Book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein
June 18 – August 2, 2026
38 planes. 6,579 passengers. 1 remarkable town.
In the wake of devastating events, the world held its breath. But in the remote town of Gander, Newfoundland, an extraordinary story of compassion and unexpected connection unfolded. When 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were diverted to Gander, the small town’s residents opened their hearts and homes, transforming strangers into family. Called a “…celebration of the best of humankind” by the Daily Beast – don’t miss this remarkable true story of the days following 9/11, brought to life with a memorable, moving score by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein.
This production of COME FROM AWAY was licensed by Music Theatre International.
Press
Style Weekly I Interview I Northern Exposure
RVA Magazine I Review I Come From Away is the best we’ve ever been
Richmond Family Magazine I Interview I Thirty-eight Planes, 7,000 Passengers, and One Small Town with a Huge Heart
WRIC I Interview I 8News talks to Virginia Repertory Theater about ‘Come From Away’ production
Richmond Family Magazine I Review I Virginia Rep’s Come From Away Delivers Heart, Humor, and Hope
RVArt Review I Review I Come From Away
Photo by Aaron Sutten
Photo by Aaron Sutten
Photo by Aaron Sutten
Photo by Aaron Sutten
Photo by Aaron Sutten
Photo by Aaron Sutten
Photo by Aaron Sutten
Video Trailer
Footage by Artisan Creative Production
Please note: We do not sell tickets via third party vendors (GoTickets, StubHub, etc) and cannot confirm that tickets bought elsewhere will be genuine and they are often overpriced. If you have any questions, please call 804-282-2620.
Mobile tickets will be delivered 24 – 48 hours before your show.
Content Notice: The show features some adult language as well as themes of terrorism, panic, and grief. While it is generally recommended for audiences ages 10 and up, viewer discretion is advised regarding the intense emotional weight of the subject matter.
Presenting Sponsor
Show Sponsor
You Are Here: A Come From Away Story
June 1
In preparation for our upcoming Come From Away – we’re partnering with @thebyrdrva for a very special event! On June 1, come to the Byrd to join our cast, crew, and staff in watching YOU ARE HERE: A COME FROM AWAY STORY – a documentary about the true story of the 38 planes and almost 7000 passengers diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland for five days following the closing of the US airspace directly after the events of 9/11/2001.
We’re also welcoming the film’s writer and director Moze Mossanen for a question and answer session about the film directly after the showing!
Tickets start at $10.43 and are available on the Byrd’s website (under Movies – then scroll to June 1). This will be a special and impactful event – and the perfect way to get ready for the show this summer!
Cast and Creative Team
Artistic Team
Rick has worked as an award-winning actor, director, filmmaker, and arts manager with more than three decades of experience, formerly based in Washington, DC.
Since relocating to Richmond and joining the leadership team at Virginia Repertory Theatre, he has directed Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (for which he received an RTCC Award for Best Direction of a Musical), Murder on the Orient Express, Waitress, Misery, Martha Mitchell Calling, After December, adapted and directed VA Rep’s A Christmas Carol, Come From Away, and Little Bear Ridge Road.
He received a 2018 Helen Hayes Award for his direction of Lela & Co. and a 2020 Helen Hayes Award nomination for his direction of Agnes of God, both for Factory 449. Other directing credits include Dizzy Miss Lizzie’s Roadside Revue’s The Brontes (New York Musical Theatre Festival), Reykjavik (Rorschach Theatre), Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight (WSC Avant Bard), Driving Miss Daisy featuring Karen Grassle (Riverside Center for the Performing Arts), Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook (Adventure Theatre MTC), Dead Man Walking (American University) and Closet Land (Factory 449).
As an actor, he has performed Off-Broadway and regionally, receiving a Helen Hayes Award for his turn as Hedwig in Signature Theatre’s production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, as well as nominations for his work in Angels in America (Signature Theatre), Me and Jezebel (MetroStage) and Oliver! (Adventure Theatre MTC).
