Come From Away
September 24-26 & October 1-3, 2026
Book, Music & Lyrics by Irene Sankoff & David Hein
Come From Away is based on the true story of the time when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11th, 2001. As we commemorate this anniversary, a new generation can have the opportunity to learn about the unimaginable loss we experienced and the inspiring stories of bravery, compassion, unity, and service that we witnessed. In remembrance of these tragic events, we cordially invite you to join us for Come From Away!
FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE
APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 1HR 45MINS | No Intermission
CONTENT WARNING: The core of the musical focuses on the 2001 terrorist attacks, grief, fear, and racial profiling. This production contains adult content such as depictions of intense emotional distress, adult language and mild swearing, adult references and innuendos, and depictions of alcohol use.
Upcoming Performances
- Thursday, September 24th, 2026 | 7:30PM | Opening Night Party
- Friday, September 25th, 2026 | 7:30PM
- Saturday, September 26th, 2026 | 1:00PM | Theatre For All
- Saturday, September 26th, 2026 | 7:30PM
- Thursday, October 1st, 2026 | 7:30PM
- Friday, October 2nd, 2026 | 7:30PM
- Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 | 1:00PM
- Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 | 7:30PM
Ticket Prices
- General public: $25
- NMU Employees, Seniors and Military: $22
- Youth: $15
- NMU Students: $5
- Pay as You May (Theatre for All Shows Only): $0 (Donations Accepted)
A Note From The Director
Directing a show as emotionally impactful as Come From Away is a deeply personal project for me. My experience on 9/11 and the days after mirrored a lot of the moments that happened for the people of Gander, Newfoundland.
On that Tuesday when the attacks occurred, I was on tour in Japan. Thirteen hours ahead of New York we were leaving the theater and began hearing about a “small plane” hitting the World Trade Center. Most of us were based in New York and had a strong connection with the city. We turned on our televisions in our hotel rooms and were horrified to see the Twin Towers in flames. We kept our doors open for anyone to walk in and find comfort. We went room to room, held each other in our arms, and watched the towers fall on our screens through our tears.
The next week I flew home to Manhattan with the knowledge that another attack could occur at any moment. Looking out the airplane window I was disturbed by the missing buildings and new skyline. What I discovered when I landed was a city that came together in a way I had never seen before. Candlelight vigils in Union Square Park, strangers embracing one another, and crowds gathered around St. Paul’s church to view the missing person posters.
A viewing platform was established at Ground Zero a few months later to enable the community to see and support the amazing efforts of first responders who had been sifting through mangled steel and smoking metal for survivors. The “Tribute in Light” followed shortly after with beams of light shooting up to the sky as a symbol of the lives lost that day. These are elements of my experience that I have incorporated into this production and are meaningful to me. As I am writing this, it is bringing back those memories of sorrow and pain but also the strength and love that people around the world experienced together.
Working on this production, I found myself tapping into those emotions that I have suppressed for a long time but has also healed an enormous amount of agony from that day working with this incredible cast. They have brought so many beautiful moments with their characters and have offered their hearts and talents so openly throughout our process. I am so proud of the work they have done with the subject matter. They have brought grace, sensitivity and a willingness to be vulnerable everyday.
On a day that was tragic and shocking, the beauty of this show is the sense of community and empathy that the small town of Gander, Newfoundland fostered for thousands of strangers in the aftermath of the attacks. Opening their doors and hearts to everyone, they helped heal the emotional wounds of that day with their altruistic actions. I believe this production can be a healing force for good and allow us to access emotions we may suppress or conceal. My hope is that this experience allows the audience permission to help cope with the stresses of daily life, embrace others with joy and warmth who may be experiencing difficulty, and heal from trauma through kindness and love.
