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Come From Away
7,000 Stranded Passengers. One Small Town. A Remarkable True Story.
Presented by The Empire
#A celebration of the best of humankind
The Tony and Olivier Award-winning Broadway musical Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in the aftermath of 9/11 and the small Canadian town that welcomed them with open arms. When US airspace was abruptly closed, the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, found itself playing host to strangers from around the world — a group affectionately known as 'come from aways'.
Though cultures clashed and tensions ran high at first, what unfolded was a powerful journey of human connection. Suspicion gave way to trust, music filled the air and acts of kindness forged friendships that would last a lifetime.
This heart-warming production brings to life the real residents of Gander and the stranded travellers they embraced, with characters often sharing the names and stories of their real-life counterparts. What began as an ordinary day in a remote town became an extraordinary testament to compassion, reminding us that, in moments of crisis, we are all part of a global family.
Book, Music and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein.
Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia).
Q&A
Join us for a post-show Q&A session on Sunday 16 March.
Accessibility
The performance on Sunday 16 March will be Auslan interpreted by Auslan Stage Left.
Friday 14 March - 7:30pm
Saturday 15 March - 7:30pm
Sunday 16 March - 2:00pm
Friday 21 March - 7:30pm
Saturday 22 March - 7:30pm
Sunday 23 March - 2:00pm
Musical
100mins with no interval
#Welcome To The Rock
The island of Newfoundland is known as 'The Rock.' 'The Rock' is where our story takes place. When the U.S. shut down its airspace, Canada offered to house inbound planes flying from Europe. Planes were diverted to fly into Gander International Airport.
#Meet The Creative Team
David Wynen
Director/Choreographer
David Wynen is an international music theatre and dance expert. He has worked as a “triple threat” in all aspects of theatre, television and film. Major theatrical credits include Hocus Pocus, 42ndSt, Carmen, Don Quixote and the original cast of Billy Elliot. He is constantly in demand as a director, choreographer and music theatre educator and has worked in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the US.
Currently, Wynen is the Head of Dance at the State University of New York. Prior to his arrival in the US, he was the Head of Music Theatre at Federation University, Australia. He has been instrumental in teaching and mentoring students and professionals, working in such diverse fields as film, TV, event management, choreography, direction, writing and performance. His students have appeared in international productions such as Kinky Boots, Mamma Mia, We Will Rock You, Wicked, Legally Blonde, Jersey Boys, Matilda, Les Miserables, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray, Cats, Strictly Ballroom, A Chorus Line, The Lion King, The Producers, Moulin Rouge, Come From Away and Six.
Owen Clarke
Music Director
A conductor, trombonist and violinist, Owen has a wealth of experience in professional, amateur and youth music. Hailing from New Zealand he moved to Australia in 2015 after a sixteen-year career as the Director of Music for the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Navy Bands. Since settling in Queensland, Owen has been in demand as an adjudicator, conductor and educator. He has taught at schools as diverse as Brisbane Girls Grammar School, the Aboriginal Academy in Coen, Cape York and his current role as Director of Performing Arts at All Saints Anglican School on the Gold Coast.
He has been Music Director for the musical Wicked, Legally Blonde and The Tales of Hoffman, and conducts concerts by the Rockhampton Symphony and Gold Coast Philharmonic Orchestra. Owen returns regularly to New Zealand as Artistic Director of the Rhapsody Rotorua Youth Music Festival.
Frances Story
Set Design
Frances first experienced the arts and entertainment industry as a contemporary dancer with Choreographer Claire Marshall. Following a Bachelor of Interior Design (QUT) and encouragement from Claire, Frances found her niche as a Set Designer, combining her love of live performance and design.
Frances has been with Iceworks Design for the past 10 years, during which time she has worked on a wide variety of shows and projects including Set and Costume Design for SK Entertainment's Friends! the Musical Parody, Set Design for SK Entertainment's Menopause The Musical, Set Design for The Show Co's Mamma Mia The Musical and Set Design for The Empire's Cinderella.
Debra Nairn
Costume Design
Debra has been working in theatre, starting as a teenager, for 50 years. She started as a dresser but very quickly moved on to costume manufacture. Over the last 30 years The Empire Theatres and Toowoomba Choral Society have given Debra the opportunity to work in a place she loves, and also to move forward into costume design. Debra has designed costumes for Mary Poppins, Wicked, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia!, and 2024's Cinderella. Debra is looking forward to the challenges a contemporary style of show like Come From Away brings. Debra's love for theatre and sewing meshes perfectly with her work.
