Tag: Come From Away

Make-A-Wish® Partners with GMG Productions’ “Come From Away” to Support Children with Critical Illnesses

Nonprofit organization Make-A-Wish® Philippines has partnered with GMG Productions for a special fundraising performance that aims to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Through a local production of the award-winning Broadway musical, “Come From Away,” the partnership aims to bring a lifetime of hope to children in need with this special night of entertainment.

Based on real events, “Come From Away” is set in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, where 38 planes carrying 7,000 passengers were grounded right after the September 11 attacks. Despite growing tension in the country, the local townsfolk offered their homes and hospitality to the stranded strangers, welcoming them as neighbors in their time of need.

In real life, one of the grounded planes was a Make-A-Wish flight, carrying children with critical illnesses and their families on the way to Disney World, Florida. Due to the postponement of the much-anticipated trip, the town came together to throw a party for the children, complete with mascots, music, cakes and clowns. This is just one of many stories from Gander that inspired the musical, showing how kindness can help change people’s lives.

Under the direction of Michael Williams, “Come From Away” has been adapted to a local audience, celebrating the power of community and generosity. And with its upcoming staging on June 27 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati, limited tickets will be available for the VIP section, with proceeds going towards bringing hope, strength and joy to the children who need it most.

“We are happy to partner with GMG Productions for this acclaimed musical, and to share the same values of kindness and generosity as the story that people will see on stage. Like the town of Gander, Newfoundland coming together to help strangers, we also believe in the power of community and wishes to help change the lives of our beneficiaries,” shared Ms. Aleah Ortiz, Executive Director of Make-A-Wish® Philippines.

In its 25th year of making wishes come true, Make-A-Wish® Philippines continues to be a beacon of hope to children with critical illnesses. On the road to achieving its goal of making 525 wishes come true this year, the foundation recently granted the wishes of Kiv (5, diagnosed with a Neuroectodermal Intraabdominal Tumor) and Betsy (13, living with neuroblastoma) to meet SB19. Make-A-Wish® Philippines has also partnered with COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises to amplify its message of hope for its 25th anniversary celebration, inviting donors, volunteers and partners to support this important milestone.Become a Wishmaker and secure your spot at the Make-A-Wish VIP section of “Come From Away” this June 27 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. Tickets are available at wishes.ph, where you can learn more about how you can help transform lives, one wish at a time.

June 26, 2025
Theater Review: What the World Could Be Like: A Review of ‘Come From Away’

Despite its massive success on both Broadway and the West End, I never really took notice of ‘Come From Away’ before. As an old-school musical fan, I’m always cautious and wary of new musicals because I fear I won’t like them. But every new musical I’ve seen has proved me wrong, from ‘Waitress’ to ‘Hamilton’ to ‘Six’. There’s a special kind of joy in stepping into a theater to watch a musical you know nothing about. The whole experience feels amplified, and the emotions hit even harder.

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Coming into the Samsung Performing Arts Theater on the show’s opening night, I saw the floors leading up to the theater filled with background information about the play and realized that ‘Come From Away’ is a play about September 11. I felt a little fear. My anti-West mindset started to get the better of me and I thought this was going to be another story about American resiliency or something equally overplayed. I stopped reading the boards, got to my seat, and psyched myself up for the show, which I knew had a great cast at the very least.

I was immediately taken in from the opening number. ‘Come From Away’ is a 9/11 story, but it tells the story of a Newfoundland town called Gander. It had the largest international airport back when planes didn’t have enough fuel to cross the Atlantic. Airplanes would land there to refuel before continuing their journey, but by the 2000s, it was practically empty. Planes just flew over it. But not on that day. Thirty-eight planes were redirected to land in Gander, bringing over 7,000 passengers to a town with a population of just 9,000. The musical is a retelling of these events, based on interviews with both the passengers and the townsfolk, and it captures the six days when 7,000 people were treated with kindness and generosity in a world that had just been shaken to its core by the horrific events of that day.

The cast of 14 all play dual roles. By putting on a jacket, a hat, or an apron, they shift characters from one of the townsfolk to a passenger, changing accents and internalizing either the stress of being hospitable while the town and its neighbors struggle with limited resources due to the sudden arrival of 7,000 people, or the mindset of someone who suddenly cannot return home, finding themselves in a strange place, surrounded by strangers, with no idea what is going on.

Some characters really stand out on stage, like Carla Guevarra Laforteza’s Hannah, one of the passengers whose son is a first responder in New York, and Garrett Bolden’s Bob, a Black passenger who finds himself suspicious of Newfoundland’s lack of racism. For the first time, he is being treated like everybody else, and this confounds him. Topper Fabregas does an exemplary job playing Kevin, a gay man who is struggling to adjust to his new surroundings, as well as Ali, a Middle Eastern man who everyone is afraid of. As Kevin, Fabregas gets the most laughs, but as Ali, he earns the most sympathy.

Directed by Michael Williams, the cast keeps the stage alive and busy, shifting between characters as they change costumes and weave in and out of the story. We see couples fall apart, others fall in love, a pilot reflect on how the catastrophe has changed everything about the airline industry, two women bond over their shared love for their sons who happen to have the same job, a woman go above and beyond by even thinking of the animals, and so much more.