His debut film, signage, which he wrote, directed, and produced, has screened in over 60 film festivals worldwide, receiving 6 film festival awards and was subsequently licensed by MTV’s LOGO Channel.
He is a founder and the current Producing Artistic Director of Factory 449, the recipient of multiple Helen Hayes Awards, including the John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company, and the Executive Director of the Washington Area Performing Arts Video Archive (WAPAVA).
As Virginia Rep’s Artistic Director, he provides leadership of our programming, including our strategic planning processes. He is also our key liaison with the national theatre industry.
804-783-1688 ext. 1262
Ellie Kahn
Music Direction
Ellie Kahn, she/her, (Music Director, Keyboard/Conductor) is a music director, vocalist, keyboardist, coach, and Emmy-winning composer. VA Rep debut. Selected REGIONAL: Little Women, Guys & Dolls (Riverside Center, FXBG), Come From Away (Milwaukee Rep.), Always… Patsy Cline, The Little Mermaid (Drury Lane Theatre), Never Better (world premiere, Theo Ubique), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Finding Nemo (Marriott Theatre), Fun Home (Paramount Theatre), Run Bambi Run (world premiere, Milwaukee Rep). Member of the music teams for SIX (US & international), Syd Norman’s Pour House (Norwegian Cruise Line), Baby Wants Candy, SHamilton (Second City, Chicago). Thanks, Meem & Dad, and for the Angel, always! #FreePalestine #AbolitionIsLove @elliekahn_
Brandon Kelly
Choreography
Brandon Kelly, he/him, (Choreographer) Is thrilled to make his Virginia Rep. debut! Credits include: Come From Away (Broadway/Tour: Asst. Choreo), Hard Road to Heaven (Bucks County Playhouse), The Drowsy Chaperone (Short North Stage), Escape to Margaritaville (Ogunquit Playhouse/Regional Premiere), Jersey Boys, The Bridges of Madison County (SSMT), RENT (CRT), Sweeney Todd, Cinderella (UC-CCM), Sweet Charity (Wright State University). brandonkellycreative.com
Chris Raintree
Scenic Design
Chris Raintree (Scenic Designer) is the Head of Scene Design at Virginia Commonwealth University. He holds a B.F.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University and an M.F.A. from Carnegie Mellon University. Select credits include The Bacchae of Euripides, The Crucible, A Chorus Line, Let The Right One In, Sense and Sensibility (VCUArts Theatre); Murder On The Orient Express, Misery, POTUS, 9 to 5, Chicken & Biscuits, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Virginia Rep); Out The Mud, Burial Tax, Berta Berta, The Barber of Moville, Passing Strange, Songs From Bedlam, Desire Under The Elms (Firehouse Theatre); Moth, A Doll’s House (TheatreLAB); An Act of God, Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England (Richmond Triangle Players). Upcoming productions include Migdalia Cruz’s Macbeth (JMU), Romeo and Juliet, People, Places and Things (VCU).
Kendra Rai
Costume Design
Kendra Rai (Costume Designer) is Always extremely excited to be working at VA Rep! Kendra is the Head of Design and Costumes at VCU, though most of her design work has been in the Washington, D.C. area. Kendra received the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Costume Design in 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2025, and has been nominated for the award nine times. Her work has been seen at Olney Theatre Center, Signature Theatre, Round House Theatre, Adventure Theatre MTC, Opera Lafayette, Synetic Theater, Constellation Theatre, New Victory Theater, Theater J, 1st Stage, and Imagination Stage. Kendra is a Princess Grace Honorarium recipient and holds an MFA from Pennsylvania State University. She adores teaching costume design and has held teaching posts at Howard University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Gallaudet University.
