News

Come From Away breaks highest weekly box office record in the Comedy Theatre’s 92 year history

In yet another spectacular triumph, global hit COME FROM AWAY has smashed the highest weekly gross income for the week ending 19 January, surpassing the weekly box office records of all other productions staged at the theatre since it opened in 1928.

Producer Rodney Rigby said: “Come From Away has enjoyed tremendous success since we opened last July. After being crowned Ticketmaster’s Ticketmaster Ticket Of The Year in November last year, we couldn’t be more delighted by this record breaking result. I can honestly say that Melbourne and the people across Australia have truly taken Come From Away into their hearts.”

Original Australian Company of Come From Away | Photo by Jeff Busby

COME FROM AWAY is based on the incredible real-life events in the wake of the September 11 tragedy. Set in Gander, Newfoundland where 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 people from over 100 countries were redirected during this traumatic event, almost doubling the population of the remote Canadian town. Capturing the generosity and hospitality of the small community of Gander who invited the “come from aways” into their homes, it is an inspirational story of hope and humanity. COME FROM AWAY opened on Broadway to rave reviews in 2017 and has  continued its record-breaking triumph with a second production in Toronto, a third production touring North America, a West End production and the recently opened Australian production in Melbourne. With book, music and lyrics by David Hein and Irene Sankoff, COME FROM AWAY is directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley, choreographed by Olivier Award Winner Kelly Devine (Rock of Ages, Diana), with music supervision by Ian Eisendrath (A Christmas Story, Diana), scenic design by Beowulf Boritt (Rock of Ages, Be More Chill) costume design by Toni-Leslie James (Jelly’s Last Jam), lighting design by Howell Binkley (Jersey Boys, Hamilton), sound design by Gareth Owen (Diana, A Bronx Tale).

COME FROM AWAY has won numerous awards including the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical (Christopher Ashley), Winner of five Outer Critics Circle Awards (New York) including Outstanding New Broadway Musical. On top of this, the musical has received three Drama Desk Awards (New York) including Outstanding Musical, four Helen Hayes Awards (Washington, D.C) including Outstanding Production of a Musical, four Gypsy Rose Lee Awards (Seattle) including Excellence in production of a Musical and six San Diego Critics Circle Awards including Outstanding New Musical. In February 2019, the musical added to its international award tally with four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical, Best Theatre Choreographer, Best Sound Design and Outstanding Achievement in Music and recently won Broadway World UK awards. In Australia, it has won the Ticketek ‘Ticket of the Year’ award for 2019, recently took out the Drama Victoria award for Best Performance by a Theatre Company and continues to attract spontaneous standing ovations at every performance.

Tickets and more info can be found at comefromaway.com.au

Gabi Bergman

Gabi Bergman (she/her) is a Melbourne-based performer and educator, and the current Deputy Editor-in-Chief of AussieTheatre.com. She holds a double degree in Theatre Studies and Film/Screen Studies, along with a Master of Teaching (Secondary Education). A passionate advocate for inclusion and diversity in the arts, Gabi brings her deep love of storytelling to the stage, the page, and the classroom. A lifelong lover of theatre, she spends more on tickets than she’d like to admit. Her most prized possession is her ever-growing collection of theatre programs.

Recent Posts

THE GRAND ELECTRIC What’s Coming Up

The Grand Electric has quickly established itself as one of Sydney's most exciting entertainment destinations,…

7 hours ago

MYSTIQUE Journey Beyond Reality

Prepare to be amazed when internationally acclaimed illusionist Michael Boyd returns to Sydney's State Theatre…

8 hours ago

Dolly Parton and Paddington Face Off in Broadway’s $30 Million Musical Battle

Broadway’s next season may still be weeks away, but an early contest is already emerging…

10 hours ago

BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL hit by tour delays, royalty dispute and burnout claims

The troubled road to the stage has taken another dramatic turn for BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL,…

10 hours ago

$1 Million Musical Theatre Fund to Put Melbourne Stories Centre Stage

Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s musical theatre capital is set to receive a major boost, with…

10 hours ago

2027 Layton Emerging Composer Fellowship

UNSW is delighted to announce the Layton Emerging Composer Fellowship for 2027, to encourage and…

11 hours ago