In the wake of tragedy, kindness took flight.
An average day in the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, becomes a defining moment when 38 planes are suddenly grounded in the small town on September 11, 2001. The population of Gander doubles overnight. But instead of panic, something remarkable happens.
The Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of a small town that welcomed the world, and PCPA presents two opportunities to see this heartwarming tale: April 23-May 10 in the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria, and June 11-27 at the Solvang Festival Theater.
“Through the individual stories of the people of Gander and the people on the planes forced to land there, we get to the individual human experience of people swept up in a global event,” according to director Roger DeLaurier. “It leads us to ask: If we were in the same situation, would we step up in the way the people of Gander did?”
Featuring a driving folk-rock score and a vibrant ensemble of characters, Come From Away is a powerful and moving celebration of humanity, resilience, and connection.
The cast includes Kitty Balay, Karole Foreman, Molly Stilliens, Christen Celaya, Karin Hendricks-Bolen, René Millán, Mike Fiore, Alexander Pimentel, Keenon Hooks, Erik Stein, Andrew Philpot, Kelly Brenya, Katie Hughes and Eeshan Kumar.
The creative team includes Paul Marszalkowski (music direction), Molly Dobbs (choreography), Jason Bolen (scenic design), Klara Wilson (costume design), Michael Palumbo (lighting design), Jon Zielke (sound design), Joel Goldes (dialect coach), and Jack D. Myles (stage manager).
On Saturday, May 2, the evening performance in Santa Maria celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community with Pride Night! offering a pre-show reception and discounted tickets using the code “PRIDE” at checkout.