— Aaron Houston
Aaron Houston
Director
Musical Numbers
Welcome to the Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claude & Full Company
Diverted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Company
38 Planes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Company
Blankets and Bedding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Company
28 Hours / Wherever We Are . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Company
Darkness and Trees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Company
Darkness and Trees (Reprise) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Company
Lead Us Out of the Darkness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Company
Phoning Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Company
Costume Party . . . Diane, Kevin T., Kevin J., Hannah, Company
I Am Here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hannah
Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Company
Bonnie in the Holds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Company
On The Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Company
Screech In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claude & Company
Me And The Sky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beverly & Flight Attendants
Stop The World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nick, Diane, Company
38 Planes Reprise / Somewhere . . . . . . . . . . Beverly, Company
Something’s Missing . . . . . . . Janice, Beulah, Dwight,Company
Epilogue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Company
Finale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claude & Company
Bows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Full Company
Meet The Cast
| Diane (Staffer/Passenger/Air Traffic Controller) | Kaia Mavradas |
| Hannah (Staffer/Passenger 2/Margie/Air Traffic Controller) | Aria Gassman |
| Micky (Crystal/Annette/Brenda/Reporter/Air Traffic Controller/Britney) | Hannah Marie Johnson |
| Janice (Flight Attendant) | Gianna Marrero |
| Beulah (Delores/Customs Officer) | Maggie Bayley |
| Bonnie (Martha) | Mena Gail |
| Beverly (Staffer) | Audryn Just |
| Claude (Derm) | Samuel McKnight |
| Nick (Dwight/Male Townsperson) | Alexander Harris |
| Bob (Muhumuza) | Corban Belle |
| Kevin J (Cardiologist) | Sebastian Tavares |
| Kevin T (Head Cardiologist) | Joshua Bianca |
| Oz (Rabbi/Terry/Customers Officer/Mr. Michaels/Matty/Cardiologist) | Rhea Bar-Ziv |
| Garth (President Bush/Captain Bristol/Passenger/Cardiologist/Reporter/Eddie) | Copeland Diver |
| Ali (Doug/Joey/Brenda’s Brother/Reporter/Cardiologist) | Neel Archis-Manish |
Christopher Adams (Drums) is a Percussionist from Dearborn, Michigan. While attending NMU, Chris was an active member in the music department, performing with the Percussion ensemble, Wind ensemble, Symphonic band, Jazz band, and Pep band, as well as competing in the 2024 Performance Scholarship competition. He also has performed percussion for several musicals and showcases with NMU Theater and Dance, including 9-5, Jesus Christ Superstar, Anything Goes, Grease, and The Rocky Horror Show.
Phoenix Balthazor (A2) is a year 2 student and has been a part of Wildcat Theatre Follies, Cupid's Cabaret, and CTRL+ALT+DELETE at Northern Michigan University. In high school, she was apart of 12 shows in total, one of her favorites being 12 Angry Jurors, playing juror #9. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Abby Brennan (Hair & Makeup Crew) is a dedicated student, who likes to show off her art through the faces of actors. Hair and makeup is a passion of hers, and has been for a long time. With many years of hard work, practice, trial & error, and a genuine love for makeup, she is beyond excited to be a part of this production.
Patrick Booth (Flute-Whistle Player) is a saxophonist, composer, and educator based in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A dynamic performer in both creative and classical settings, he holds degrees in saxophone and education from Central Michigan University, as well as a graduate degree in Improvisation from the University of Michigan. He has most recently been a featured performer and teacher throughout the US and Europe with Brad Linde, as well as with Wadada Leo Smith and David Liebman. Patrick also leads his own ensembles based all over the Midwest and East Coast of the USA. He has performed/recorded with Geri Allen, Wadada Leo Smith, David Liebman, Ingrid Laubrock, Tom “Bones” Malone, Wayne Kramer of the MC5, Douglas Ewart, Karl Berger, Adam Nussbaum, Terri Lynn Carrington, Jeff "Tayne" Watts and many more.
