The musical Come From Away has seucred a replacement stage in Ottawa after flooding forced the closure of Centrepointe Theatre. The production's cast, including Réjean Mayer, held their first rehearsal in the new space on September 6, 2026.
Réjean Mayer and the Sept. 6 rehearsal in a new Ottawa home
On Sunday, September 6, 2026, the cast of Come From Away gathered for their first visible step toward resuming their Ottawa run. According to the report, Réjean Mayer was positioned at the center of the ensemble during this critical session, where performers worked through scenes and songs to adapt to the physical constraints of a new environment. The production expressed deep gratitude for the move, stating simply, "This venue saved us ."
This rehearsal served as a vital litmus test for the production team. Because every stage has unique acoustics and sightlines, the company had to quickly measure how the existing choreography and blocking would fit a different architectural layout. The successful gathering of the full cast signals that the show is moving forward despite the sudden loss of its primary location.
How flooding at Centrepointe Theatre threatened the local run
The relocation became necessary after flooding rendered Centrepointe Theatre unavailable for use . as reported, flooding in theatrical spaces often leads to total cancellations because water damage typically compromises essential infrastructure, including sound systems, lighting rigs, seating , and backstage areas. for the Ottawa production of Come From Away, the closure of Centrepointe Theatre created an immediate crisis that threatened to erase the show from the city's theatrical calendar.
The speed with which the producers secured an alternative stage prevented a total collapse of the local run. By finding a new home quickly, the production avoided the financial and logistical nightmare of cancelling tickets and dispersing a cast that had already begun preparations for the Ottawa audience.
Parallels between the Gander, Newfoundland story and the Ottawa venue crisis
The plot of Come From Away centers on the town of Gander, Newfoundland, and the extraordinary kindness shown to thousands of stranded airline passengers following the attacks of September 11, 2001. The musical is globally recognized for its celebration of collective action and generosity during a sudden, unforeseen emergency. For the Ottawa company, the struggle to find a new stage mirrors the very themes of refuge and hospitality that the show portrays on stage.
This real-world disruption adds a layer of emotional weight to the production. The act of a new venue stepping in to "save" the show echoes the narrative of the Gander community providing a sanctuary for those with nowhere else to go. This symmetry between the story being told and the circumstances of its performance may provide a unique point of connection for the Ottawa audiences who eventually attend.
The missing opening date and unnamed venue
Despite the successful rehearsal on September 6, several critical details remain unverified. The source report does not name the specific Ottawa venue that has stepped in to host the production, leaving the exact location of the performances a mystery to the public. Furthermore, while the production is actively rehearsing, the update did not provide an exact opening date for the rescheduled run.
It remains unclear whether the move to a temporary home will result in a shortened run or if the production intends to fulfill the entirety of its original schedule. Until the producers release a formal calendar and address the specific location,fans and ticket holders are left waiting for confirmation on when and where they can see the show.
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