Book, Music and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein
Directed by Chanel Bragg
Musically Directed by Kathleen Berger
Choreographed by Andrew McDuff
AUDITION DATES:
Monday, July 6 at 7pm and Tuesday, July 7 at 7pm
Callbacks (if required) Wednesday, July 8 at 7:00pm
Rehearsals Begin Saturday, July 18
PRODUCTION DATES:
September 11 – October 4, 2026
Performances Friday, Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm
A musical in the Noël Irick & Peter J. Hill Playhouse
Fountain Hills Theater
11445 N Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on September 11, 2001. Based on the true story, Come From Away depicts the events when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family.
To audition:
Auditioners are asked sing 16-32 bars of a song of the style that also that best shows off their voice and range. An accompanist is provided. No recorded accompaniment, please. Please dress for dance audition following. Auditioners should be prepared with a short monologue if requested.
Auditioners should:
– Complete the digital audition form (https://fhtaz.org/auditions)
– Sheet music
– Bring headshot, and resume if available and if not already submitted via link above
Video Auditions:
Must be submitted prior to July 5th and may substitute for appearing at the Monday and Tuesday auditions at 7PM. Auditioners must be available to attend in-person callbacks Wednesday, July 8 at 7pm (if they are called). Video should include a short monologue, 16- 32 bars of a song that best shows off their voice and range, 1 minute dance routine demonstrating dance training, and be uploaded with a headshot, and a resume (if available) when filling out the digital audition form linked above.
FHT seeks to include persons of every race, color, culture, age, gender, creed, physical disability, and sexual orientation. Character ages are not set in stone and all roles are open to all ethnicities unless otherwise stated. Actors should consider roles if they feel they can represent the characters and age range listed.
CASTING FOR:
Claude:
The gregarious and well-liked Mayor of Gander, Newfoundland, Claude loves his work, the townspeople and his daily traditions, but he’s never had to deal with a crisis of this magnitude before.
Also plays Derm and Brenda’s Brother, Eddie.
Bonnie:
A no-nonsense mother of three, Bonnie is the head of the Gander area SPCA. When she discovers animals are trapped on the planes, she stops at nothing to ensure their safety – but in frustration, she often lashes out at those around her.
Also plays Martha.
Beulah:
The head of the Gander Legion, with a firefighter son, who walks Hannah to her church and prays with her.
Also plays Delores.
Oz:
The quirky constable in the two-person Gander police force. When the town’s population suddenly doubles, Oz helps out in unexpected ways.
Also plays Joey, Customs Officer, Mr. Michaels, Terry, Matty, Rabbi, and Head Cardiologist.
Janice:
An eager new local TV reporter, Janice is thrown into the deep end on her first day. Initially naïve about the world, Janice must face the pain and confusion around her.
Also plays Britney and Flight Attendant.
Beverley/Annette:
Beverely: The first female captain for American Airlines Pilot, Beverly Bass has always loved flying, when her world suddenly changes.
Annette: A schoolteacher at Gander Academy with an active fantasy life.
Also plays Reporter.
Diane:
A traditional divorcee from Texas, who is terrified that her son may have been flying at the time of the attacks. When she finds out that he’s safe, she’s given a new lease on life and discovers a wilder more carefree side of herself.
Also plays Crystal and Brenda.
Nick/Doug
Nick: An English oil engineer who is focused on his work, Nick’s life is turned upside down when he falls for Diane.
Doug: An Air Traffic Controller, married to Bonnie, who tries to help his wife and the animals.
Also plays Officer Stephenson, and Male Townsperson.
Kevin T/Garth
Kevin T: The head of an environmental energy company in Los Angeles, Kevin was on vacation with his boyfriend (and secretary, also named Kevin), when they are stranded in Gander. Inspired by the town’s generosity, Kevin creates the Pay It Forward Foundation.
Garth: The head of the local union, representing the Bus Drivers.
Also plays President Bush.
Kevin J/Ali
Kevin J: Kevin’s boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, he wants to leave as soon as possible.
Ali: An Egyptian man traveling to America who experiences isolation and Islamophobia but who finds a connection to Beulah.
Also plays Dwight.
Hannah
The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hannah waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah.
Also plays Margie and Mickey.
Bob:
A hardened New Yorker, Bob is suspicious of where he’s landed, fearing that it’s World War 3, that someone is going to shoot him and steal his wallet—but instead, he ends up losing his New York jadedness.
Also plays Muhumuza and Captain Bristol.
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