Ford’s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault has announced the cast and creative team of the Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away, which returns to Ford’s Theatre ten years after its acclaimed debut on the historic stage. The production will be presented September 10-October 18, 2026, as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
“We are honored to welcome Come From Away back to Ford’s Theatre at such a meaningful moment,” said Tetreault. “Ten years after this remarkable musical first premiered on our stage, its message of compassion, resilience and the extraordinary kindness people can show one another feels as powerful as ever. As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11, this production reminds us that even in our darkest moments, hope can be found through community, generosity and our shared humanity. It is a story that calls on the better angels of our nature and reflects Ford’s Theatre’s mission of exploring the American experience through theatre, history and education.”
Come From Away, with book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, tells the heartwarming true story of the 6,579 airline passengers stranded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, after 38 planes were diverted there on September 11, 2001. As the town’s population nearly doubled overnight, its residents opened their homes and hearts to strangers from around the world, offering food, shelter and friendship. Featuring a stirring folk- and rock-inspired score, the musical celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of kindness in the face of tragedy.
Creative Team
Irene Sankoff and David Hein (Book, Music & Lyrics): are the Olivier-award winning, Tony and Grammy nominated, Canadian writing team behind the worldwide award-winning hit musical Come From Away, currently playing to over 100 countries on Apple TV+, and around the world. Their first show, My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, based on David’s mother’s true story, has won Best Musical awards across North America, with Sankoff and Hein performing in many productions. Together, they have written for Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros., HBO and the CW as well as Marvel Comics and the Canadian government. They are the recipients of the FourFreedoms Good Neighbor Award and the Meritorious Service Cross of Canada which recognizes Canadians’ exceptional accomplishments.
Kevin S. McAllister (Director): is a director, actor, singer, former professor, and Artistic Director/Co-Founder of ArtsCentric. He has directed over 50 productions for ArtsCentric. Outside of the DMV, he serves as the Assistant Director Fellow for the national tour and Broadway production of Come From Away. He has won two Helen Hayes Awards for acting (including Ford’s Ragtime) and has been nominated for eight. He can also be heard on the recent Broadway revival cast recording of Caroline, or Change where he portrayed The Dryer and The Bus. When not on stage, he works regularly with young minds around the country as a clinician.
Katy Tabb (Choreographer): Select Choreography & Direction: 5th Ave.: Spring Awakening, Sweeney Todd; Village Theatre: 9 to 5 (director), Brigadoon, Legally Blonde, The Fantasticks, Cinderella, Mamma Mia, Newsies, Singin’ In The Rain, Billy Elliot; Theatre Aspen: Come From Away; Great Lakes CFA: Mamma Mia; Skylight MT: Waitress; Taproot: Hello Girls, Bright Star; Additional Choreography: Interlochen, Seattle Symphony, Cornish College; DC-Area: Olney: Kiss of the Spider Woman (Applause Series); DC Performance: Olney: Cabaret, Imagination Stage: Lion/Witch.
Mason Moss (Music Director): Tour: The Book of Mormon. Regional: Chicago Shakespeare: Sunny Afternoon (Jeff Award nom.), 42 Balloons; Marriott: Little Shop of Horrors, Always Something There…; Writers: As You Like It; Broadway in Chicago: Tina, The Wiz, Kinky Boots. Mason is a music director, conductor, keyboardist and arranger based in Chicago. AFM Local 10-208 and 802.
The Cast and Musicians
The cast of Come From Away includes Jonathan Atkinson (Ford’s: One Destiny, 1776, A Christmas Carol) as Kevin J.; Kelli Blackwell (Ford’s: SHOUT SISTER SHOUT!) as Beulah; Caitlin Brooke (Ford’s: Sister Act) as Diane; Montel B. Butler (Ford’s debut) as Bob; Evan Casey (Ford’s: 1776, Into the Woods, Born Yesterday) as Oz; Sarah Corey (Ford’s: Sister Act) as Hannah; Julia Wheeler Lennon (Ford’s: A Christmas Carol) as Janice; Joe Mallon (Ford’s: 1776, A Christmas Carol, Sister Act) as Nick; Michael Perrie, Jr. (Ford’s: 1776) as Kevin T.; Lawrence Redmond (Ford’s: 1776, Sister Act, Little Shop of Horrors) as Claude; Housso Sémon (Ford’s debut) as Beverley; and Erin Weaver (Ford’s: A Christmas Carol) as Bonnie.
Understudies include Vaughn Ryan Midder (Ford’s debut), Justine “Icy” Moral (Ford’s: 1776, A Christmas Carol, Sister Act), Janine Sunday (Ford’s debut) and Douglas Ullman, Jr. (Ford’s: 1776).
Mason Moss will conduct a band that includes Manny Arciniega, Ben Bokor, Gerry Kunkel, Kyung LeBlanc, Jim Roberts, Eliot Seppa and Danny Villanueva.
The Designers
The creative team includes Scenic Designer Emily Lotz (Ford’s debut); Costume Designer Paris Francesca (Ford’s debut); Lighting Designer Xavier Pierce (Ford’s: Grace); Sound Designer David Budries (Ford’s: 1776, Sister Act, Little Shop of Horrors); Hair & Make-up Designer Danna Rosedahl (Ford’s: The American Five, Little Shop of Horrors, Something Moving); and Dialects and Voice Director Rachel Hirshorn-Johnston (Ford’s: The American Five, A Christmas Carol, 1776). Orchestrations by August Eriksmoen and Arrangements by Ian Eisendrath.
Brandon Prendergast is the Production Stage Manager, with Julia Singer serving as Assistant Stage Manager.
The original Broadway production was produced by Junkyard Dog Productions.
Come From Away runs September 10 – October 18, 2026, at Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St NW, Washington, DC. Tickets range from $20-$80 and are available online.