Patrick is committed to new music as well as environmentally/ethically cultivated music to help inspire change, equity, and inclusion. He has been featured on countless recordings, ranging from contemporary classical to electronic. His most recent release is Golden Roads, in collaboration with activist and musical spirit Seth Bernard. A firm and ardent supporter of the work being done by Title Track Michigan, a group created to help cultivate environmental equity, racial equity, and youth empowerment. Patrick can be seen performing in many different ensembles around the country including Wadada Leo Smith’s Thunder Ensemble (NYC), Sonic Perfume (Toronto), HEAVY COLOR (Toledo), Gumshoe (Washington DC), straightHORN (Washington DC) Jon Crompton’s saxophone works (NYC), Seth Bernard (Michigan), Public Access (Grand Rapids), Brad Fritcher’s MOODS (Grand Rapids), the Estar Cohen Project (Ann Arbor), Chris Bathgate (Ann Arbor) and many more. Patrick Is a member, creator, and cultivator for Earthwork Music. Patrick is a proud endorser of Selmer Paris saxophones, Cusack Music Electronics, and REMIC microphone systems.
Christopher Davis (Scenic Designer) is a Tech and Design BFA student at Northern Michigan University. Previous Lighting Designs include 9 to 5, Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Last Five Years, Woman in Black, Krapp’s Last Tape, and more. He was also the Lighting Designer for the 2025 International Beauty Show Live Hair and Fashion Awards in Las Vegas. Christopher has also designed further than lighting for productions including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Assistant Scenic Designer), The Rocky Horror Show (Co-Sound Designer), and Krapp’s Last Tape (Scenic, Lighting, and Sound Designer). Christopher’s directing credits include Red, where he was also the Lighting, Sound and Co-Properties Designer, and the world premiere of The Letter G. As an actor, Christopher has held roles such as The Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince (Into the Woods), John Wilkes Booth (Assassins), Sir Lancelot (Spamalot), and Jeff (Porch). Upcoming works include The Addams Family (Lighting Design) and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime (Lighting Design/Laser Projections). His work can be seen at www.cd15designs.net
Aaron Houston (Director). This is Aaron Houston’s directorial debut at NMU with Come From Away. This production is deeply personal to him as he lived through the experience while touring in Japan. The emotional impact of that event resonates profoundly for him and is honored to work with a brilliant cast of performers and technicians.
He has previously choreographed for NMU with last year’s holiday show Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and has choreographed for the University of Stevens Point and contributed choreographic material for the Taking Chances World Tour with Celine Dion. Performance credits include Fosse and An American in Paris on Broadway as well as Celine Dion’s productions of A New Day… and the Taking Chances World Tour. His Cirque du Soleil credits include “Viva Elvis”, “Kooza” and “MJ ONE”.
Steven Losiewicz (Percussion 2) is thrilled to join this production for opening night! Currently an elementary music teacher for Gwinn Area Community Schools, Steven brings 15 years of music education experience spanning band, orchestra, and elementary music. His passion for musical theater runs deep, having performed as an instrumentalist in pit orchestras for numerous musicals from high school through his teaching career. Whether he is guiding young musicians in the classroom or performing live on stage, Steven is dedicated to bringing stories to life through music. He is excited to share the stage for this one-night-only performance and hopes you enjoy the show!
Dr. Christopher Schoelen (Guitar 1) is a contemporary, award-winning guitarist and the current guitar faculty instructor at Northern Michigan University. In 2019, he obtained a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in classical guitar performance from the University of South Carolina and was also a three-time prize-winner of the school’s Creativity in Music competition. Christopher received a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory, where he studied with the world-renowned guitarist Eliot Fisk. After receiving his DMA degree, he taught guitar privately and at various colleges until 2024, when he and his wife moved to Marquette, MI, to join the NMU music department. Christopher has performed in prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall in N.Y., has given masterclasses at numerous guitar festivals, and has performed internationally in Spain and Italy. In 2021, he released his second solo guitar album titled Neo: Modernism & the Guitar. His voice-and-guitar duo, Deux Saisons, is producing their first studio album, which will be released later this year.
