No Guarantees Productions and the United Service Organizations (USO) have recently made an exciting announcement that the national tour of the Broadway show “Come From Away” will be performing an exclusive live concert version at U.S. military bases. This marks the first time in over 50 years that a Broadway show will have this opportunity.
“Come From Away” is a heartwarming production that tells the true story of the people of Gander, Newfoundland, who welcomed 7,000 stranded airline passengers when U.S. air space was closed on September 11, 2001. The touring company will be visiting three military installations as part of this special tour.
The first stop on the tour will be near Dayton, Ohio, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on August 20. This base was among the first to be notified on September 11. The second stop will be at Fort Knox in Kentucky on August 21, followed by a visit to Fort Campbell on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. At Fort Campbell, the company will engage in various activities with the base, including unit visits, a trip to the USO Fort Campbell Center, and a visit to the Gander Memorial.
The Gander Memorial holds significance as it honors the memory of over 200 members of the 101st Airborne Division who lost their lives in a plane crash in Gander, Newfoundland, in 1985. This location is where the events of “Come From Away” take place, adding a poignant connection to the show.
The idea of bringing a Broadway production directly to service members and their families was proposed by No Guarantees Productions in 2022. After careful consideration, “Come From Away” was chosen due to its themes of family and building connections. The collaboration between the production company and the USO has made this unique tour possible over the past year.
The USO, established in 1941, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting U.S. military personnel and their families. The last time a Broadway show was performed for military families in this format was “Funny Girl” in 1971 and before that, “Hello, Dolly!” from 1966-1967.
This special initiative not only brings entertainment to those serving in the military but also honors their sacrifices and creates memorable experiences for them and their loved ones. The “Come From Away” tour is a powerful way to show appreciation for the men and women who dedicate their lives to serving their country.