Accessibility, Special Performances and Ticket Discounts
Ford’s Theatre is committed to ensuring visitors of all abilities can experience the performances, exhibits, history and programs the site has to offer. Audio-described performances of Come From Away are scheduled for September 24 at 7 p.m. and October 3 at 2 p.m. An ASL interpreted performance is scheduled for October 1 at 7 p.m. A sensory-friendly performance is scheduled for October 17 at 2 p.m. Our sensory-friendly experiences are intended for those who might benefit from a relaxed theatrical environment, including individuals with autism or other social, learning or cognitive disabilities.
Beginning September 10, all performances will be captioned via the GalaPro Free Closed Captioning Mobile App. GalaPro is available from the App Store or Google Play and allows patrons to access captioning on demand through their phone or tablet device. Patrons can set their phones to airplane mode and connect to the local GalaPro WiFi network before the performance begins. More information at fords.org/visit-us/accessibility/galapro-captioning.
Free First Preview: Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Ford’s Theatre is partnering with TodayTix to provide limited free tickets for the first performance of this production. Tickets are available via the TodayTix app, beginning on Monday, August 17 at 10 a.m. until August 21 at 10 a.m., with winners announced on August 28, for the Thursday, September 10, 7 p.m. performance of Come From Away.
Ticket Discounts:
During the run of Come From Away, seniors ages 60 and older are eligible to receive up to 25% off the purchase of up to four (4) tickets. The discount increases to 35% for purchases of five (5) or six (6) tickets. A valid photo ID verifying age is required when picking up tickets.
Ford’s Theatre will also offer day-of tickets for each performance of Come From Away. Balcony seats will be available for $25 each and must be purchased in person at the Ford’s Theatre Box Office. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of two (2) tickets per person.
Group ticket sales and discounts are available by emailing groupsales@fords.org.
Additionally, a limited number of balcony tickets will be available for each performance through TodayTix’s Paid Lottery program.
Ford’s Public and Education Programming
Lessons From the Main Stage Teacher Workshop
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 5 p.m.
Where: Lindner Center for Culture and Leadership
In this one-hour, theater arts-integrated workshop, educators will explore how storytelling and oral history can bring the past into the present in personal, meaningful and memorable ways. Participants will leave with practical strategies for guiding students in creating original, ensemble-based work rooted in authentic human experiences. The workshop will feature special guest Kevin Tuerff, whose personal experience inspired one of the characters in Come From Away. Learn more here.
Come From Away Post-Show Discussion — Real People: Engaging Narratives
Date: Tuesday, September 15
Where: Ford’s Theatre
Come From Away creators Irene Sankoff and David Hein interviewed hundreds of people, including residents of Gander and passengers who were rerouted to Newfoundland, Canada, on 9/11. There, the residents found themselves hosting and caring for nearly seven thousand stranded travelers. Often cited as one of the best examples of the “Documentary Theatre” genre, Come From Away’s use of real stories and perspectives related to a specific event helps build a whirlwind narrative that becomes both engaging and theatrically compelling.
25 Years After 9/11: Lessons in Leadership, Resilience and Finding Our Better Angels
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 6 p.m.
Where: Ford’s Theatre
The events of September 11, 2001 challenged our nation and called forth extraordinary acts of courage and leadership. Join Ford’s Theatre for a compelling conversation with special guests as they examine the leadership decisions that shaped the nation’s response — from the split-second actions of first responders and public officials, to the mobilization of communities and military forces, to the ongoing work of healing, remembrance and resilience. Our special guests will reflect on how leaders inspire hope when words fall short, what it takes to unite a nation in times of crisis and how we can preserve the lessons of 9/11 for generations who did experience it firsthand.
The Music of Come From Away Post-Show Discussion
Date: Sunday, October 4
Where: Ford’s Theatre
Following the matinee performance, Ford’s Theatre will host a discussion with Mason Moss, Music Director of Come From Away. The conversation will explore the show’s music and its role as a foundation for community — not only in Gander, but around the world — examining how music transcends cultural barriers and fosters healing.
Called to Serve: Courage Can Save Us
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 6 p.m.
Where: Ford’s Theatre
In the aftermath of 9/11, Americans answered the call to serve in extraordinary numbers. The desire to serve, whether in the military or in one’s community, was palpable across the nation. Join Ford’s Theatre for an inspiring conversation that honors the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of those who answered that call. Author Rye Barcott brings together several individuals featured in his book, Courage Can Save Us, for a conversation about what happens when ordinary people are called to do extraordinary things.
About Ford’s Theatre Society
One of the most visited sites in the nation’s capital, Ford’s Theatre reopened its doors in 1968, more than a hundred years after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Operated through a partnership between Ford’s Theatre Society and the National Park Service, Ford’s Theatre is the premier destination in the nation’s capital to explore and celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s life and legacy.
Ford’s Theatre Society was founded under the guidance of executive producer Frankie Hewitt, who, during her 35-year tenure, established Ford’s as a living, working theater producing performances that highlighted the diversity of the American experience. Since the arrival of Paul R. Tetreault as Director, critics and the theatre-going public have recognized Ford’s for the superior quality of its artistic programming. With works from the Tony-nominated Come From Away and the nationally acclaimed Big River, to the world premieres of Meet John Doe, The Heavens Are Hung In Black, Liberty Smith, Necessary Sacrifices, The Widow Lincoln, The Guard, Grace, Something Moving and The American Five, Ford’s Theatre is making its mark on the American theater landscape. Under the current leadership of Board of Trustees Chairman Phebe N. Novakovic and through the lens of Lincoln’s leadership and legacy, Ford’s today endeavors to advance Lincoln’s “unfinished work” with programs and performances that cultivate empathy, encourage dialogue and bridge divides in American life.