Joe Doran †
Lighting Design
Joe Doran (Lighting Designer) Virginia Rep credits include Come From Away, A Christmas Carol 2025, Waitress, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 9 to 5: The Musical, Satchmo at the Waldorf, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Mamma Mia!, Once, Fun Home (Cadence/Virginia Rep), In the Heights, Dreamgirls, South Pacific, and The Color Purple. Joe is the Resident Lighting Designer at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, where he has designed for 30 years, and Founder and Artistic Producer of Equilateral Theatre Company, a NYC company that challenges traditional creation models by placing design and technology on equal footing with performance. Broadway (Assoc./Asst. LD): Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Prince of Broadway, Doctor Zhivago, and Magic/Bird. National Tours: Hamilton, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Anything Goes, West Side Story, Flashdance the Musical, In the Heights, and On Your Feet!. Off-Broadway: Movies TV Mayhem (Producer/Lighting Designer), Chanteuse, H4, and Shakespeare’s Slave. Other credits include The Fulton Theatre, Red Mountain Theatre, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Richmond Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Richmond Triangle Players, SPARC, arts to ALL, and numerous NYC dance companies. Joe is a ten-time recipient of Richmond’s Artsies Award, a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and a member of USA Local 829. Special love and thanks to Christian. www.joedorandesign.com
Mark Costello
Projection Design
Mark Costello, he/him, (Media Designer) Credits include VARep: Come From Away (Artsies nomination), A Christmas Carol (Artsies winner); Washington DC: Chinese Republicans (Round House), Some Like It Hot (Olney), Enemy of the People (Theater J), Fly Me to the Sun, Fair Play (1st Stage), Astro Boy and the God of Comics (Flying V, Helen Hayes winner). He is a founding member of Alaska House Design, a DC-based collective dedicated to creating groundbreaking multimedia work. MFA/UMD TDPS, BFA/NYU Tisch.
Jonathan Pratt
Sound Design
Jonathan Pratt, he/him, (Sound Design Adaptation) – Jonathan is thrilled to be back with A Christmas Carol at Virginia Rep where some of his recent designs include The Play That Goes Wrong, Come From Away, The Cottage, The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, Deathtrap, Waitress, Dial M for Murder, Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty and Baskerville, Satchmo at the Waldorf, On Air, 9 to 5: The Musical, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the latter three winning the RTCC Award for Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical. Other favorite local design credits include: Frankenstein (Richmond Shakespeare), The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Minutes, Anna in the Tropics (William and Mary), Cry It Out (Yes, And!), and Sunset Baby (BVTA). Jonathan has also designed over 40 productions for Camelot Theatre in Talent, Oregon. Jonathan is a proud member of the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association.
Erica Hughes
Dialects
Erica Hughes, she/her, (Dialects) is a member of the University of Richmond Department of Theatre & Dance faculty, as well as a private voice/dialect/text coach and a performer. In Richmond, she has had the privilege of working with just about every professional and higher ed theatre establishment. Some of the other institutions Erica has coached for include: the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre, Chicago Pride Films & Plays, Round House Theatre and Olney Theatre Center, Carnegie Mellon University, and the National Speech & Debate Association. Erica has an M.F.A. in Theatre Pedagogy/Stage Voice & Speech from VCU.
Abby Bobb *
Stage Management
Abby Bobb, she/her, (Stage Manager) is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association and graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (2016). National Tours: Come From Away, Bartlett Sher’s Fiddler on the Roof, A Chorus Line (Tokyo, Japan), South Pacific, An American in Paris, Legally Blonde the Musical. Regional Highlights: Jagged Little Pill (WPPAC), Waitress (VA Rep), Dreamgirls (WPPAC), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (VA Rep), Bright Star (Riverside Center for Performing Arts), Resident Stage Manager for Studio Theatre – Tierra del Sol (The Villages, FL). Dance Highlights: VCUarts Dance + Choreography, Richmond Ballet’s: The Nutcracker, American Dance Festival (Durham, NC), Chita Rivera Awards. A big thank you to Weston and our pups Josie & Finley for their unconditional love!