There is so much happening, but what resonates throughout the show is the depth of humanity in this moment. The way the people of Gander and the neighboring towns come together, setting aside their differences to ensure that their guests feel welcome and cared for, is powerful. It is one of the most human experiences I have ever witnessed while watching a play. The songs, written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, can be bold, fun, and energetic, but they also know when to turn quiet and introspective. In one song, several characters ask to pray. Since the guests come from different faiths, they sing all their prayers in a musical blend that reveals a beautiful truth: all prayers share the same essence, and we are as alike as we are different.

The choreography by Delphine Buencamino is vibrant and dynamic, and Kayla Teodoro’s stage design is intriguing, keeping the focus on center stage where the actors make everything come to life. It is such a powerful piece that, for its approximately 90+ minute runtime (with no intermission), you are completely immersed in that world. By the end of the show, I was holding back my tears.

It is incredible how a theatrical performance can make me wish the world were more like this. As the crowds exited after the curtain call, people were talking about how closely this resembles Filipino hospitality. The world is currently a mess, and a show like this, based on actual events and interviews with the people who lived through it, reminds us that it really does not take much to be kind, generous, and grateful for one another. I am so glad I caught this show.

My Rating:

Experience this unforgettable story live on stage. Catch Come From Away before it takes its final bow! The show is now playing at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater until June 29. Book your tickets now on TicketWorld!

June 14, 2025
Come From Away to Mark GMG Productions’ First Filipino-Led Production

The remarkable true story that has touched the hearts of audiences worldwide is finally opening in Manila. GMG Productions and Stages have confirmed today that they will be staging their own fresh take on the multi-award-winning hit musical, Come From Away. Showcasing a new creative vision for the production and the talents of a Filipino-led cast and creatives, this production is a milestone in GMG Production’s dedication to celebrating and elevating the Philippine theatre industry. Come From Away will be staged at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (S-PAT) for a strictly limited season from June 6 to 29, 2025.

“With Come From Away, GMG Productions is proud to embark on this exciting new chapter, working with a Filipino-led cast and crew for the first time,” shares Carlos Candal, CEO of GMG Productions. “This production is a celebration of the incredible talent in the Philippines, and we cannot wait to share this powerful story with audiences.”

Audie Gemora founder of Stages Productions adds “I along with Butch Jimenez and Jaeger Tanco have had the privilege to work with GMG in the past. We’re thrilled to reveal that Stages will be co-producing Come From Away with GMG. Our collective desire has always been to produce a show championing Filipino talent with them. We all believe this is the perfect show to do just that!”

A Musical That Inspires in Challenging Times

Set in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 airline passengers unexpectedly grounded in Gander, Newfoundland. The extraordinary generosity of the town’s residents highlights the power of kindness and unity in times of crisis. Premiering on Broadway in 2013, the musical garnered widespread acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling, powerful music, and its portrayal of the human spirit. The Chicago Tribune called it “a show you should see right now, for the benefit of your own spirit,” while Time Out described it as “a totally, soul-feedingly wonderful musical.” The Daily Beast hailed the show as “a celebration of the best of humankind and an uplifting piece of art for our times.”

Come From Away has received well-deserved recognition in the industry, including winning the Tony Award for Best Direction and being nominated for Best Musical. It has also won multiple Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, Best Theatre Choreography, Best Sound Design, Outstanding Achievement in Music, and the Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Book of a Musical.

“This show offers more than just a night at the theatre; it’s an inspiring celebration of humanity and people coming together,” says Candal. “It’s a story that Manila audiences will not only relate to but will also find profoundly uplifting, especially in today’s unpredictable times.”

A Legendary Ensemble and Visionary Creatives

Come From Away brings together an all-star cast of Philippine theatre legends, whose collective achievements have left a mark on the local and international stages. The cast of 15 performers includes Cathy Azanza-Dy, Caisa Borromeo, Garrett Bolden, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Becca Coates, Steven Cadd, Mayen Cadd, Rycharde Everly, Topper Fabregas, Sheila Francisco, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Gian Magdangal, George Schulze, and Chino Veguillas.

“Come From Away is the perfect vehicle to showcase home-grown talent as the musical requires versatile actors to play different characters,” says Gemora. “Let me tell you, we have assembled the best of the best Philippine theater has to offer. The energy surrounding this production is through the roof! This is going to be epic.”

Michael Williams is set to direct Come From Away, with Rony Fortich as musical director. “This show is a testament to the power of community—how kindness, resilience, and human connection bring hope even in the darkest times. I’m thrilled to work with some of the most talented artists in Philippine theater to bring our passion and storytelling to this incredible production,” says Williams.

They are joined by Delphine Buencamino (Choreography), Harry Tabner (Lighting Designer), Luke Swaffield (Sound Designer), Kayla Teodoro (Production Designer), Myrene Santos (Hair and Makeup Designer), Hershee Tatiado (Costume Designer), and Joel Goldes the dialect coach from the original Broadway production of Come From Away. Together, this world-class creative team blends Filipino and West End talents, staying true to the show’s spirit while highlighting Filipino artistry.

Be Part of the Journey

Come From Away will run from June 6 to 29 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (S-PAT), with tickets officially available on February 22 through TicketWorld, starting at PHP900. Theatre fans can also enjoy early access through UnionBank of the Philippines, GMG Productions’ official 2025 season bank sponsor and pre-sale partner, or join the GMG Come From Away waitlist at www.gmg-productions.com. The pre-sale period runs from February 18 to 21.

Stay updated on upcoming productions by visiting www.gmg-productions.com or following @gmg.productions on social media.

*Come From Away is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), New York, NU, USA. All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

May 1, 2025