New Brunswick-produced Come From Away takes over Imperial Theatre stage

A production of the popular “Come From Away” show is sold out in southern New Brunswick.

It’s the hottest ticket in all of southern New Brunswick.

Following consecutive weekends of sold out shows in Saint Andrews, N.B., the all New Brunswick production of the hit Broadway musical "Come From Away" has made it’s away to the Imperial Theatre in Saint John for a week of sold out performances.

The performance tells the story of a small Newfoundland community that opened their arms to the world on Sept. 11, 2001. The heartwarming musical is inspired by real-life events, and celebrates the power of kindness, community and human connection when faced with unprecedented challenges.

The entire cast, from the lead role to the person in charge of lights, is from New Brunswick. The cast is headlined by Fredericton Native and Come From Away Broadway star Tony LePage.

“It’s a dream come true,” LePage says on getting to perform the show in his home province. “To be able to perform for the people that I love, people that I know and the province that gave me my start is essentially, you can’t imagine a better situation.”

LePage says the team had around 150 people audition from all corners of the province. He says finding the talent for the show wasn’t easy as performers are responsible for playing multiple characters. He also says the music can be tricky for musicians.

He says getting an all New Brunswick cast has given the performances a little extra something in front of familiar faces.“

My wife actually said this is a show made by East Coast Canadians for East Coast Canadians,” LePage says. “That is at the heart of what we are doing here.”

“You can feel that extra pride in the room from the audience watching it,” says Saint John Theatre Company Artistic Director Stephen Tobias. “They’re seeing their own up there on the stage doing this.”

This rendition of the musical is a collaboration between the Saint John Theatre Company, Fredericton based Rogue Productions, and the Kingsbrae Residence for the Arts in Saint Andrews.

Both Tobias and LePage, who is also the artistic producer for Rogue Productions, say the shows are proof of the high level of talent in New Brunswick.

Between shows in Saint Andrews and a week’s worth of performances upcoming at the Imperial Theatre there was not a ticket to be found. Each show averaged around 900 spectators.

“I can’t recall a production in New Brunswick ever that would have had this level of attendance, this level of resonance with the communities,” Tobias beams.

“That’s what’s theater in New Brunswick should be. New Brunswick artists and New Brunswick theater makers performing for New Brunswick audiences.”

The successful collaboration between different theatre groups also opens the door for more large-scale productions to grace New Brunswick stages down the line.

“It’s been probably the most Come From Away thing you can possibly do,” LePage smiles. “A whole bunch of local New Brunswick theatre companies coming together to put on this amazing, amazing show for the people of New Brunswick. It has been magic from the very, very start.”

Not only have the shows been a great precursor to what the future of New Brunswick theatre can be, it has also given local venues a chance to host a world class performance.

Angela Campbell is the executive director for the historic Imperial Theatre. She says the show is the buzz of the province and provides economic spinoffs for the entire community.

“It’s a testament to how far the cultural community is developing and expanding here in New Brunswick,” Campbell points out. “The fact that this incredible Broadway musical is a 100 per cent New Brunswick talent and production, that’s absolutely amazing. I’m really happy that our community is getting to experience that level of quality performance.”

Thursday show will be extra special for both the crew and spectators being on Sept. 11. Having performed the show on this day in the past, LePage admits there are some extra emotions that come with the performance.

“For me, it’s a real honour,” says LePage. “And a powerful reminder that on a day when a small group showed their worst, so many more showed their best.”

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