Cast
Ti Reneé Ames
Hannah & Others
Ti Reneé Ames, she/they, (Hannah & others) is excited to return to acting in her Virginia Repertory Theatre debut! Ti is primarily a theater educator, director, and intimacy coordinator. An Oberlin College graduate, they’re currently pursuing an MFA in Theatre Pedagogy at VCU. Select credits | Acting: Men On Boats (Live Arts); Jitney (Charlottesville Players Guild). Directing: Out The Mud (Firehouse Theatre, Assistant Director); Young Frankenstein, Fireflies, RENT (Live Arts); Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Charlottesville Players Guild); The Brothers Size (Oberlin College). Intimacy: Out The Mud (Firehouse Theatre); Fireflies, Matilda Jr. (Live Arts). Modupe to the orisha, ancestors, and my community.
Ashlee Beary
Janice & Others
Ashlee Beary, she/her, (Janice & Others) is a New York-based actress who is thrilled to be making her Virginia Repertory debut! Select credits include SIX (alternate), Little Women (Jo) at Riverside CPA, Beautiful (Carole King) at Riverside CPA, Waitress (Swing) at John W. Engeman Theater, and Oliver! (Nancy) at Area Stage. Endless gratitude to her family, friends, and husband Matt for their love and support. Follow along on Instagram @ashleebeary.
Sherri L. Edelen *
Diane & Others
Sherri L. Edelen (Diane & Others) is delighted to debut at VA Rep. She traveled the country with 3 National Tours and received the Helen Hayes award for Les Miserables and Side Show (Signature Theatre, over 30 productions) and a Barrymore Award for The Light in the Piazza (Philadelphia Theatre Company). Recent acting credits include Dave, Vanya/Spike, Ann (Arena Stage), The Humans (Olney Theatre Center), Gloria: A Life, Copenhagen (Theatre J), Romeo and Juliet (Folger Theatre), Outside Mullingar (Fusion Theatre Company), Sister Act (Ford’s Theatre), Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George (Kennedy Center).
Emelie Faith Thompson *
Bonnie & Others
Emelie Faith Thompson, she/her, (Mrs. Fred/Claire, U/S Mrs. Fezziwig, Dance Captain) is thrilled to be back at the Rep! Audiences may remember her from Waitress (Jenna) and Come From Away (Bonnie & others), as well as Curious Incident (Siobhan) and MAMMA MIA! (Donna). Her regional credits include Countess Lily in Anastasia (Virginia Musical Theatre), Mother in Ragtime (Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre), and Reno in Anything Goes (Barter Theatre). Off-Broadway: Night Games and A.A. Milne’s The Ugly Duckling (Marvell Repertory Theatre). National tours: A Christmas Carol and Miracle on 34th Street. Emelie is especially delighted to be performing alongside her children, Violet and Theo, for the first time! IG: @emeliefaiththompson.
Alia Bisharat Glidden
Beverley & Others
Alia Bisharat Glidden (Mrs. Cratchit/Mrs. Fezziwig) – Alia Bisharat Glidden is a native of Richmond and returned in 2018 after a nearly nine year stint in NYC. Her VA Rep credits include Come From Away (Beverley & Others, RTCC winner), 9 to 5 (Judy Bernly, RTCC Nomination), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Mrs. Bucket), The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Bus Stop (Cherie), Cinderella (U/S Stepmother & Fairy Godmother). NYC/Regional credits include Good Morning America (NYC), Bethlehem on Broadway (NYC), The Days of 98’ Show (Skagway, AK). You can find Alia running around with her kids or helping amazing folks buy and sell houses. Alia would like to thank her family for all their love and support, especially her amazing husband Jimmy, who is chasing their beautiful children so she can participate in today’s performance. I love you all so much! Always and forever, Free Palestine. James 1:17 Insta: @alia_bisharat_glidden
Durron Marquis Tyre
Bob & Others
Durron Marquis Tyre (Bob & Others) Regional Credits: Anatole Kuragin (Great Comet, Firehouse Theatre), Baker (Into the Woods, Richmond Shakes), Frank N. Furter (Rocky Horror Show, Richmond Triangle Players), Rashad (The Light by Loy A. Webb,Yes And! Ent.), Henry (Sugar in Our Wounds, Richmond Triangle Players-RTCC Award for Best Play (2022), Lt. Eddie Souther (Sister Act, the Musical, Virginia Rep), CC White/Curtis Taylor US (Dreamgirls, Virginia Rep), and Tom Collins (Rent, Firehouse Theatre), where he earned the RTCC Award for Best Lead Actor in a Musical in 2010.
