NEW YORK – The people of Newfoundland were celebrated in speech and song at the Tony Awards on Sunday night but the heartwarming Canadian musical “Come From Away” fell short in its historic bid to capture Broadway’s biggest musical prize.
“Come From Away” headed into the Tonys with seven nominations, including a nod for best musical. It was just the second Canadian-written show in the 71-year history of the Tonys to vie for the top musical honour, following 2006’s “The Drowsy Chaperone,” which won five awards.
Christopher Ashley took home the award for best director of a musical but “Come From Away” was shut out in all other categories.
“Dear Evan Hansen” was named best musical and was the night’s big winner with six awards in all. It also beat “Come From Away” for best original score, best book of a musical and best featured actress in a musical. “Come From Away” also lost out in the lighting design and choreography categories.
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“Come From Away” is set in Gander, N.L., in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks. The remote East Coast town saw its population double in size as it sheltered 6,579 passengers and crew from planes diverted when U.S. air space was closed.
In his acceptance speech, Ashley paid tribute to his own creative team and the real-life residents who inspired the uplifting musical.
“Most of all, 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,” Ashley said.
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“The people who extended their hearts and their homes and were generous and kind at the very worst moments, to all of you, thank you.”
Ashley also acknowledged the “extraordinary” “Come From Away” Canadian co-creators Irene Sankoff and David Hein who he said told the show’s story “with so much grace and heart.”
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“Come From Away” cast members were still upbeat by the end of the show and posted messages of positivity and gratitude for the Tony recognition.
“It’s all good family. We’ve already WON. We REALLY have. Thank you for supporting our show!!!” tweeted actor Caesar Samayoa.
“I am incredibly grateful to be a part of something so very special,” actor Rodney Hicks posted on Instagram. “The honour is in the telling itself. Art heals.”
Tonys host Kevin Spacey kicked off the telecast with a comedic medley of the best musical nominees – including “Come From Away.”
“The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg joined Spacey onstage to offer him advice about helming the show, and the duo engaged in tongue-in-cheek banter with a nod to Newfoundland.
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“If you want to learn, you’ve got to go to where some of the greatest hosts of all time have gotten their start. Carson, Crystal, Letterman. You’ve got to go to the Rock,” Goldberg said.
“What? All the way to Newfoundland?” Spacey replied.
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Soon after, cast members from “Come From Away” went onstage linked arm-in-arm with members of the Rockettes and performed a snippet of “Welcome to the Rock” from the hit musical.
The hospitality shown by the people of Gander was highlighted by fellow Canadian Ron Duguay, who introduced a full performance of “Welcome to the Rock” a few minutes after the opening teaser.
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“I’ve been there, I know the people, I know the heart of these people,” said the former New York Ranger. “And while there was darkness happening on 9/11 in New York, there was a light in Gander, Newfoundland.”
“With their hearts they took these people in, made them feel comfortable,” he continued. “People from all over the world. They didn’t judge ’em, they just took ’em and they’re really good at happy hour. So they had happy hour every night for five nights and through that we have this wonderful play.”
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