Ben Hunt
Lighting Design
Ben has been in the entertainment industry for over twenty years with his work in technical production beginning “behind the spotlight” and soon after he was hooked. Whilst working for The Empire as the resident Head of Lighting, Ben has also worked freelance as a programmer & lighting designer and has toured nationally. He has worked across an array of entertainment genres including rock & roll, musicals, film and television, dance works and corporate events. A collection of his Lighting Designs includes: Cinderella, We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia!, Kinky Boots, Pirates of Penzance, Sweeney Todd, Grease & Miss Saigon.
Steve Alexander
Sound Design
Steve has been involved with audio production for over 30 years, in that time working on many musicals, concerts and events. He has toured extensively in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East working on numerous musicals and corporate events. The list of shows is extensive but his most memorable would have to be working with Simon Gallaher and Jon English on the final Pirates of Penzance tour around Australia, and a professional touring production of We Will Rock You, particularly after the opening night in Hong Kong when Roger Taylor (Queens Drummer) and Ben Elton asked to meet him.
Tonia Paroz
Rehearsal Pianist
Tonia came to Toowoomba to complete her music degree, and stayed to develop a rewarding musical career and raise a family. She is a teacher of strings and piano, both in her home studio and a number of Toowoomba schools. Tonia has been a part of many musicals, as a rehearsal pianist and a band member.
Most recently Tonia has taken up the role of Music Director for the Toowoomba Choral Society's youth productions of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (2022) and Tarzan (2024). Later in 2025 Tonia will be music director for the TCS production of The Addams Family.
Rob Darvall
Construction
Rob started his professional technical theatre career in 1983. In that time he has worked in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Seoul.
During the same period, he taught at Monash University for seven years. He has at some point worked in every technical position except that of costume cutter.
Most recently, he worked as Head of Production of La Boite Theatre Company before accepting a position at The Empire so as to have a life.
Michaela Francis
Stage Manager
Michaela Francis is a Toowoomba local who grew up performing on the Empire Theatre stage. Michaela holds a Bachelor of Creatives Arts: Theatre (Acting) but her strongest passion lies in Stage Management. While studying she undertook many secondments and internships including A Christmas Carol with Shake & Stir Theatre co, and Medusa with Myths Made Here.
Some highlights from her career so far include Cinderella (SM) and The Boy From Oz (SM) with The Empire Theatre, The Producers (ASM) with Altitude Theatre Company and Sister’s Are Doing It For Themselves (ASM) with The Little Red Co, both at The Brisbane Powerhouse, Once On This Island (ASM) at the La Boîte Theatre, and touring Northern Queensland as Stage Manager for the cabaret The Lounge Suite. Michaela is thrilled to be working on such a challenging and rewarding show with this amazing company.
Timothy Panitz
Producer
Tim’s passion for live performance began in childhood, playing in brass bands, jazz bands, choirs, musicals, and even rocking out in the late 80s with The Untouchables. A knack for production blossomed in the 90s, propelling him into a career spanning theatre, rock, and broadcast, both across Australia and internationally. Now, as Operations & Technical Services Manager at The Empire and Producer for major musicals, Tim is inspired daily by the generosity and spirit of the artists around him. He’s honoured to help share the heartwarming, unifying message of Come From Away with our community. Welcome to the Rock!
#Meet The Cast
Dylan Ashton
Kevin J
Dylan is thrilled to be a part of Come From Away with The Empire, and is excited to help portray the events and experiences of the real people that the characters on stage are based on. His recent productions include Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella with The Empire, Puffs by Shoebox Theatre Company, School of Rock and Priscilla Queen of the Desert with Toowoomba Choral Society.
Vicki Bravery
Bonnie
Vicki was born in England and emigrated to Australia in 1995, relocating to Toowoomba in 2009. She has directed over 20 productions in the local community, winning multiple awards for her directing and choral work. Currently, Vicki works as a Music Tutor, Conductor & Director at local schools and is well known as a performer, appearing in many productions at The Empire. Her recent credits include ‘Madame Thenardier’ in Les Misérables, ‘Tanya’ in Mamma Mia!, ‘Mrs Lovett’ in Sweeney Todd, ‘Mrs Pearce’ in My Fair Lady, ‘Trish’ in Kinky Boots, ‘Madame’ in Cinderella and ‘Mrs Brill’ in Mary Poppins.
Isaac Burton
Doug
Isaac is a skilled actor of over 9 years. His background is primarily in theatre, but has since expanded to film, television, and voiceover. His career has led to work in scenes alongside the likes of Noni Hazelhurst (Long Story Short), Tom Hanks (Elvis) and David Wenham (Spit). Regardless of what the role is, Isaac understands it is a privilege and a challenge that he embraces every time.