Susan Sanford *
Beulah & Others
Susan Sanford, she/her, (Mrs. Dilber) is thrilled to be returning to this classic story for the second year. Previous roles at VA-Rep include Sarah in Little Bear Ridge Road, Beulah in Come From Away and Mrs. Hubbard in Murder on the Orient Express. Susan has also worked with many other theatre companies in Richmond. Roles include Big/Little Edie in Grey Gardens at Richmond Triangle Players, Toni in Appropriate with Cadence Theatre, and The Witch in Into the Woods with Richmond Shakespeare, all of which garnered her RTCC Awards for Best Actress. All love and gratitude to her husband, Foster and her two kids, Jordan and Willow. Proud AEA member since 2004.
James Scales
Claude & Others
James Scales (Fezziwig/ US Scrooge) is delighted to return to Virginia Rep following last summer’s Come From Away (RTCC award–Best Musical). He is the business manager of UVA’s Drama Department and has been acting in the Charlottesville area for thirty years. Favorite shows include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, My Fair Lady, Gypsy, Carousel, Sweeney Todd, 1776, Annie Get Your Gun, West Side Story, Middletown (Virginia Theatre Festival); Stage Kiss, Uncle Vanya, Violet, Follies (Live Arts). James hosts a weekly radio show on WTJU devoted to musical theatre. A figgy pudding to Kate, Ash, and Atlas for their invaluable support.
Erich Schroeder
Oz & Others
Erich Schroeder (Oz & Others) is so thankful to be performing in this show again. He is an actor/musician whose credits include Once The Musical (Emcee), Follies (Young Buddy), Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical (Santa), The Spitfire Grill (Sheriff Joe Sutter) and, most recently, Come From Away North American Tour (Oz & Others). He would like to thank Natalie Iscovich, his agent Natalie Kollar, and his friends and family for all their support. IG: theantiqueshrodeshow
Thomas Adrian Simpson *
Nick & Others
Thomas Adrian Simpson (Scrooge) Tom happily returns to Virginia Rep and A Christmas Carol after playing Nick/Doug in Come From Away and Scrooge last season. This past spring Tom portrayed John Hancock in 1776 at Ford’s Theatre. Other credits include performances at Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre, the demolished East Wing of the White House and six of the theatres inside the recently shuttered John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, among many others. A proud graduate of UNCSA, UMW, and the Stafford County Virginia Public Schools, Tom dedicates this performance to arts education everywhere for everyone.
David Lyve Watkins *
Kevin J. & Others
David Lyve Watkins, he/him, (Jacob Marley/Old Joe) is excited to be amongst the family of A Christmas Carol! Credits include: Off-Broadway, A Harder They Come: Public Theatre; Regional: Come from Away: VA Rep (Kevin J/Ali), Gabriel the Musical: Atlas (Ditcher), Me and the Devil: Arkansas Rep (Leroy Jonnie), Detroit 67: Firehouse (Lank). T.V/Film: Voices of Fire: (Netflix), Whitney (Lifetime). David is also an accomplished musician as he is the lead singer of the multi-platinum group Ready for the World! David thanks God, Janine, and Justice for the constant blessings and support to continue gracing these stages!
