Come From Away will leave the 2017 Tony Awards with a lot of memories and an emotional song. However the Broadway musical based on the lives of those in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador after the 9/11 attacks only got a single Tony award.
The musical won for best direction to American director Christopher Ashley. "I'd like to accept this on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and all of the first responders and their families in New York and on 9/11, the people who gave their lives and the people who extended their hearts and their homes and were generous and kind at the very worst moments."
The Come From Away cast performed Welcome to the Rock in the first half-hour of the awards ceremony. Former New York Rangers star and Sudbury, ON native Ron Duguay introduced the cast.
Come From Away earns 7 Tony nominations
Come From Away hits Broadway, shows how Canada helped out after 9/11
Dear Evan Hansen won for Best Musical, one of 7 categories for Tony nominations for Come From Away. The musical was also nominated for Best Book of a musical and original score (creators David Hein and Irene Sankoff); choreography (Kelly Devine); lighting design (Howell Binkley); and Jenn Colella for Best Featured Actress in a musical. Colella lost out to Rachel Bay Jones in Dear Evan Hansen.
Come From Away did have success in earlier awards, including 3 Drama Desk Awards, including outstanding musical, and 4 Helen Hayes Awards, including outstanding musical.
The Gander Royal Canadian Legion held a Tony Awards viewing party to raise money for a new legion roof. Even if the Tony Awards weren't as kind to Come From Away, hopefully the roof fund did much better. The Tonys didn't start in Newfoundland until 9:30 pm.
Kevin Spacey hosted the 2017 Tony Awards on CBS and CTV. Spacey has a familiarity with Newfoundland from filming The Shipping News, which came out in 2001. The film was shot in New Bonaventure in the Trinity Bight area of the province.
photos credit: Tony Awards/CBS
map credit: Google
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