Lisa Christensen
Diane
Lisa is delighted to be performing on The Empire stage again. She's played lead and ensemble roles in many productions including ‘Christine’ in The Phantom of the Opera and ‘Mrs Banks’ in Disney & Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins. Lisa is grateful to be the current conductor of Sing Australia Toowoomba and enjoys performing on flugel horn with the Toowoomba Municipal Band. She's looking forward to directing The Accidentals in their Homegrown Independent’s Program performance later in the year, Things left in books. Lisa wants to thank her family for their support.
Taz Clifford
Dwight & Others
Taz recently returned to performing in 2023, in The Empire’s The Boy from Oz and also performed in Les Misérables and some smaller local shows. He is thrilled to be back on stage, singing and acting. He has also recently started ballet, after discovering a new love of dance at 41 years of age. Taz is a research student in neuroscience and queer studies, using his understanding of psychology and body language to inform his character work, aiming for authentic embodiment on stage. He is grateful and delighted that you chose to spend your time to come and see this performance.
Lydia Cunnington
Delores & Brenda
Lydia is excited to perform in Come from Away as it could possibly be her favourite musical! Lydia has been involved with lots of Toowoomba different theatre groups and companies, as well as groups while she was living in Chinchilla. She has performed in Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal), Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts), and ensemble roles in School of Rock, Les Misérables, A Christmas Carol and Urinetown. You also may recognise her from last year’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, in which she played stepsister ‘Charlotte’.
Anna Grabham
Annette
Anna is a Toowoomba local who teaches musical theatre at JE Dance House and works with people with disabilities, focusing on movement and the arts. She holds a Bachelor in Musical Theatre and has a rich background in the field. Her recent productions include Ordinary Days, Cinderella, Trial by Jury, School of Rock, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Moments and more. Anna also served as Assistant Choreographer for The Addams Family. Her dedication to both teaching and performance highlights her passion for nurturing creativity and inclusivity within the arts community.
Sarah Holcombe
Flight Attendant & Others
Sarah is a local primary school teacher who devotes her down time to sharing her lifelong passion for the performing arts with the local community. From a very young age, Sarah has been involved in choirs, eisteddfods and musicals. She has performed in numerous local productions, including The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Evita, Grease, Big Fish, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Les Misérables. Sarah is thrilled to join the cast of Come From Away. She thanks her husband Liam and three children for supporting her during the rehearsal period.
Diana Holt
Beverley
Toowoomba born, though raised in Chinchilla, Diana began her artistic journey on the Gold Coast at Movieworld as a singer/actor/dancer impersonating Liza Minnelli and various other roles. Diana regularly performs in a variety of shows and was the Ring Master/Lead Vocalist touring Australia in the Great Moscow Circus and starred as ‘Donna Sheridan’ in The Empire’s 2020 production of Mamma Mia! Diana recently completed a contract on the Queen Elizabeth singing with the jazz orchestra touring Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Diana is also a passionate songwriter and loves collaborating with other artists.
Nimar Kaur
Various Roles
Nimar is excited to be joining the community of 'Come from Away'. With a passion for science and numbers, she recently completed her Maths and Physics degrees to work as Data Engineer in the real world. Nimar has also always gravitated towards the performing arts, particularly musical theatre. She is an Indian classical dancer, and is also learning Indian semi-classical singing. She loves to fill up her time outside of work with artistic activities. She undertook various community singing and acting classes alongside her university studies and is stoked to finally be a part of a community theatre ensemble!
Jenny Kempe
Janice
Jenny graduated in 2016 from Jason Coleman's Ministry of Dance in Melbourne and has performed professionally across Australia. Her credits include The Logie Awards, Channel 7’s Miss Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries, and Foxtel’s Rockwiz. In Toowoomba, Jenny has shone as ‘Rosalie Mullins’ in Toowoomba Choral Society’s School of Rock, Dance Captain for The Empire’s The Boy From Oz, and as part of the dance ensemble in The Empire’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
Kwadwo Kyei
Bob
Kwadwo Kyei is thrilled to be onstage, performing for Come From Away’s audience. He completed all of his formal schooling in Toowoomba, where he had the opportunity to be a part of musicals such as: High School Musical, Oliver and Godspell. Spending his days as a Nurse Manager, it is exciting to be part of this production and perform for the community.
Melanie Martin
Hannah
Melanie is a seasoned performer having made her singing debut at 12 on the country music festival circuit. She has completed her sixth grade Trinity College voice exams and has won numerous awards for singing. Melanie has performed in many musicals in Toowoomba including The Boy From Oz, Sweeney Todd, Grease, Kinky Boots and Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. To date, Melanie’s favourite roles have been that of ‘Dragon’ in the Toowoomba Philharmonic Society’s (TPS) production of Shrek: The Musical, ‘Sandra Bloom’ in TPS’s production of Big Fish and more recently the role of ‘Ruth’ in Shoebox Theatre Company’s Calendar Girls.
