Feature: 'Bonobos to Broadway' - A Special Connection Uniting COME FROM AWAY and the Columbus Zoo

It was nothing short of an honor to attend 'Bonobos to Broadway,' a special and rare event that was held in collaboration with Tony Award-Winning Broadway Musical Come From Away and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, in anticipation of the show's Columbus debut on February 8-13, 2022.

The musical is a true story of 7,000 airline passengers on 38 planes who were rerouted to a small town of 9,000 people in Gander on the island of Newfoundland, Canada during the terrorist attacks of 9/11. What people may not know is that the planes also carried several animals, one of which was Unga, a bonobo who was on her way home to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Arriving at the Columbus Zoo at nearly 9 years old, Unga presented herself as feisty, bold, highly intelligent, socially shy, and somewhat of a bully who always got her way. While Unga led a fulfilling life and was well cared for in her new Columbus home, sadly, she passed away from heart disease in March of this year. Her offspring, Gander and Jerry, still remain in the care of the Columbus Zoo along with several other bonobos. And what a treat to see them all in action!

Escorted via golf carts, we arrived at the Congo Expedition habitat where the entertaining bonobos were in full swing. They were engaged in what zoo curator Audra Meinelt calls "enrichment activities," massaging their highly intelligent, creative minds and strong, agile bodies to be physically and mentally fit. "Touch the heart to teach the mind," Audra says is the saying of the Columbus Zoo. It is very evident that she lives by that motto and developed a special love and bond with Unga following 9/11 until her death.

'Bonobos to Broadway' was an intimate panel discussion featuring Bonnie Harris, the manager of the Gander and Area SPCA that helped care for Unga in Gander following 9/11, Audra Meinelt, the curator of the Columbus Zoo's Congo Expedition region, Petrina Bromley, the actress who originated the role of Bonnie Harris on Broadway, and Sue Frost, the producer of Come From Away.

During the discussion, Producer Sue Frost talked about the evolution of the show from its beginnings at La Jolla Playhouse, its concert versions in Gander, to eventually landing on the Great White Way. Frost was always most interested in portraying the human connection, saying, "This isn't a story about 9/11 - it's a 9/12 story about real people, how we act and take care of each other... it's a very complicated, intricate, simple show."

Patrina Bromley who originated the role of Bonnie Harris on Broadway, and Bonnie Harris herself were both on the panel. As a Newfoundlander, Bromley was practically a shoe-in for a role. She reminisced about her audition process in New York City where she sang about a singing goat and thought the show would never ultimately make it. Much to everyone's surprise, not only did the show make it, but it went on to receive 7 Tony Award nominations in 2017 including Best Musical, and then nabbed the coveted award for Best Director for Christopher Ashley.

Now, with over 1,000 performances on Broadway, Come From Away has successfully reached audiences across the globe, including Canada, Ireland, London, Sydney, and the United States. And it doesn't stop there. Spreading kindness and giving back to the community has always been a critical part of the show. In October 2016, the company performed two benefit concerts in Gander where 100% of ticket sales benefitted local Newfoundland charities. Ongoing activities have included the 9/11 Day of Service, The Daffodil Project, and various benefit concerts. This year has been especially significant as the cast commemorates the 20th anniversary of the lives lost and found during the 9/11 attacks. An entire year full of initiatives designed to "spread love, appreciation, understanding and kindness to all who Come From Away," which is truly an extraordinary feat in today's world.

Catch a sneak peek of Come From Away on tour below!

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