Sophia Selenske (Head Electrician) is very excited to be the Head Electrician for Come From Away. She is a second year at NMU mostly focusing in lighting, but is also dabbling in sound and stage management. While at NMU she has been Lighting Designer for Cupids Cabaret, Assistant Lighting Designer for Rudolph, Light Board Operator for Into The Woods, and Stage Manager for Love Is A Burning Thing. Before NMU she worked as both Stage Manager and Lighting Designer for her high school. She also worked as Lighting Designer at a community theatre near her hometown. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Mark Simons (Fiddle 2) is one of NMU's Senior musical theatre majors, and he's excited to get back into the violin for Come From Away. You might recognize Mark from his roles as Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar or Frank 'N' Furter in The Rocky Horror Show. Mark also recently made his professional debut as Kenickie in Grease at the Woodstock Playhouse in New York. He looks forward to his future performances and to all the fundraisers the Seniors have planned for this year!
Ashley Sonderegger (Assistant Director) is grateful for the opportunity to serve as Assistant Director for Come From Away. From the very first auditions to the final product, this experience has been an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and gain a deeper appreciation for the collaborative process behind bringing a story to life. She is especially thankful for the chance to learn from such a talented and dedicated creative team, cast, and crew, and to witness the many moving pieces that come together to create a production. Come From Away is a story about humanity, connection, generosity, and finding light in unexpected circumstances, making this experience particularly meaningful.
James A. Strain (Percussion 1) retired this past summer after a 45-year teaching career, the last 29
years of which as a Professor of Music (Percussion) at NMU. He holds degrees from
Arkansas State University, the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and the Eastman
School of Music and since 1997 has served as Timpanist and Principal Percussionist of the
Marquette Symphony Orchestra. A respected solo, orchestral, chamber music, and drum set
performer, he has been involved in various types of concerts, studio and on-stage productions
as a professional musician since being in high school. His most memorable performances
include concerts or stage appearances with Ray Charles, Bernadette Peters, Gordon MacRae,
Gladys Knight, Itzak Perlman, Isacc Stern, Barry Tuckwell, Charlie Rich and Eric Knight. As
a xylophone or marimba soloist, Strain has performed throughout the USA and Europe and
has often been seen in this capacity with the Marquette City Band. As an author and scholar,
he has served as a contributing editor for AmeriGrove, 2 nd Ed., The Encyclopedia of Popular
Music of the World, the Beck Encyclopedia for Percussion, and Percussive Notes magazine.
He is the Historian for the Percussive Arts Society and author of the award-winning
Dictionary for the Modern Percussionist and Drummer.
Sophia Thomas (Wardrobe Crew) is a sophomore BFA acting major. Past credits include performing Wildcat Theatre Follies, Friar John in Romeo and Juliet (Viroqua Shakespeare Festival), Atina in The Little Mermaid (Viroqua Community Theatre), and Time Traveler in Time Travel Troop (Youth Initiative High School: Broken Ring Circus). She sincerely hopes you enjoy the show!
Fen Torenvliet (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be apart of this production of Come From Away! They are in their senior year of their BFA in Technology & Design, and this will be their seventh show at NMU. Along with stage management, they also work at the Costume Shop. They hope you enjoy the show. Welcome to the rock!
Annie Mawson (Choreographer, Assistant Director, Dance Captain) is honored to be the choreographer for Come From Away. She is a sophomore honor’s student working on her BFA in musical theatre with minors in dance and business administration. Annie is from the Austin area in central Texas, but she is originally from Wellington, New Zealand. She would like to thank her family, close friends, and the professors who granted her the opportunity to fill this leadership role at a professional standard.
Logan McFarland (Follow Spot) first time participating in this show. He is a second year Theatere Tech student from Iron Mountain Michigan, he did theater in highschool as an actor. This is his first time on a college level show, and he's excited to be working with everyone. He hopes everyone enjoys the show!!
Matt Mitchell (Fiddle 1) was born, raised, and educated in Marquette, MI. Originally trained as a violinist, Matt has also performed throughout Marquette on flute, oboe, English horn, clarinet, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, percussion, piano, and voice. He served as conductor of the Upper Peninsula Youth Orchestra from 2014-2018 and has also worked as orchestra director for several Superior Arts Youth Theater productions. Aside from performing and conducting, he also offers freelance services as a music copyist and arranger. Recent pit orchestra credits include Fun Home, Bonnie & Clyde (Big Lake Theater Co.), Into The Woods, and Cabaret (NMU). Matt currently works as a woodwind repair technician maintaining student, school, and professional musicians instruments across the U.P.
