New York City
Highlighting this event is a one-night-only concert presentation of the La Jolla Playhouse-born, Broadway-bound musical Come From Away. The musical had its world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse in 2015, where it played to overwhelming critical and audience acclaim, winning six San Diego Critics’ Circle Awards. The show then went on to Seattle Repertory Theatre, Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., and Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre, breaking box office records in each city. Gala guests will have the opportunity to experience this exhilarating production before it starts previews on Broadway on February 18, 2017.
Performing the Come From Away concert is the Broadway-bound cast, most of whom originated their roles in the world-premiere Playhouse production, including Petrina Bromley, Jenn Colella (Playhouse’s Chaplin), Geno Carr, Joel Hatch, Rodney Hicks, Chad Kimball (Playhouse’s Memphis), Caesar Samayoa, Lee MacDougall, Q. Smith, Astrid Van Wieren, Sharon Wheatley, and newcomer Kendra Kesselbaum, who appeared in the Seattle Repertory Theatre production.
The evening begins with an exclusive VIP reception for top-tier sponsors and donors, offering a chance to mingle with Playhouse artistic director and Come From Away director Christopher Ashley and Come From Away co-creators David Hein and Irene Sankoff. Following the reception is a sumptuous dinner, during which guests can enjoy a tribute performance honoring Ashley. After dinner, guests are treated to a command concert performance of Come From Away. Capping off the evening is the Broadway-bound Cast Party, where patrons can mix and mingle with the cast of Come From Away.