Theatre Kent’s upcoming production of Come From Away is approaching 70 per cent sold, more than a month before opening night, as the Chatham-Kent community theatre company builds toward its 50th anniversary.
The production will run Nov. 12 to 14 at the Chatham Capitol Theatre, following several successful seasons for the company, including productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and Cats.
“Over the last few years, we’ve watched audiences come back to Theatre Kent in a really exciting way,” says Linda Schinkel, president of Theatre Kent. “Jesus Christ Superstar felt like a turning point for us. Then came Cats, and now we’re seeing this extraordinary response to Come From Away. There is clearly an appetite in Chatham-Kent for live theatre, and for gathering together to experience really wonderful stories.”
Based on the true story of thousands of airline passengers diverted to Gander, N.L., following the Sept. 11 attacks, Come From Away explores how residents welcomed strangers with generosity, humour and compassion during an extraordinary time.
“Come From Away is ultimately a community story,” says Brock Mackenzie, director of the production. “It asks what happens when people decide to make room for one another, literally and figuratively. There is something particularly meaningful about telling that story through community theatre, with local performers, musicians, volunteers and audiences all participating in it together.”
The production comes as Theatre Kent approaches its 50th anniversary, which the organization will celebrate in two seasons.
“Fifty years of community theatre doesn’t happen by accident,” says Schinkel. “It happens because generation after generation of people decide that local arts matter. They audition. They build sets. They sew costumes. They play in the orchestra, sell tickets, volunteer backstage and sit in the audience. The growth we’re experiencing right now belongs to all of those people.”
With Come From Away already nearing 60 per cent sold, Theatre Kent encourages audiences interested in attending to purchase tickets early.
Ticket details, here.