Val Mycyk (Sound Designer, A1, Media Programmer) is entering her third year in the BFA Tech and Design Program, focusing on sound design and engineering while also working toward a History Minor. She is beyond excited to be part of Northern Michigan's production of Come From Away as the Sound Designer, A1, and Media Programmer. Although she's lost track of how many shows she's been a part of over the years, recent credits include: 9 to 5 (Media Programmer), A Streetcar Named Desire (Sound Designer), Ctrl+Alt+Delete (Sound Design), and Into the Woods (A1). Keep an eye out for upcoming productions, as she is a part of The Addams Family Jr. (Sound Designer + A1) and A Christmas Story (Assistant Sound Designer). But for now…she welcomes you to the rock! :)
Julia Neuman (Pit Band Technician) is excited to be a part of Come From Away on the sound team! She is a junior working towards a degree in Theatre Technology & Design. Recent shows at NMU that Julia was a part of include A Streetcar Named Desire (Head Electrician), Ctrl+Alt+Delete (Assistant Lighting Designer), and Into the Woods (Stage Manager). This summer, Julia was typically found behind a lightboard or in the catwalks at the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis or theatres in Wisconsin. She loved working on shows such as The Pirates of Penzance and The Light in the Piazza. Julia hopes you enjoy Come From Away and come to other shows this season! IG: @junetheatretech
Dobbs Nichols (Run Crew) is a fifth year BFA Acting student. You may have seen them in LST’s recent production of Chicago (Amos Heart); NMU’s productions of A Streetcar Named Desire (Harold ‘Mitch’ Mitchel), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Narrator), Cabaret (Herr Schultz), and Anything Goes (Captain). They are apart of the upcoming immersive Medieval Dinner as The Sage. When they aren't on stage you can find them reading, hiking, biking, and jumping off black rocks. Welcome to the Rock!!! @dobbs_has_no_socks_
Rahne Olson (Costume Crew) is so excited to be involved with NMU's production of Come From Away! This is her first time doing costume crew so she's thrilled to be involved with everyone backstage. Normally she is stage performing at places like Louisiana State University's PMAC arena and last semester she was on the FRT stage in 9 to 5. Rahne is happy to close her senior out with a bang and wishes everyone enjoy the show.
Rachel Wells (Technical Director, Shop Supervisor) is the Technical Director and Scene Shop Supervisor here at Northern Michigan University. Originally from Ann Arbor, MI, she’s proud to continue supporting theatre education in her home state. Rachel holds an MFA in Technical Direction from Indiana University, where she served as the Technical Director for Indiana University Summer Theatre for three seasons, managing repertory productions with a dedicated team of emerging professionals. At NMU, she oversees scenic construction, mentors student technicians, and fosters a collaborative and creative shop environment focused on craftsmanship and safety. Rachel is an active member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) and is passionate about helping young theatre artists build their technical skills, confidence, and professional readiness.
Neel Archis-Manish (Ali) welcomes you to the Rock! A Sophomore in the BFA Acting program this year, some of Neel’s past credits include CTRL+ALT+DELETE, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Found Stace Theatre Company’s No Exit! Come From Away marks his first musical with NMU in the FRT! He would like to thank his downstate directors McKaig, Kaity, and Mike; his Colorado friend Zan; and his lovely family—Archis, Manish, Nabha, and Benji. This narrative is one Neel thinks the world needs right now—amidst the threat of generative AI, a designed desensitization to global violence, the growing incompetence of our democratic republic, racism, xenophobia, islamophobia, and everything else that makes it harder everyday to enjoy life. Come From Away introduces a little bit of compassion, empathy, and kindness—enough to make the world a slightly better place for a moment. Though he was not alive in 2001, Neel has worked tirelessly to build a connection to those troubling September days in Gander, Newfoundland. Along with directors Keli, Aaron, and Donna, Neel is thrilled to be able to retell, as Irene Sankoff and David Hein call it, “not a 9/11 story, but a 9/12 story.”
