Come From Away – ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS
Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse
1828 3rd Avenue,
Rock Island, IL, 61201.
This beautiful musical tells a true story that has become something of a legend: on Sept. 11, 2001, the residents of the isolated, small town of Gander, Newfoundland played host to the world. What started as an average day turned into a legend of Canadian hospitality when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on a moment’s notice, doubling the island’s tiny population.
In the week after 9/11, residents banded together to house, clothe, and feed nearly 7,000 plane passengers, cheering the stranded travelers and building lasting connections with them through empathy, music & an open bar. Nominated for 7 Tony awards, Come From Away has itself become a symbol of generosity and connection, and the show is known for offering one of the most heartwarming evenings available at a theatre.
Looking for more productions you can submit to in Illinois?
This phenomenal musical will be directed by Corinne Johnson, who has also directed Murder on the Orient Express, Miracle on 34th Street, and Disenchanted here at Circa ’21.
Production dates, including 2 weeks of rehearsals, are Aug. 28 – Nov. 1, 2025. All roles in this professional production are paid.
AVAILABLE ROLES & DESCRIPTIONS:
DIANE & OTHERS Gender Female Age range 50 – 69
Vocal range Mezzo Soprano Female, 50s–60s; Diane is a traditional divorcee from Texas, who is terrified that her son may have been flying at the time of the attacks. When she finds out he is safe, she’s given a new lease on life and discovers a wilder more carefree side of herself. Also plays Newfoundland local, CRYSTAL. Contemporary soprano or mezzo with strong mix.
HANNAH & OTHERS Gender Female Age range 30 – 59
Vocal range Soprano Female, 30s–50s, African American, Latina, Asian, or any ethnicity; the mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, HANNAH waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah. Also plays Newfoundland local, MARGIE. Contemporary soprano with strong high mix.
JANICE & OTHERS Gender Female Age range 20 – 29
Vocal range Mezzo Soprano Female, 20s; an eager new local TV reporter, Janice is thrown into the deep end on her first day. Initially naïve about the world, Janice must face the pain and confusion around her. Plays another Newfoundland local by the name of JENNY. Mezzo w\ strong belt
BEULAH & OTHERS Gender Female Age range 40 – 69
Vocal range Mezzo Soprano Female, 40s–60s; Head of the Gander Legion, with a firefighter son, she befriends Hannah and walks to church and prays with her. Quick-witted and open hearted, Beulah loves to share a joke. Mezzo w\ strong belt
BONNIE & OTHERS Gender Female Age range 30 – 59
Vocal range Mezzo Soprano Female, 30s–50s; A no–nonsense mother of 3, Bonnie is the head of the Gander area SPCA. When she discovers animals are trapped on the planes, she stops at nothing to ensure their safety. Also plays a Newfoundland local by the name of MARTHA. Mezzo
BEVERLY & OTHERS Gender Female Age range 50 – 69
Vocal range Soprano with Belt Female, 50s–60s; An American Airlines pilot, Beverly has always loved flying, but her world is changed when she hears about coworkers who were killed in the attacks, and when she is confronted by passengers who refuse to fly again. Also plays Newfoundland local, ANNETTE. Soprano belter with strong high mix
OZ & OTHERS Gender Male Age range 30 – 59
Vocal range High Tenor Male, 30s–50s; The quirky constable in the two–person Gander police force. When the town’s population suddenly doubles, Oz helps in unexpected ways. Also plays the role of JOEY, a rambunctious passenger on one of the planes who enjoys a good drink, MR. MICHAELS, a local gym teacher who speaks Spanish and MATTY, the owner of the Trailways Bar, which is full of passengers 24/7. High Tenor
KEVIN T & OTHERS Gender Male Age range 30 – 49
Vocal range High Tenor Male, 30s–40s; The head of an environmental energy company in Los Angeles, Kevin was on vacation with his boyfriend (and secretary, also named Kevin), when they are stranded in Gander. Inspired by the town’s generosity, Kevin creates the ‘Pay It Forward Foundation.’ Also plays the role of GARTH, head of the local union representing the bus drivers. High Tenor
KEVIN J & OTHERS Gender Male Age range 30 – 49
Vocal range Baritone Male, 30s–40s, Latino, Asian, Middle Eastern, or any ethnicity; Kevin’s boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, he wants to leave and get back to the U.S. as soon as possible. Also plays the role of DOUG, a local air traffic controller, married to Bonnie, who tries to help his wife and the animals. Baritone
BOB & OTHERS Gender Male Age range 30 – 49
Vocal range Baritone Male, 30s–40s, African–American or any ethnicity. A hardened New Yorker, Bob is suspicious of where he’s landed, fearing that it’s World War 3, that someone is going to shoot him and steal his wallet – but instead he ends up losing his New York jadedness. Also plays MUHUMUZA, an African passenger who, despite a language barrier, finds common ground with a local bus driver. Baritone.
CLAUDE & OTHERS Gender Male Age range 40 – 59
Vocal range Tenor Male, 40s–50s; The gregarious and well-liked Mayor of Gander, Newfoundland, Claude loves his work, the townspeople, and his daily traditions, but he’s never had to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. Also plays DERM, mayor of the nearby town of Appleton. Tenor.
NICK & OTHERS Gender Male Age range 50 – 69
Vocal range Baritone Male, 50s–60s, Middle Eastern or any ethnicity; An English oil engineer who is focused on his work, Nick’s life is turned upside down when he falls for another passenger, Diane. Also plays ALI, an Iranian passenger. Baritone.
Video submissions should include a resume and photo, a vocal reel, a one minute contemporary dramatic monologue and a one minute contemporary comic monologue.
Submissions should be sent to production manager Jeremy Littlejohn at jeremylittlejohn1977@gmail.com.
Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse
1828 3rd Avenue, Rock Island, IL, 61201