COME FROM AWAY at Farmers Alley Theatre

COME FROM AWAY at Farmers Alley Theatre
WELCOME TO THE ROCK!

COME FROM AWAY opens Sept 25, 2025 and is a thrilling and heartfelt musical based on the true story of the time when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. This must-see musical reminds us that even in the darkest of times, people can be at their very best. It’s a celebration of hope, humanity, and the incredible power of kindness.

Season 18 at Farmers Alley Theatre takes flight with the inspirational musical Come From Away. After an enormously triumphant Season 17 with sellout crowds and holdover performances added due to overwhelming ticket demand, Farmers Alley Theatre is gearing up to top themselves with an ambitious roster of shows sure to delight during their 2025/2026 season.

On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover: Following the September 11 attacks, after the U.S. shut down its airspace, 38 planes carried thousands of people from across the globe to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the inspirational musical Come From Away tells the true story of how the people of Gander gave the stranded travelers food and clothes while also cheering them up with music, an open bar and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family. Blending themes of empathy, kindness and compassion with a fantastic script, score and creative team, Come From Away is sure to make Kalamazoo audiences feel uplifted.

After helming last season’s sold-out and extended hits Jersey Boys and Beautiful, Award-Winning Director Kathy Mulay is overjoyed to be working on one of her favorite musicals. “I’ve long awaited the opportunity to work on this profoundly moving piece,” states Mulay. “Come From Away is more than a historical retelling—it’s a timely and universal reminder that in the midst of fear and uncertainty, compassion and community still shine through. In our intimate space, the immediacy and urgency of the story will resonate even more deeply, and I know that this talented group of artists will create something truly special together.”

She continues to praise the talent assembled to bring this piece to life, “I couldn’t be more thrilled with the remarkable cast we’ve assembled. Each of them brings something uniquely human, generous, and true to this production, and I feel genuinely honored to be collaborating with such a talented and dedicated group of artists.”

As always, Farmers Alley will blend top tier talent from across the country to perform alongside our phenomenal local talent: Returning favorites include Christopher C. Minor (RENT) who is back to play Kevin J, Curt Denham (Working) as Claude and back for his third show in 12 months is Brandon Ruiter (Jersey Boys, Beautiful) who will play Kevin T. They are joined on stage by newcomers, Melrose Johnson as Hannah, Lottie Mae Prenevost as Beverley and Christan Andrews as Bob. Our dynamic cast features local Farmers Alley favorites like co-founder and choreographer Denene Mulay (Spelling Bee and Fun Home) as Diane, Michael Morrison (Beautiful) as Nick, Shannon Hill (School of Rock) as Bonnie, Steve Brubaker (Ride the Cyclone) as Oz, and making their Farmers Alley debuts: Brooklyn Moore as Janice and Janine Chesak-Black as Beulah.

In addition to this beautifully composed cast, the brilliant Brendan Vincent (Ride the Cyclone, Beautiful) will return as Music Director and lead a phenomenal live band. And our multi-talented Founder, Denene Mulay, will serve as choreographer just as she did so successfully for Jersey Boys last year.

Executive Director Rob Weiner said, “To say that this show has been on our radar for some time would be an understatement. I was lucky enough to see Come From Away in New York City several years ago when I knew nothing about the show other than it took place during 9/11. I thought to myself, ‘Really? This is a musical??’. But I was immediately enraptured and moved by the story and my connection to the material in so many ways. It’s a story about the power of community and hope during some of our darkest moments. I find that extremely timely and important to present to our audience this fall.”

Come From Away opens on Sept 25 will run thru at least October 12 or longer. Performances have already been added on Sat 9/27 at 2pm and Sat 10/4 at 2pm. Performance days and times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30pm and Sundays will start at 2pm. Go to our website for all dates and times. Tickets range from $56-$25 with Student ticket pricing at $20 for all shows. Farmers Alley Theatre is proud to offer 15% off regular ticket prices for Military/Veterans and Teachers (please call the box office to request that discount and have ID ready to show upon arrival). $20 rush tickets for adults and $10 rush tickets for students are offered for all performances starting 1 hour prior to curtain (subject to availability; theatergoers must be present at the box office). The Preview performance on Thursday, Sept 25th is already sold out as are many of the other performances too. Visit our website to check availability.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performance on Saturday October 4 at 2pm. ASL performances generously sponsored by Barbara A. Rider and Fred W. Sammons. Tickets are available for purchase at www.farmersalleytheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at 269-343-2727. Farmers Alley Theatre is also wheelchair accessible.

Come From Away is generously supported by our Season Sponsor: The Schupan Family, our Season Equity Sponsor: The Tyler-Little Family Foundation, our Season Co-Sponsors: Jack and Andy Hopkins and the First National Bank of Michigan, and by our show sponsors: Bob and Patti Huiskamp, Kathy Mulay, Carole Cupps, Ron and Joan Molitor and Jeff K Ross Financial.

Come From Away is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).