Rhea Bar-Ziv (Oz) is a 3rd-year acting student at Northern Michigan University and is honored to be a part of Come From Away. This is Rhea's 6th production here at NMU and his 3rd musical! Previously, you may have seen him as Borachio in Much Ado About Nothing, as well as an ensemble member for the following productions: Love is a Burning Thing, Cupids Cabaret, and 9 to 5. He was also cast as Magenta in Last year's The Rocky Horror Show. He is so excited to be a part of such a wonderful production and to be with a group of very talented and wonderful people.
Maggie Bayley (Beulah) is a sophomore from Lake Orion, Michigan, pursuing a BFA in Acting with a dance minor, Come From Away is her third NMU Theatre and Dance production and she is thrilled to be sharing this beautiful story! Previously in Marquette, Maggie has been the Bird in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, as well as Missy/heels ensemble in 9 to 5. Maggie is overwhelmingly grateful for the opportunity to work with this incredible cast and crew on such a meaningful show. She hopes you enjoy Come From Away. God bless ya b'y!
Corban Belle (Bob) is a senior BFA Acting Major here at NMU! Previous shows he has been in at Northern are Clybourne Park, Puffs, Frankenstein, Much Ado About Nothing, Ctrl+Alt+Delete, and 9 to 5. He is so excited for this show and hopes you enjoy!
Joshua Bianca (Kevin T.) is a fourth year student at NMU who is majoring in Musical Theatre and minoring in Dance. He is thrilled to be a part of Come From Away and get the opportunity to work with such a talented group of people. Joshua has previously been seen in Into The Woods, Co/Lab Dance Company - Love is a Burning Thing, and Cabaret. Joshua can’t wait to wrap up his final year at NMU and he is thankful for all of his family, friends, and faculty! @joshuabianca_
Copeland Diver (Garth) Hey FRT lobby people. I’m Copeland Diver. I’m from Traverse City, Michigan. I am so happy to be apart of my FINAL performance with Northern Michigan University. I’m grateful for every second I was lucky enough to have on these stages. Hi Mom!
Mena Gail (Bonnie) is a junior acting student at NMU and is thrilled to be a part of this production! Her previous shows include: Ctrl+Alt+Delete, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Rocky Horror Show. She hopes you enjoy!
Aria Gassman (Hannah) is a sophomore at NMU. This is her third show at Northern, with previous shows including Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and 9 to 5. She is so excited to be a part of this production!
Alexander Harris (Nick) is a third-year Musical Theatre student at Northern Michigan University. As a legally blind artist, Alex is dedicated to making theatre more accessible and inclusive for all individuals. He believes in the power of theatre to positively influence lives and hopes to inspire others with disabilities to discover a similar passion for the craft. Through his work, Alex aims to bridge gaps and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the magic of theatre.
Hannah Marie Johnson (Micky) is a senior Musical Theatre student at NMU. Recently, she was seen as Mariel in the original play Tragedy Sound, Rocky in The Rocky Horror Show, Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, and Helga in Cabaret. This past summer, Hannah was also seen as Velma Kelly in Lake Superior Theatre’s production of Chicago. When not on stage, you can find Hannah in the gym, on the beach and in the water, adventuring outside, or reading. She loves this cast and this show, and she hopes you enjoy witnessing this story as much as she enjoys telling it.
