Hit musical with Sask. connection up for 7 Tony Awards

A popular musical nominated for seven Tony Awards has a Saskatchewan connection.

David Hein, one of the writers and creators of Come From Away, was born in Regina and grew up in Saskatoon. 

The musical is a story about 7,000 stranded passengers and a town in Newfoundland that welcomed them during the terror attack on New York City on Sept. 11, 2001.

The musical’s website says “cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.” 

The musical has been out since 2015 but is now is getting recognized because it is on Broadway. 

“We initially thought this was this little Canadian show, something that we were proud of as Canadians, and instead it’s been warmly welcomed on the outside of the continent,” Hein explained to the CJME Morning Show.

 “People were so open, they just wanted the story that was about the goodness that was about human kindness towards each other, about people coming together despite their differences.”

Come From Away is up for Best Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre, Best Lighting Design of a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, and Best Choreography.

“The story of what Canadians did on that day, how they welcomed the world despite not knowing them, welcoming strangers into their homes is one that I think should be really celebrated,” said Hein.

The Tony Awards are scheduled for June 11.