🎶 Experience the Magic of Come From Away and Meet Our Very Special Guest! 🎭

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the 8th Annual GAEF Evening at the Totem Pole Playhouse featuring the heartwarming and inspiring musical, Come From Away. Based on the incredible true story of 7,000 stranded passengers diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001, this production celebrates the best of humanity. When 38 planes were unexpectedly grounded, the townspeople opened their homes and hearts, proving that kindness and resilience can shine even in the darkest of times.

A global sensation, Come From Away earned seven Tony Award® nominations in 2017—including Best Musical—and took home the award for Best Direction of a Musical. Its critical acclaim extends across the Atlantic, where it secured multiple Laurence Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. Don't miss this powerful celebration of compassion and the unexpected connections that bring the world together!

✨ GAEF ticket holders are invited to a pre-show reception from 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM in the hospitality tent next to the playhouse. ✨

We are thrilled to welcome 1989 Gettysburg Area High School graduate and two-time Tony Award® winner Beowulf Boritt as our very special guest at the pre-show reception of the 8th Annual GAEF Evening at the Totem Pole Playhouse. As the original scenic designer for the Broadway production of Come From Away, Beowulf’s artistry brought the rugged beauty of Gander, Newfoundland, to life through his iconic "woodsy" aesthetic and the innovative use of actual Catskill mountain trees on stage.

Beyond his work on Come From Away, Beowulf is the principal of Heorot Design Inc. He has designed over 35 Broadway productions including New York, New York (Tony Award), Act One (Tony Award), The Scottsboro Boys (Tony nomination), Sunday in the Park with George, and Rock of Ages. With a career spanning over 100 Off-Broadway shows and numerous international credits, his work has been recognized with an Obie Award for Sustained Excellence and multiple Drama Desk Awards. We are honored to have Beowulf join us to share this extraordinary musical experience.

💙 Enjoy an incredible performance, meet our special guest, and support a great cause! 💙
Your ticket helps fund student and classroom grants and other programs through the Gettysburg Area Education Foundation, directly benefiting students and teachers in the Gettysburg Area School District.

CLICK HERE to check for available seats.

Ticket and donation payment options include all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, and ACH (electronic check).

We also welcome Personal and Business Checks. After completing the online donation form, Personal and Business Checks should be sent via postal mail to the address provided at checkout. All checks must be made payable to Gettysburg Area Education Foundation or GAEF.

The mission of the Gettysburg Area Education Foundation is to enhance student educational, social and cultural experiences through community support.

The work of Gettysburg Area Education Foundation is rooted in these beliefs:

• Investment in today’s children is an investment in the future.
• All students should have access to the resources they require to meet their potential.
• Our community recognizes the value of educational experiences.
• As a foundation we have a unique opportunity to engage our community.
• Our role is to support, not supplant, district services.
• Our school district employees are committed to quality.
• We have an obligation for responsible stewardship of the funds and resources entrusted to us.

Your gift will help the Gettysburg Area Education Foundation continue to provide:

Fundraising assistance to all Gettysburg Area School District organizations and staff through direct grants and access to GAEF's Giving Hub crowdfunding page.
Up to $3,000.00 in grants each year to Gettysburg Area School District staff to encourage classroom innovation and/or help solve funding challenges outside the annual building or department budget.
Grants for financial assistance to Gettysburg Area High School students enrolled in career and technical education classes to help cover registration and entry fees as well as travel, hotel, and meal costs for attending regional, state, and national competitions and conferences. Financial support for these grants is provided by the Larry R. and Janet M. Redding Designated Endowment Fund held by the Adams County Community Foundation.
Grant writing assistance and support to Gettysburg Area School District organizations and staff.

Gettysburg Area Education Foundation also provides fundraising opportunities to Gettysburg Area School District buildings, student organizations, teams, and PTOs through access to its Pennsylvania Small Games of Chance license. Over $25,000.00 has been raised through raffles and 50/50 drawings since August 2022.

8th Annual GAEF Evening at the Totem Pole Playhouse: "Come From Away" Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 7:30PM

Pre-Show Reception Starts at 6:00 PM -- Meet our very special guest 1989 GAHS Graduate and two-time Tony Award® winner, Beowulf Boritt