Virginia Stage Company's 48th Season is sponsored by TowneBank, The City of Norfolk, Arts Alliance, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts
Presented by Hoffmann Charitable Fund
Come From Away
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein
Directed by tom quaintance
produced in partnership with
Christopher Newport University
September 2-20, 2026
In a small town in Newfoundland, an ordinary morning becomes extraordinary when the world suddenly changes. On September 11th, 2001, thirty-eight planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers are diverted to the tiny town of Gander. As cultures collide and uncertainty fills the air, strangers open their homes, their kitchens, and their hearts.
This acclaimed Broadway hit tells the remarkable true story of kindness in the face of crisis. With a soaring score and an ensemble cast playing dozens of characters, Come From Away celebrates the generosity that can appear when we need it most. And reminds us how deeply connected we really are.
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Run Time: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
Audience Recommendation: 13 & up
Content Advisory: Effects: This production contains theatrical haze and brief flashing lights. Language: Mild profanity is used by select characters periodically throughout the show, including “F*ck” and “Sh*t.” Alcohol/Drug Use: Characters refer to drinking vodka and whiskey. Some characters take shots of alcohol on the grounded plane. Content: This play contains intense discussion of the events on 9/11. Actors will portray Islamophobia and xenophobia. If you have further questions about the content of the show, please contact us at education@vastage.org
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September 2-4 | Preview Performances
September 2 at 7:30 PM | Military Appreciation/Heroes Night
September 3 at 7:30 PM | Young Professionals Night
September 4 at 7:30 PM | Pride Night
September 5 at 7:30 PM | Opening Night
September 6 at 2 PM | Post-Show Talkback
September 9 at 2:00 PM | Theatre for Everyone Performance*
September 9 at 7:30 PM | Educators Night
September 12 at 2:00 PM | Open Caption and Audio-Described Performance*
September 12 at 7:30 PM | ASL Interpreted Performance*
September 13 at 2 PM | Post-Show Talkback
September 15 at 10:30 AM | Student Matinee
September 17 at 10:30 AM | Student Matinee*The Theatre for Everyone program produces performances that are sensory-friendly. Visit our Accessibility Page for more information.
*Seating for Audio Description & Open Captioning is provided in the Orchestra Left. Please use promo code “AccessVA” on checkout for proper booking.
*Seating for ASL is provided in the Orchestra Left side of the House. Please use promo code “ASL” on checkout for proper booking.
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Directed by TOM QUAINTANCE †
Assistant Director LAURA LLOYD
Scenic Designer JASON AMMONS
Costume Designer JENI SCHAEFER
Lighting Designer RYAN BIBLE
Sound Designer SARTJE PICKETT §
Associate Media Designer JACOB CRONE
Music Director AMY JONES
Associate Music Director BART KUEBLER §
Choreographer CHARLOTTE BYDWELL
Resident Casting Director EMEL ERTUGRUL
Stage Manager TAYLOR MESZAROS *
Assistant Stage Manager ABBIGAIL LAROCQUE *
Production Assistant ROOK HADDOCK† Member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers Inc., an independent labor union.
§ Member of United Scenic Artists, local USA-829 of the IATSE
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
CAST
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(Capt Beverley Bass/Annette/Others)
Marika Aubrey has worked in television, film, cabaret, theatre, & voiceover across Australia and the USA. She is best known for her long running role of Mrs. Wormwood in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Australian production of Matilda the Musical. Other musical highlights include I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Songs for A New World, The Last Five Years, the Lincoln Center's South Pacific at Sydney Opera House, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha.Marika was honoured to play the role of Beverly Bass in Come From Away, on the 1st National Tour across America and Canada, as well as on Broadway. She features on 5 album releases and in 2025 played Cynthia in Dear Evan Hansen for Pioneer Theatre Company. Marika can be seen soon in Season 3 of the award winning TV comedy Colin From Accounts, and is delighted to be making her debut with Virginia Stage Company!
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(Beulah Davis/Others)
Liz Brydge is a performer, director, writer, and jazz vocalist based in Hampton Roads. Recent credits include Doubt: A Parable (Sister James, HRACT Award nominee), Dr. Smile (Ensemble; Judy & Mabel understudy), Holidivas and Holidivas: Valentine's Edition (Writer, Director, Performer), and EAT, an original two-woman show co-created with Moriah Mitchell. EAT debuted at The Z's 2025 Fringe Festival, where it received the Audience Pick Award, and was further developed at the Virginia Theatre Association Conference with Roūge Theater Reinvented. Beyond the stage, Liz performs throughout the region as a jazz vocalist and serves as the Music Series Producer at Zeiders American Dream Theater. She is thrilled to be making her Virginia Stage Company debut and grateful to be sharing this beautiful story with such an incredible cast and creative team. www.lizbrydgemusic.com | @lizbrydgemusic
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(Diane Gray/Others) Melissa Vázquez Cartwright is a bilingual vocalist, composer, and actor with over 25 years of performance and teaching experience. A proud "Georgia-Rican," born in San Juan and raised in Atlanta, some of her favorite regional theatre credits include Daniela in In the Heights, Missy in The Marvelous Wonderettes, and originating the roles of Eveline in Pelagius: The Musical and Grace in Nolan's Wake. She is also a cabaret performer, most recently appearing in Holidivas: Valentine's Edition at Zeiders American Dream Theater, and the creator and producer of Sugar & Sazón Cabaret, celebrating the influence of Latina recording artists on her life and artistry. Melissa is also the founder of MVC Performance, where she helps performing vocalists worldwide through coaching and online resources. She is honored to be telling this powerful story alongside her castmates. We remember where we were that day. www.mvcperformance.com @mvcperformance
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(Nick/Doug/Others)
John Cauthen was last seen commemorating America’s 250th as John Dickinson in Williamsburg Players’ 1776. Previous VSC appearances include: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Arsenic & Old Lace; A Merry Christmas Carol (Scrooge understudy); Fiddler on the Roof; Cat on a Hot Tin Roof; A Murder at Fernly Hall (online); The Great Christmas Carol Escape (online); Our Town; Pride and Prejudice; The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ‘61 Freedom Riders; All My Sons; and A Moon for the Misbegotten. John dedicates his performance to his son Jack. Jack’s image appeared on a sonogram on September 11, 2001, bringing hope to his father on a day he needed it most.
