COME FROM AWAY: Character Breakdown

Character Descriptions
The age range listed with each character is the age the character should present on stage, not the age of the actor playing the role. 

Special notes: 

• Though the characters in the piece are cis-gender, we encourage non-binary, trans, and gender non-conforming actors to audition.

•  The characters in the musical are based on actual Gander residents and the stranded travellers they housed and fed.

• All characters may participate in or observe moments of casual physical intimacy—such as hand-holding, hugging, placing an arm around another’s shoulder, or dance-related contact including lifts. All physical interaction is rehearsed with clear communication, and participation in any moment of touch is based entirely on the informed consent and comfort of the performers involved.

• The script specifically calls for the characters of Diane & Nick to kiss. There may also be some elements of intimacy for the characters of Kevin T. and Kevin J. All intimacy scenes will be staged by our Intimacy Director using a consent-forward process. 

Claude & others

Male Presenting - age 40-60

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 before. Also plays Derm and Brenda’s Brother, Eddie. Baritone up to G4.

Bonnie & others

Female Presenting - age 30-40

A no-nonsense mother of three, 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 - but in frustration, she often lashes out at those around her.

Also plays Martha. Mezzo-soprano with a strong belt, up to B4.

Beulah & others

Female Presenting - age 40-60

The head of the Gander Legion, with a firefighter son, who walks Hannah to her church and prays with her.

Also plays Delores. Mezzo-soprano with a strong belt, up to B4.

Oz & others

Male Presenting - age 30-50

The quirky constable in the two-person Gander police force. When the town's population suddenly doubles, Oz helps out in unexpected ways.

Also plays Joey, Customs Officer, Mr. Michaels, Terry, Matty, Rabbi, and Head Cardiologist. Contemporary tenor up to G4.

Janice & others

Female Presenting - age 20-30

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.

Also plays Britney and Flight Attendant. Contemporary soprano, strong pop belt/mix, up to E5.

Beverley/Annette & others

Female Presenting - age 50-60

Beverely: The first female captain for American Airlines Pilot, Beverly Bass has always loved flying, when her world suddenly changes.

Annette: A schoolteacher at Gander Academy with an active fantasy life.

Also plays Reporter. Very strong and dynamic mezzo-soprano belter up to D.

Diane & others

Female Presenting - age 50-60

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 that he's safe, she's given a new lease on life and discovers a wilder more carefree side of herself.

Also plays Crystal and Brenda. Contemporary soprano/mezzo with a strong mix, up to D5

Nick/Doug & others

Male Presenting - age 50-60

Nick: An English oil engineer who is focused on his work, Nick's life is turned upside down when he falls for Diane.

Doug: An Air Traffic Controller, married to Bonnie, who tries to help his wife and the animals.

Also plays Officer Stephenson, and Male Townsperson. Baritone or bari-tenor up to E4.

Kevin T/Garth & others

Male Presenting - age 30-50

Kevin T: 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.

Garth: The head of the local union, representing the Bus Drivers.

Also plays President Bush. Contemporary tenor up to G4.

Kevin J/Ali & others

Male Presenting - age 30-50

Kevin J: Kevin's boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, he wants to leave as soon as possible.

Ali: An Egyptian man traveling to America who experiences isolation and Islamophobia but who finds a connection to Beulah.

Also plays Dwight. Baritone, range not specified.

Hannah & others

Female Presenting - age 40-60

The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hannah waits for news about her son and is comforted by Beulah.

Also plays Margie and Mickey. Contemporary soprano, strong pop belt/mix, up to E5.

Bob & others

Male Presenting - age 20-40

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 and Captain Bristol. Baritone, range not specified.