Audryn Just (Beverly) is so grateful to be a part of this beautiful story. A senior BFA Musical Theatre major, she has previously been seen on the FRT stage in 9 to 5, Into The Woods, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more. Come From Away, with its themes of community, hope, and resilience through difficult times tie together to show all she has learned throughout her time at NMU. The biggest of thank yous to her ever-supportive family, to Keli Truckey for entrusting her with this role, Aaron and the rest of the creative team for bringing our beautiful show to fruition, and the real Beverley Bass for the inspiration! Follow her journey for the rest of college and beyond on ig: @audrynjust
Daniel Koncurat (Male Swing) is thrilled to perform in his fourth production at NMU. He previously performed in 9 to 5 (Cop/Ensemble), Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (Yukon Cornelius), and CTRL+ALT+DELETE (Tom Xerox & Carbury Grendall u/s) at NMU. Other recent credits include The Addams Family (Gomez Addams) at Havre de Grace High School, Fiddler on the Roof (Fyedka) at Phoenix Fesitval Theatre, and Hadestown (Hades) and a Technical Internship in Lighting Design at Theatreworks Live. Daniel is a second year student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. He additionally performs as a trombonist in NMU's Jazz Ensemble, and works as a Web Developer on campus. Daniel Koncurat will return in NMU's Medieval Dinner next semester.
Gianna Marrero (Janice) is a sophomore, Musical Theatre major, and is overjoyed to be playing Janice and others in her third production here at Northern Michigan University in Come From Away. In previous years, Gianna has been in Beauty and the Beast (Babette), All Shook Up (Natalie), Mean Girls (Cady), Radium Girls (Grace), Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (Aviator Elf), and 9 to 5 (Ensemble). Gianna is beyond grateful to get to work on this amazing show alongside such a talented cast and crew, and wishes to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support. Thank you for supporting the arts, and enjoy the show!
Kaia Mavradas (Diane) is thrilled to welcome you to the rock with NMU’s production of Come From Away! She is currently a sophomore from the Chicagoland area working for her BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance. At NMU you may have seen her as Sleeping Beauty (Into The Woods) and Ensemble (9 to 5). Some of her other favorite roles outside of NMU include Logainne (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Shirley (Disaster), and Margot (Legally Blonde). She would like to thank her family for always supporting her dreams and the Come From Away cast and crew for giving her such a wonderful experience!
Samuel McKnight (Claude) has been performing at NMU since 2022, and has been in many productions including, most recently, As You Like It and Ctrl+Alt+Delete. He also frequently performs in films from the NMU Digital Cinema department, and voice acts in and outside of school.
Beyond his education and career, Samuel is married and has two children (with a third on the way) and considers his wife and kids his primary artistic inspiration. He also enjoys table top games, audiobooks, guitar, and spending time with his six siblings.
After his graduation at the end of this semester, Samuel plans to move to Chicago to pursue acting in film, theatre, and improv, as well as voice acting and content creation.
Jay Pickett (Cover - Bob/Ali/Kevin T/Kevin J) is a proud African-American artist from the Metro-Detroit area of Michigan. This is currently his 2nd year at NMU where he's pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. Jay's dream has always been to change the world for the better using his creative lens and acting style. Since then, he has been in many phenomenal productions such as Ragtime, 9-5, Sister Act, High School Musical, and many more. He is excited to bring out pure emotions for anyone who sees his shows.
Natalie Ramirez (Female Swing) is a Junior BFA Musical Theatre student from California and is so excited to be a part of her ninth NMU production. Her favorite past roles that’s she done with NMU include Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show, Lucinda in Into The Woods, Clarice in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Doralee in 9 to 5, and is incredibly honored and excited to now be the female swing in Come From Away! She'd like to thank the NMUTD cast and crew for making this experience so fun. Enjoy the show!
Sebastian Tavares (Kevin J.) is a 2nd year at NMU and is honored to be a part of this show! He wants to thank the professors, his family, and friends who have been supportive of his journey in theatre. Last year, he was a part of The Rocky Horror Show, Found Space Theatre Company’s production of Find a T.V., and will be in Co/Lab Dance Company this year (among other productions)! He wants to give a huge thank you to Keli Truckey for giving him this opportunity to once again learn and grow, as well as Aaron Houston for taking on such a huge production and trusting us all. Sebastian welcomes you to the rock and hopes you enjoy the show!
