[SCENEZONE EXCLUSIVE] The Philippine cast of the internationally acclaimed musical Come From Away is all set to bring to life a powerful true story of human kindness and resilience, as they gear up for its Manila run from June 6 to 29, 2025, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.
In an exclusive interview with DZRHTV Scenezone with Angelica Cosme, cast members Becca Coates, Garrett Bolden, Caisa Borromeo, and George Schulze shared their experiences, preparations, and the emotional journey behind portraying the inspiring tale of stranded airline passengers and the small Canadian town that took them in following the September 11 attacks.
The actors introduced themselves in character-inspired personas — with Coates channeling five-year-old energy as Janice, Bolden as the intense Bob, Borromeo as the bubbly Bonnie, and Schulze as the reserved Kevin T.
But behind the lighthearted introductions was a deep respect for the story they are telling.
“It's been an adventure. I think we've been rehearsing for almost 2 months,” said Borromeo.
“It was wonderful, and it was just a fun experience. It's not just fun learning the music, but also having discussions and talking about what was happening in each song. It's the best cast that I've ever worked with.”
Preparation went beyond mastering choreography and vocals. The team immersed themselves in research — watching documentaries, reading books, and discussing how to portray the events of 9/11 with honesty and empathy.
“We can't say anything to spoil it, but no, there's no Filipino touch because we were staying true to the story,” Borromeo added.
“I think if there's anything Filipinos touch, it's us, it's our story telling and it's the cast. And it's about us being able to connect to our fellow Filipinos. And I think just what George said the story itself is very relatable to everyone. It's a global message, it's human kindness, it's universal.”
Bolden echoed the sentiment, highlighting how natural the themes of kindness and bayanihan are to Filipinos. “We’re a people who are always quick to help others. That makes this story very accessible to us — it’s something we live every day.”
The show, set in Gander, Newfoundland, follows the real-life events when 38 planes were forced to land in the small Canadian town after U.S. airspace closed during 9/11. The residents housed, fed, and comforted thousands of stranded passengers — an act of compassion that left a mark on global history.
“This story is universal,” said Schulze. “But it resonates deeply with Filipinos. Human kindness is something we’re known for. That’s why I think this show will hit home for so many.”
For Bolden, known for his singing career, transitioning into theater was a leap — but a natural one. “Performing on stage has always been storytelling for me. Now, I just do it with more characters, more movement, and more layers.”
The cast also shared personal rituals before every show — from vocal warmups and breathwork to sipping tea and honey, and even playing video games backstage to calm nerves.
Despite the heavy themes, the actors assured audiences of moments of levity. “It’s a feel-good musical,” Bolden said. “It acknowledges the pain, but it also celebrates the beauty of people coming together.”
Borromeo emphasized the challenge and reward of telling such a layered story: “We shift between multiple characters, accents, and scenes — it’s highly technical. But the magic happens when we do it together, as one.”
When asked how it felt to be cast in such a critically acclaimed musical, Coates said she still feels like a fan. “I can’t believe I’m here. Everyone who auditioned was so good. It’s an honor to be among them.”
Come From Away will run from June 6 to 29 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. The Manila production marks another milestone in the growing recognition of Filipino talent in the global theater scene.
“It’s a story we all need right now,” Schulze said. “It's a musical that asks you to focus amidst all of this hurt on what people can achieve when they come together.”
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Catch more exclusive interviews like this on Scenezone — airing every Saturday at 12:00 noon on DZRHTV.
Researcher: Summer Jane Dasing
