DJ Q&A: Robert Kelley, TheatreWorks Founder/Artistic Director Emeritus

RK: Bay Area born, Stanford grad. I founded TheatreWorks in 1970, helped build it into a nationally known professional theatre, and retired in 2020. I fell in love with “Come From Away” at a reading in New York in 2013 and I’ve longed to direct it ever since. TheatreWorks has waited through the show’s years of national and international success to finally produce it right here in the Peninsula.

DJ: What is the story of “Come From Away”?

RK: In the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, American airspace was closed for almost five days. Many planes in the air were diverted to an airport in tiny Gander, Newfoundland. “Come From Away” is the story of that community’s incredible welcome, generosity, and care for nearly 7,000 passengers suddenly thrust into its midst, passengers they fondly called the “come from aways.”

DJ: How was “Come From Away” chosen to be part of the TheatreWorks season?

RK: Everyone in the company loved the show, and we’ve pursued the rights for years. Meanwhile we established a relationship with its creators, David Hein and Irene Sankoff, who brought several of their works in progress to TheatreWorks’ New Works Festivals. When the show became available to professional regional theaters, that relationship made TheatreWorks the perfect home for this first Bay Area-created production.

DJ: The show portrays real people and real events. How does this affect how you prepare for the production?

RK: First step, surround yourself with brilliant artist-collaborators who will create the real world and soaring music of the show. Next, find 12 extraordinary actors who can bring honesty and love to both the people of Newfoundland and a wide range of “come from aways” from around the globe. Finally, learn everything you possibly can about this remarkable Canadian community where “good will” is quite simply a way of life.

DJ: How do you think the story has changed in meaning since its Broadway premiere in 2017?

RK: Our memories of 9/11 have faded somewhat over the years. But in the interim, the world has faced even more extremism, prejudice and war. Does the open-hearted response of this wonderful Canadian community seem naïve in these troubled times? To me, it seems more important, more inspiring, than ever.

DJ: What themes of “Come From Away” do you think resonate most with audiences today?

RK: Our show begins with a tragedy that demonstrated humanity at its worst. Our musical shows humanity at its best. It’s that contrast that continues to resonate long after the curtain falls.

DJ: The audience is invited to a preshow discussion with you on Thursday, April 16. What can attendees expect?

RK: Besides answering audience questions, we’ll share the history of the show, the development of the set, costumes and music.

“Come From Away” particulars: “Come From Away” performs April 15-May 10 at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. For tickets ($34-$115) and more information visit TheatreWorks.org or call (877) 662-8978. TheatreWorks will offer audio descriptions to assist visually impaired patrons for the performance at 2 p.m. April 26 (to utilize audio description, patrons should preregister at (877) 662-8978 after purchasing tickets). American Sign Language interpretation will be available for the performance at 7:30 p.m. April 30. Open captioning (a screen displaying all dialogue and a description of sound effects) will be offered for the performance at 2 p.m. May 3. Assistive listening devices are offered at every performance with no advance registration required. TheatreWorks requires face masks to be worn for the 2 p.m. May 3 performance. TheatreWorks hosts a Backstage Banter preshow conversation with TheatreWorks founder/ Artistic Director Emeritus Robert Kelley from 6:15-6:45 p.m. April 16 and postshow discussions with the cast following the April 22, April 29 and May 6 performances.