Through September 6
Ivoryton Playhouse continues its 2026 season with the Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away. The production runs through Sunday, September 6 at Ivoryton Playhouse, located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton, Connecticut.
With book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of the nearly 7,000 airline passengers diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, and the surrounding communities following the September 11, 2001, attacks. As the world changed in an instant, local residents opened their homes, schools, and hearts to thousands of strangers, offering food, shelter, compassion, and an extraordinary welcome.
Told with infectious music, generous humor, and tremendous heart, Come From Away introduces audiences to an unforgettable collection of travelers and Newfoundlanders whose lives intersected during five astonishing days. The musical is both a moving reflection on a defining moment in recent history and a joyful celebration of the human capacity for kindness.
“Come From Away looks back at a moment that forever changed America and the world, but it chooses to focus on what people did for one another in the immediate wake of tragedy,” said Ben Hope, Executive Producer at Ivoryton Playhouse. “It reminds us that even when circumstances feel overwhelming, ordinary people can answer fear with generosity and generate hope and healing through simple acts of care.”
As Ivoryton Playhouse’s 2026 season explores the broad spectrum of American stories and experiences, Come From Away offers a particularly resonant perspective on the post-9/11 world. Uplifting, perceptive, and deeply moving, the musical finds the best of humanity in one of history’s darkest moments and transforms it into an exhilarating theatrical experience.
The ensemble features Mimi Bessette*, Patrick Steven Bovo*, Billy Clark Taylor*, Dana Costello*, Dee Dee Darby Duffin*, Joe Delgar*, Stacia Fernandez*, Miles Hanna, Logan Marks*, Jason Ivan Rodriguez*, Autumn Eliza Sheffy, and Vicki Wepler.
The understudy company includes John Baker*, Samantha Bass, Victoria Bundonis*, Bridget Carrow*, Ben Clouse, Martinez Napoleon*, Elio Perez, and Rebecca Tobin.
The production is directed by Todd L. Underwood, with Music Direction by Angelyn Benson. The creative team includes Scenic Designer Starlet Jacobs; Lighting and Projections Designer Jessica Drayton; Assistant Lighting Designer Dean Coburn; Sound Designer Rhian Franchebois; Props Designer Kat Schorn; Costume Designer Sean Spina; Stage Manager Rahxas Colite; Assistant Stage Manager Alison Savino; and Audio Engineer Brian Salvia.
CALENDAR LISTING:
Come From Away
Where: Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton, CT 06442
When: Previews begin August 6; opens August 7; runs through September 6
What: The acclaimed musical based on the remarkable true story of nearly 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Newfoundland after September 11, 2001, and the communities that welcomed them. Filled with exhilarating music, humor, and heart, Come From Away is a powerful celebration of compassion, connection, and the best of humanity.
Tickets: ivorytonplayhouse.org | 860-767-7318
About Ivoryton Playhouse: Ivoryton Playhouse is a renowned small professional theater on the Shoreline. It is known for its exceptional productions and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.
*Appearing through an agreement between this theatre and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Photos courtesy of Jonathan Steele
For more information, interviews, and press inquiries, please contact:
Ben Hope, Executive Producer – ben@ivorytonplayhouse.org
For press tickets, please contact:
Susan McCann – susanmc@ivorytonplayhouse.org
August is Membership Month! Visit our membership tent outside the theatre during the run of Come From Away or follow this link for more information on how you can support the Playhouse!
More about the real life story that inspired Come From Away…
Now on Stage: Come From Away