25 years later: ‘Come From Away’ in Winfield
The Theatre Winfield production models how the arts can be ‘a critical lever in changing culture.’
A benefit production of the Broadway musical “Come From Away” will be held Friday, July 31-Sunday, August 2, in Winfield, Kansas. It caps a multipronged project aimed at “‘connecting the dots’ between global resilience and local hospitality,” cast member Seth Bate wrote in an email. (Bate is also a contributor to The SHOUT.)
On Sept. 11, 2001, 38 commercial airliners were diverted to a tiny town in Newfoundland, temporarily doubling the town’s population. How those passengers were welcomed with radical hospitality is the story of “Come From Away.” The production is directed by Terry McGonigle, choreographed by Yazmin Wood, and music directed by Robbie Banks.
Twenty-six performers will use quick transitions and costume changes to portray townspeople, pilots, crew members, and passengers. “In my 50-plus years as a director, I have never worked with a script like this one,” McGonigle said in a press release.
Bate will host optional post-show dialogues for the Saturday and Sunday performances.
“I had nothing to do with selecting the show or deciding to have accompanying community events,” he said. “But Yazmin and I have been collaborators for years in both professional and volunteer roles, and we share a belief that the arts are a critical lever in changing culture. When she invited me to get involved in these extensions of the show, I said yes immediately.”
Bate cited a pivotal moment in the musical when the local bus drivers’ union temporarily suspends a strike to help transport stranded passengers. “The union leaders and the mayor know each other well, so despite their loud public disagreements, they have a baseline relationship to draw on when they need it. Our communities need more of that.”
Earlier this month, as a “primer” for the production, Bate facilitated a community dialogue in partnership with the Winfield Public Library. Featured was Ted S. Hresko, who was in the United States Secret Service Presidential Protective Division on September 11, 2001.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit rural first responders in Kansas. For more information regarding the show or these events, email theatrewinfieldks@gmail.com or call 620-441-3718.
The Details
Theatre Winfield presents “Come from Away”
July 31-August 2, 2026, at the Richardson Performing Arts Center at Southwestern College, 100 College St. in Winfield, Kansas
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to support rural first responders.
For more information regarding the show or these events, email theatrewinfieldks@gmail.com or call 620-441-3718.
Anne Welsbacher writes plays, fiction, and nonfiction. She is the Performing Arts Editor for this publication. awelsbacher.com
❋ Derby man has the kind of voice that turns heads — and chairs
❋ Socializing while sober: how some Wichitans are cultivating alcohol-free communities
❋ As a small creative business closes, the owner mourns
❋ Painting through it: Autumn Noire on 20 years of making art
❋ How a guy from Wichita resurrected 'Dawn of the Dead'
❋ Bygone Friends University museum housed curious collections
