Ipswich Musical Theatre Company is preparing to bring the internationally acclaimed musical Come From Away to life at the Ipswich Civic Centre from September 13–21.
Set against the backdrop of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the show tells the true story of how the small Canadian town of Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed more than 7,000 stranded airline passengers when American airspace was shut down. With a population of just 9,000, the town rallied to provide shelter, food, and comfort — forging lasting bonds of kindness and community.
Director Thomas Armstrong-Robley said the production offers a rare combination of emotional depth and uplifting humanity. “It’s as close to a perfect script as I’ve ever seen,” he said. “While the concept might seem simple, staging it is incredibly complex, with 19 cast members on stage for almost the entire 90 minutes.”
One of those cast members is Georgia, who plays Captain Beverly Bass — the first female American airline captain and a pioneer for women in aviation. “She broke barriers in the 1970s and 80s despite gender inequality,” Georgia said. “It’s an honour to portray someone so inspiring.”
The show’s fast pace and intricate choreography require precise coordination of set pieces, with the cast moving chairs, crates, and props to transform scenes in moments. Armstrong-Robley credited the team’s meticulous organisation and stage manager Jacob Olson’s behind-the-scenes work for making it possible.
Performances will include evening and matinee sessions across two weekends. Tickets are available through the Ipswich Civic Centre website or box office.
“It’s a beautiful story of resilience and compassion,” Georgia said. “We can’t wait for Ipswich audiences to experience it.”
0 Comments