Meet The Production Team
Professional Designers
Director | Aaron Houston |
Music Director & Pit Conductor | Donna Poirier |
Costume, Hair, & Makeup Designer | Courtney Anderson Kelly |
Properties Designer | Lex Van Blommestein |
Technical Director | Rachel Wells |
Student Designers
Choreographer | Annie Mawson |
Lighting Designer | Bee Mercer |
Scenic Designer | Christopher Davis |
Sound Designer & Media Programmer | Val Mycyk |
Assistant Director | Ashley Sonderegger |
Assistant Costume Designer | Reagan Cattell |
Assistant Properties Designer | Lexie Pintar |
| Production Stage Manager | Molly Sobiechowski |
A1 & QLab Operator | Val Mycyk |
Dance Captain | Annie Mawson |
Follow Spot Operators | Koal Bucholz, Logan McFarland |
Hair & Makeup Crew | Abby Brennan, Race Mashburn |
Head Electrician | Sophia Selenske |
Headshot Photographer | Aaron Houston |
Headshot Assistant | Richard Jacobson |
Lavalier Technician | Phoenix Balthazor |
Light Board Operator | Tobias Frey |
Paint Charge | Ashley Rinehart |
Pit Technician | Julia Neuman |
Run Crew | Dobbs Nichols |
Stage Managers | Fen Torenvliet, Jacob Rowinski |
Volunteer Electrics/Lighting Technician | Koal Bucholz, Tobias Frey, Evie Pylman |
Wardrobe Supervisor | Pine Stump |
Wardrobe Crew | Christopher Kademoglou, Rahne Olson, Sophia Thomas |
NMU Theatre & Dance Staff
| Producer | Bill Digneit |
| Artistic Director | Jill Grundstrom |
| Director of Production | David Pierce |
| Costume Shop Supervisors | Em Rossi, Courtney Anderson Kelly |
| Assistant Costume Shop Supervisor | Suzanne Shahbazi |
| Lighting Supervisor | Jim Davis |
| Graphic Designer, Marketing and Box Office Manager | Emily Burbey |
| Properties Supervisor | Lex van Blommestein |
| Scene Shop Supervisor | Rachel Wells |
| Associate Scene Shop Supervisor | Emily Kendall |
| Scenic/Paint Supervisor | Lex van Blommestein |
| Sound and Media Supervisor | Dominic Mrakovcich |
| Production Shop Supervisor | Jalina McClain |
| Photographer | John Scheibe |
| Scene Shop Crew Leads | Maggie Brew, Jamie Downing |
| Scene Shop Technicians | Ayla Berman, Sophia Brunet, Elijah Buterbaugh, Isabella Fontaine, Sam Jessen, Jessica Klister, Noah Lovato, Olivia Mayer, Logan McFarland, Dom Parrish, Ashley Rineheart, Moss Schrock, Fen Torenvliet, Jaren Valot |
| Electrics Shop Crew Lead | Christopher Davis |
| Electrics/Lighting Technicians | Parker Chindlund, Marissa Kazee, Peytyn Kier, Bee Mercer, Julia Neuman, Sophia Selenske |
| Sound & Media Crew Lead | Val Mycyk |
| Sound/Media Technicians | Lily Ameloot, Phoenix Balthazor, Riley Joy, Olivia Mayer |
| Costume Shop Staff | Zephyrus Choberka, Marissa Kazee, Charles Orr, Charlotte Somerville, Fen Torenvliet |
| Production Shop Staff | Audryn Just, Ally Macias, Molly Sobiechowski |
| Social Media & Marketing Staff | Alaina Parkinson, Cayden Smaka, Caydence Sturtevant |
| Box Office Staff | Nate Bunker, Elijah Buterbaugh, Georgia Hummell, Reina Jacobson, Marissa Kazee, Annie Mawson, Logan Newcomb, Sophia Selenske, Ashley Sonderegger, Shaylene Strickler-Nichols, Aly Vega-Sanchez |
| Wildcat Performing Arts Academy Production Assistants | Makenna Champion, Arei Hill, Audryn Just, Samuel McKnight, Don'Tae Mitchell, Sara Neva, Sebastian Tavares, Grace Terwilliger |