Housso Sémon. Photo by Yellow Belly Photography.
The Tony Award-winning musical, “Come From Away,” returns to Ford’s Theatre ten years after its acclaimed debut on the historic stage. The production will be presented September 10-October 18, 2026, as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11. “Come From Away,” with book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, tells the heartwarming true story of the 6,579 airline passengers stranded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, after 38 planes were diverted there on September 11, 2001. As the town’s population nearly doubled overnight, its residents opened their homes and hearts to strangers from around the world, offering food, shelter, and friendship. Featuring a stirring folk- and rock-inspired score, the musical celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of kindness in the face of tragedy.
Housso Sémon is an NYC-based actor, singer and producer who is so grateful to be here at Ford’s Theatre working on this special show. Her credits include Broadway’s Suffs, Girl From the North Country, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and The Lion King. Additional credits include The Harder They Come and The Tempest at The Public Theater, and Twelfth Night at Pittsburgh Public Theater.
“Come From Away” premiered at Ford’s Theatre 10 years ago, followed by successful runs on Broadway and national tours. Why do you think the story continues to resonate with audiences, especially with the upcoming 25th anniversary of 9/11?
Everyone has a story connected to 9/11, whether they experienced it firsthand or know someone who did. It’s one of those moments in history that lives in our collective memory and, as we approach the 25th anniversary, there’s naturally a renewed sense of reflection around that day and what it meant. I think, especially right now, with so much happening in the world, “Come From Away” feels incredibly necessary. It reminds us of what can happen when we come together across our differences and simply show up for one another in a moment of crisis.
Is there a particular song or scene in the show that is especially meaningful for you to perform?
Wow, so much of the show. Irene Sankoff and David Hein really created something special here. But I love singing “Me and the Sky.” I don’t know a single woman who hasn’t had to push against some kind of barrier to become who she is. That’s what moves me so much about that song. It’s Beverley Bass’ story, of course, and her journey of becoming a pilot in a field where very few women had been allowed to imagine themselves before. But when I sing it, I also think about my own mother and the women I know who have accomplished extraordinary things despite the obstacles placed in their way. There’s something deeply moving about getting to stand onstage every night and tell the story of a woman who refused to let the limitations of her time determine the size of her life.
You’re making your Ford’s Theatre debut in this role, which is very exciting. What is it like to perform at this historic venue and to tell such a significant story on this stage?
There’s so much history in this building, and you really feel it when you walk through the doors. To be making my Ford’s Theatre debut with a story that asks us to reflect on who we are in moments of crisis feels particularly meaningful. I’m just really grateful to be here.
Your character, Beverley Bass, is one of the real-life inspirations for the musical. What aspect of her story do you relate to most, and what have been the most rewarding and challenging aspects of bringing a living historical figure to life?
What I relate to most is Beverley’s determination to build a life she could imagine before there was necessarily a blueprint for it. I’m incredibly proud of the dreams I’ve been able to make real in my own life, and I understand the persistence, sacrifice, and courage that requires.
One of the most beautiful parts of playing Beverley is that we come from such different beginnings. We don’t look alike, we come from different backgrounds, and yet the deeper I’ve gone into her story, the more similarity I’ve found. I understand her ambition, her love for what she does, and the audacity it takes to believe that a life you dream about can actually belong to you.
And because Beverley is a living person, there’s a responsibility in portraying her truthfully without trying to imitate her. The challenge and the reward have really been the same: honoring the specificity of who she is while finding the places where our humanity meets.
Why should audiences experience “Come From Away” at Ford’s, and what do you hope they take away from the experience and the story?
I hope audiences come away thinking about the kind of world we have the power to create. Come From Away reminds us that even in moments of fear and uncertainty, we still have choices about who we want to be. I hope people leave the theatre feeling a little more hopeful about each other and about what’s possible when we lead with compassion.
“Come From Away” runs September 10-October 18, 2026 at Ford’s Theatre, 511 Tenth Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20004. Performances are Tuesdays-Sundays, with evening and matinee showtimes available. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online, call 888-616-0270, or visit the box office prior to the performance.