Jon Maskell
Claude
Jon Maskell returns for his first production at The Empire since 2014's The Phantom of the Opera. Known locally for playing ‘Javert’ in Les Misérables and ‘Professor Higgins’ in My Fair Lady, Jon performs regularly with Opera Queensland and Underground Opera, among other Australian companies. Notable professional roles include ‘Maximilian’ in Candide, ‘Kromov’ in The Merry Widow and ‘Station Master’ in Victorian Opera’s Brisbane season of Eucalyptus.
Miranda Robinson
Mickey, Martha & Others
Miranda is excited to make her debut with the Empire in Come From Away. By day, Miranda teaches Year Two at a local primary school. Her past performances include 'Nancy' in Oliver (2015) and 'Maria' in The Sound of Music (2019) with Pittsworth Amateur Theatrical Society, 'Sister Hubert' in Nunsense (2023) with Toowoomba Repertory Theatre, and 'Audrey' in Little Shop of Horrors (2024) with Shoebox Theatre Company. Miranda hopes that Come From Away and its uplifting portrayal of humanity in the face of tragedy will spread an important message of kindness in the Toowoomba community.
Karen Rock
Crystal & Others
Karen Rock hails from Newfoundland, Canada. She completed a Science degree in Newfoundland before moving to the United States to study to become a chiropractor. In America, she met and married an Australian and has lived happily in Toowoomba for 23 years.
Now a mother of four grown children and grandmother to two Karen loves to spend her time cooking, baking, entertaining and singing! She is excited to be part of Come From Away because of its link to her home of Newfoundland and the part of her she left behind.
Dan Stewart
Kevin T & Garth
Dan has performed and produced theatre in and around South-East Queensland for nearly 20 years. Starring in previous productions with The Empire (Grease, Sweet Charity, Beauty and the Beast, Cabaret, Spamalot), Dan has also performed with Mixtape Theatre Collective, Shoebox Theatre Company, DforDrama, OzWorks Entertainment and overseas with Sanderson Group International. Dan is thrilled to be returning to the Empire Theatre stage and very excited to be a part of this fantastic production - Come From Away!
Brendan Thomas-Ryland
Joey & Others
Brendan has been performing in the Toowoomba theatre world for over ten years. Previous musical theatre roles include ‘Dewey Finn’ in School of Rock, ‘Tick/Mitzi’ in Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, ‘Johnny Casino’ in Grease, ‘Feuilly’ in Les Misérables, and ‘Mendel’ in Fiddler on the Roof, as well as ensemble parts in Aida, Evita, Wicked, Sweeney Todd, Ruddigore, Big Fish, and Mamma Mia!
Christopher Thomson
Oz
Christopher grew up in Toowoomba, spending many an hour watching shows or performing at the Empire Theatre. He studied a Bachelor of Music theatre at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and then a master's in Directing at NIDA. He has worked as a professional director of theatre and also returned to study psychology during COVID. Having finished his psychology degree he returned to Toowoomba in 2023 to work as a social worker and a freelance creative.
Jo Tooley
Beulah
As a QUT trained Arts and English teacher, Jo has dedicated herself to the development of young actors, stage managers, sound and lighting operators and creatives for the past 20 years. She has most recently been on stage as ‘Christmas Eve’ in Avenue Q (Shoebox) and ‘Madame Morrible’ (The Empire’s Wicked), however, has spent most of her time behind the scenes. Some of her more recent musical theatre directing and stage management credits in Toowoomba include: Les Misérables, Crazy For You, Hello, Dolly!, Wicked, My Fair Lady, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, and The Addams Family.
Ben Tupas
Nick
Come From Away is Ben Tupas’s theatre debut, but he is Filipino, so you could say karaoke runs in his blood. Visual art is Ben’s normal go-to, creating conceptual video artworks that link to his identity. He has exhibited at all three galleries in the Toowoomba Region and further afield with galleries in Brisbane, Townsville and Melbourne. Ben had the opportunity to watch the touring Broadway production of Come From Away in Canada, and has thoroughly enjoyed his involvement in Toowoomba’s imagining of the show.
#Timeline of Events
Come From Away is based on actual events that took place on September 11, 2001 and the days that followed.
10,000
Approximate Gander population in 2001
6,579
Number of people grounded in Gander on September 11, 2001
4
Number of hours it takes to get to the nearest Starbucks (in St. John's!)
38
Number of planes diverted to land in Gander
100
Number of countries represented by the people grounded in Gander
19
Number of animals in cargo
317
Number of minutes the 'Come From Aways' initially waited to exit the planes
550
Number of hotel rooms in Gander
#What's on
Macbeth
Marrow
John Granger Fisher with special guest Warwick Adeney
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