Come From Away is a popular Broadway musical that tells the true story of the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, which welcomed 7,000 airline passengers who were diverted there after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The musical had planned tour stops in many cities across North America, including Boston, but some dates have had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many theater fans are wondering if the Boston tour dates for Come From Away have been rescheduled. In this article, we’ll look at the background of Come From Away, its originally planned Boston tour dates, if those dates have been changed, and when fans can now expect to see the show come to Boston.
Background on Come From Away
Come From Away first opened on Broadway in March 2017 after successful runs at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego and the Seattle Repertory Theatre. The musical was written and created by the Canadian husband-and-wife duo Irene Sankoff and David Hein. They interviewed local residents and passengers diverted to Gander to craft the book, music and lyrics that tell the heartwarming true story of kindness and generosity in the face of tragedy.
The musical takes place in the week following September 11, 2001 in Gander, Newfoundland. The small remote town suddenly found itself host to nearly 7,000 stranded airplane passengers and crew members when U.S. airspace was closed after the 9/11 attacks. The musical focuses on the stories of the town residents as they sheltered, fed and comforted the “come from aways” – the nickname they gave the newcomers.
Come From Away premiered on Broadway to critical acclaim. It went on to earn 7 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, winning for Best Direction of a Musical for Christopher Ashley. Due to its popularity and positive reviews, Come From Away launched a national tour in 2018 followed by international productions in Melbourne, London, Toronto and more. The musical continues its open-ended Broadway run today.
Originally Planned Boston Tour Dates
The North American tour of Come From Away has been traveling to major cities across the continent since 2018. The musical was originally scheduled to come to Boston’s Citizens Bank Opera House for a limited run from June 16 to June 28, 2020. This would have been the first stop for the tour in New England.
The Citizens Bank Opera House engaged in advertising and promotion for Come From Away in the months leading up to the planned Boston engagement. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic grew in March 2020, all Broadway tours announced that they would be suspending operations. This included Come From Away’s national tour, which had to halt while it was in the middle of a run in Philadelphia. All remaining tour stops through June 2020 were canceled.
At the time, it was still hoped that the tour could resume in time for the Boston dates beginning June 16. But as the pandemic and theater shutdowns continued, the Boston run was unfortunately canceled as well. Come From Away fans in Boston and New England would have to wait longer to see this hit musical.
Rescheduled Boston Tour Dates
Thankfully, the producers of Come From Away have rescheduled a new Boston tour stop now that Broadway tours have resumed operations. Come From Away will now play an extended limited run at the Citizens Bank Opera House from August 9 to August 21, 2022. This run was announced in the fall of 2021 when tours were able to safely resume. Tickets for the original dates were able to be exchanged for the new dates.
The producers also added second and third tour stops in Boston and Greater Boston due to demand. After completing its Opera House run, Come From Away will play at the Emerson Colonial Theatre from August 23 to September 4, 2022. And the show will stop at the Hanover Theatre in nearby Worcester from September 16-25, 2022.
This means fans will now get an expanded opportunity to see the hit musical in Boston and New England over a six week period from August to September 2022. The rescheduled dates replaced what would have been the first Boston stop in June 2020. While fans had to wait two additional years, the show will finally make its Boston debut this summer.
Reaction from Boston Fans
Theater fans in Boston expressed both disappointment and understanding when the Come From Away tour dates were first postponed in 2020. The musical was highly anticipated, but public health and safety had to come first with the arrival of COVID-19. Thankfully, Boston ticket holders were able to exchange their tickets rather than get refunds, showing their commitment to attending a rescheduled run.
Now that new dates have been announced, Boston fans are thrilled that Come From Away is finally coming. Reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly positive as patrons count down the days until August 2022. The producers have said demand is high and Boston fans have clearly been patiently waiting these past two years for their chance to see the uplifting story of Come From Away.
The additional tour stops in Boston and Worcester have also been met with enthusiasm. Due to pent up demand after months of theater closures during the pandemic, producers added more cities to the tour route. This allows more New Englanders to experience the magic and joy of this Tony-nominated hit musical.
Come From Away’s Return to Touring
Come From Away will return to the road this February after the national tour has been on hiatus for over a year due to the pandemic. The musical will resume performances in February 2022 in Seattle where the tour originally launched back in 2018. Come From Away will traverse the country throughout 2022 with stops in major markets like Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Washington DC and more.
The musical’s return has been highly anticipated by theater fans across North America. Come From Away was only able to complete about 60% of its tour engagements before having to go on hiatus. The remaining 40% of stops will finally be completed throughout 2022 and 2023. The revival of touring will be a major milestone in the recovery of Broadway and live theater.
Boston is one of the prominent cities to be included in the second leg of the Come From Away tour. Theater lovers in Boston can celebrate that live Broadway musicals are coming back after such an extended shutdown. Come From Away’s return to the road and long-awaited arrival in Boston will be a sign of the resilience of the performing arts.
Advice for Boston Ticket Holders
For those who already had tickets for the original 2020 run of Come From Away in Boston, no further action is needed. Existing tickets will automatically be honored for the new rescheduled dates in 2022. Ticket holders should have received email communication from the Citizens Bank Opera House with details.
If the new 2022 dates don’t work for a current ticket holder, they have the option to exchange their tickets for another performance of Come From Away at the Opera House, Colonial Theatre or Hanover Theatre. Exchanges can be processed via email at [email protected].
Of course, refunds are also available for those who cannot attend the new dates. Refunds can be obtained at the original point of purchase. Patrons should contact their ticket agent such as Ticketmaster or the theater box office for assistance with refunds.
The producers have made the rescheduling process as seamless as possible for fans holding tickets. Come From Away’s return to Boston has been highly anticipated and ticket holders are encouraged to attend this heartwarming musical if they can.
COVID-19 Precautions
While excitement builds for Come From Away to take the stage in Boston this summer, theater goers may still have questions about COVID-19 precautions. The theaters presenting Come From Away will comply with all state and local health guidelines to ensure audience members’ safety.
Precautions may include mask mandates, vaccination requirements and social distancing depending on public health conditions in August 2022. Patrons should check the official theater websites in the days leading up to their performance for the latest updates on COVID-19 protocols.
Of course, anyone feeling unwell or displaying symptoms of illness should stay home for the health and safety of others. The theaters aim to provide a comfortable environment for people to fully immerse themselves in the inspiring story of Come From Away. By working together, audiences and theater staff can enjoy live theater again while reducing health risks.
Conclusion
Come From Away is set to finally land in Boston this summer after much anticipation and delay due to the pandemic. Boston fans who have patiently waited will now have the chance to see this heartwarming true story about human kindness in the face of tragedy. The musical will arrive at the Citizens Bank Opera House on August 9, 2022 for the start of a multi-week New England tour across Boston and Worcester.
While COVID-19 health protocols will still be in place, the return of Broadway touring is a major milestone in Boston’s theater recovery. Come From Away’s inspiring message of hope and community will likely resonate even more deeply after the trials of the pandemic. The show’s delayed arrival will undoubtedly be worth the wait for Boston audiences.