Eddie Webster
Kevin T. & Others
Eddie Webster, he/him, (Solicitor #2, U/S Jacob Marley/Old Joe) is delighted to be back for another holiday season on the November stage. Most recently seen as Kevin T. in Come From Away, Eddie’s credits include Macbeth (Richmond Shakespeare), Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Firehouse), The Diary of Anne Frank (SCM), 9 to 5 (Virginia Rep), Lonely Planet (5th Wall), Head Over Heels (RTP), The Inheritance (RTP, RTCC nominee – Best Supporting Performance in a Play), Grey Gardens (RTP), 1776 (Virginia Rep), and Parade (JFT). Thank you to Rick for the opportunity and thank you to my friends and family for the love. @itseddiewebster
Jianna Hurt
Swing - Hannah, Janice
Jianna Hurt (Clara/Beggar Woman/Tilly, U/S Ghost of Christmas Present/Char Woman) is so excited to be a part of the cast of A Christmas Carol. Some of their theatre credits include: Sara U/S in Confederates (Firehouse), Hannah/Janice Swing in Come From Away (Virginia Rep) , Wanda/Tina Turner in Beehive: The 60s Musical (RTCC nominee for Best Supporting Performance)(Virginia Rep), Titania/Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Richmond Shakespeare), Delia u/s Gabriel (Atlas Partnership), Lead Shirelle in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Regional Theatre of the Palouse), and Ti Moune in Once On This Island (The Lynn Theatre at Brightpoint Community College). They thank the whole production and you!.
David Ramirez
Swing - Kevin T, Kevin J, Bob
David Ramirez, he/they (Ned Wilkins/Sailor #1) is extremely excited for the opportunity to reprise the role of Ned Wilkins, and to help tell this very special story on the November Stage through yet another holiday season with an exceptional group of artists. Select Credits include: Come From Away (Swing, VA Rep), Waitress (Ensemble, VA Rep), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Swing, VA Rep), 9 to 5 (Ensemble, VA Rep), Mamma Mia (Ensemble/Harry u/s, VA Rep), Carrie the Musical (Freddy, 5th Wall) – David is a devout Localist, especially as a Richmond Native. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy & B.S. in Urban Planning from VCU, and considers it a privilege to work for such a beloved Richmond institution like Virginia Rep.
Aaron Thomas Moore
Swing - Claude, Nick, Oz
Aaron Thomas Moore, he/him, (Fred/Young Scrooge, U/S Bob Cratchit) is a director, choreographer, singer, actor, and educator. He holds a Master’s in Theatre from Regent University and a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Valdosta State University. Aaron has had an exciting theatre career spanning from theatre education, sailing the seas performing, regional work directing and choreographing, as well as working as Production Manager at Riverside Center in Fredericksburg, VA. Recent credits include Director/Choreographer of Shrek the Musical TYA (Riverside Center), Come From Away (Virginia Rep), Director/Choreographer of Mary Poppins (Chipla College), and Principal Vocalist onboard Norwegian Cruise Lines. Aaron is grateful to his family and friends for their love and continued support along the journey. aaronthomasmoore.com @aaronthomasmoore
Alanna Wilson
Swing - Bonnie, Beulah, Diane
Alanna Wilson, she/her, (Vickie/Paulette, U/S Sarah) is thrilled to return to Virginia Rep after wrapping up Come From Away as a swing for Bonnie, Beulah, and Diane. Local credits include The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes – The Holiday Edition (Richmond Triangle Players), Snapshots & From Up Here (HATTheatre), Firebringer (Dogwood Dell), She Loves Me (Homefront Players), and Winter Wonderettes (Swift Creek Mill Theatre). Alanna has performed regionally at The Ivoryton Playhouse, Gateway Playhouse, and Northern Stage, and is a graduate of TheatreVCU. Special thanks to Rick for this opportunity. This one’s for Aunt Susan.
* Actors' Equity Association (AEA)
† United Scenic Artists (USA)
‡ Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC)