Key producers and roles
Come From Away is a musical with book and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and music by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. It originated from a 2013 CBC radio documentary by Michael Rubinoff, who later became a lead producer. The original Toronto production was produced by Theatre Mirvish and Ivanhoe Productions, with the latter founded by Michael Rubinoff. The creative team includes director Christopher Ashley and choreographer Kelly Devine. The show transferred to Broadway in 2017 under the production of Jeffrey Seller and partners.
Background and development
The show was conceived after Michael Rubinoff pitched a concert version based on his CBC radio documentary A Miracle Happens Here, which profiled Newfoundland residents hosting stranded travelers after 9/11. Early development involved workshops at the Sheridan Alumni Theatre in Toronto. The piece was initially presented as a one-night concert in 2013 and evolved through staged readings and a 2014 Atlantic Theatre Festival production before its Toronto premiere. From the outset, the production team sought a book-first approach that emphasized community stories.
Producer responsibilities and decision-making
Producers secure rights, finance, venues, creative teams, and marketing; oversee budgeting, scheduling, and risk management; and steward the show through development, previews, and commercial run. In the case of Come From Away, producers balanced a lean budget with an ensemble-driven design, making choices that preserved the show’s intimate, community-focused storytelling. Rights acquisition focused on securing music and book clearance early to enable workshop iterations. Venue selection emphasized flexible spaces that supported the show’s communal staging.
Key producer roles at a glance
| Producer or entity | Role on Come From Away | Verification source |
|---|---|---|
| Ivanhoe Productions (Michael Rubinoff) | Lead producer; originated the project and managed development | Public statements and production credits |
| Jeffrey Seller | Broadway lead producer; oversaw transfer and commercial production | Broadway press announcements |
| Theatre Mirvish | Co-producer for Toronto production; financing and venue | Theatre company archives |
| Creative team (Ashley, Devine, Sankoff, Hein) | Direction, choreography, book & music | Program credits |
Financing and budgeting
The show was developed with a relatively lean budget typical of new musicals in early workshops. Costs were controlled through ensemble casting, modular set design, and community partnerships. Revenue initially came from small-scale grants, industry readings, and ticketed concerts, later scaling with tourism-driven Atlantic Canadian support. Broadway production budgets for the transfer were aligned with standard commercial terms for a mid-sized musical, with recoupment tied to a conventional house-size theater. Returns depend on touring cycles, licensing, and regional productions, which have proved durable.
Notable production details
- Originated from the CBC radio documentary A Miracle Happens Here.
- Premiered at the 2013 Halifax International Theatre Festival and 2014 Theatre Newfoundland Labrador Festival.
- Opened in Toronto at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in 2015 before Broadway.
- Transferred to Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre in 2017.
- Multiple international productions followed, supported by standardized licensing.
Ownership and rights
Music, lyrics, and book are owned by the creators (Sankoff and Hein) and administered through music publishers. The production rights for regional and touring productions are licensed by Ivanhoe Productions and partners. Brand and script/score licensing are managed separately from the operating producer of each engagement.
Producer profiles
Ivanhoe Productions / Michael Rubinoff
Founded by Michael Rubinoff, Ivanhoe Productions shepherded the project from radio documentary to stage show. Rubinoff coordinated early workshops, rights clearance, and the initial festival runs. His background in arts administration and advocacy helped align institutional partners and community stakeholders.
Jeffrey Seller
Broadway producer known for innovative musicals. Seller’s involvement brought experience in scaling intimate shows for larger houses, managing investor relations, and coordinating national and international touring. His team handled the Broadway transfer, marketing to tourist audiences, and post‑opening adjustments.
Theatre Mirvish
Provided production financing and venue access for the Toronto premiere. The partnership helped secure a prestigious downtown house and local talent, contributing to the show’s community resonance.
Status and durability
Come From Away remains an evergreen title in the musical theatre catalog. Licensing for schools, community theaters, and regional professional companies is widely available. The show continues to be produced internationally, with no indication of obsolescence. New productions are regularly announced, supported by an accessible design package and ensemble-focused casting.
Quick comparison: Original vs. Broadway production teams
| Aspect | Toronto (Ivanhoe/Theatre Mirvish) | Broadway (Jeffrey Seller) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary producer | Michael Rubinoff (Ivanhoe Productions) | Jeffrey Seller and partners |
| Venue | Royal Alexandra Theatre | August Wilson Theatre |
| Budget scale | Moderate, aligned with Canadian new-musical development | Commercial Broadway budget with touring-scale returns |
| Design approach | Lean, ensemble-driven | Maintained lean design with minor technical enhancements for larger house |
Takeaway
Three producer entities were central to bringing Come From Away to stage: Ivanhoe Productions (led by Michael Rubinoff) for development and the original Canadian production; Theatre Mirvish as co-producer for the Toronto run; and Jeffrey Seller for the Broadway transfer and international scaling. Their coordinated work—from rights acquisition and workshops to financing and marketing—demonstrates how aligned producer teams can move a community-centered musical from a radio documentary to long-running commercial success.