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(Hannah O'Rourke/Others)
ShaaNi Dent is honored to return to Virginia Stage Company as Hannah in Come From Away. Previous Virginia Stage Company credits include Maggie and Mary in Sally & Tom, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and Lorell Robinson in Dreamgirls. Other credits include Virginia Musical Theatre’s Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (The Shirelles), Annie (Boylan Sisters/Ensemble), and A Christmas Carol (Ensemble). At Norfolk State University, ShaaNi portrayed Celie in The Color Purple, Tina Turner in A Queen’s Tribute, Mariah Carey in the Whitney Houston Tribute, and Lorell Robinson in Dreamgirls. ShaaNi is a proud graduate of Norfolk State University and thanks her family, friends, mentors, students, and the incredible artists she has had the privilege of working alongside for their unwavering support. She is especially grateful to God for His continued guidance, favor, and countless blessings. @shaani_d
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(Janice Mosher/Others)
Alexandra Fleshman (she/they) is delighted to be making her Virginia Stage Company debut! Some of Alexandra’s recent credits include Lady of the Lake in Spamalot at Woodstock Playhouse, Judy/Asst. Dance Captain in Dr. Smile at The Zeiders American Dream Theater, Georgie Bukatinsky in The Full Monty at Virginia Musical Theatre, and Jane Bennet in Pride and Prejudice and Dragons with ROŪGE. She would also like to thank her incredible support system for the constant encouragement and helping her make her dreams a reality! IG: @alexandrafleshman
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(Bonnie Harris/Others)
Wallis Herst was previously seen at VSC in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Our Town, The Parchman Hour, and The Secret Garden at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. She has also appeared with CORE Theatre Ensemble in Frankenstein, Macbeth, No Exit, and Niobe. While living in Fayetteville, NC next door to Fort Bragg, she was part of the development and world premiere of Downrange: Voices From the Homefront at Cape Fear Regional Theatre where she also appeared in Henry V, Around the World in 80 Days, and The Parchman Hour. Other productions and workshops include The Thanksgiving Play, As You Like It, Stranger (world premier), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, Six Characters in Search of an Author, Blood Wedding, The Serpent, Antony & Cleopatra, The Trojan Women, and The Astonished Heart. Film: Last Moment of Clarity, Anna at Home, Phenobarbital, The Craving. Television: Law & Order: SVU. B.F.A from NYU Tisch, where she studied with The Atlantic Theatre Company. Love to Miri, Annika, and Tom.
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(Kevin J/Ali/ Others)
Travis Murad Leland is a NYC based actor and producer. Broadway: The Queen of Versailles. Regional: Pierre in …Great Comet of 1812, Tommy DeVito in Jersey Boys, Skyscraper (Urban Stages, NYC), Pride and Prejudice: A New Musical (Amazon Prime), The Prince of Egypt (World Premiere), Once & Million Dollar Quartet (Casa Mañana) Merrily We Roll Along, Dir. Michael Arden, Kristoff in Disney's Frozen Live at the Hyperion, Dir. Liesl Tommy. TV/Film: “Law & Order," "Trust The Man".
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(Actor 15)
Kennedi Little is excited to make her debut with the Virginia Stage Company! She is a recent Christopher Newport University graduate with a B.A. in English. She has performed and teched with The Drama Deck, and looks forward to continuing her interest in the performing arts. Outside of theater she is an editor and freelance writer. She is immensely grateful for the support of her family, friends in The Drama Deck, and Professor Gregg Lloyd.
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(Bob/Muhumuza/Others)
Donovan E. Mitchell is thrilled to return to Virginia Stage Company. Born in Norfolk and raised in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, he worked concessions and coat check at the Wells Theatre as a teenager, making this return especially meaningful. Broadway credits include Six Degrees of Separation. His television work includes Manifest, FBI, Law & Order: SVU, NCIS: New Orleans, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, East New York, City on a Hill, and The Other Two. Regional theatre credits include Choir Boy (Geffen Playhouse), F****** A (Signature Theatre), Father Comes Home from the Wars (Mark Taper Forum), Cymbeline and King Lear (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Wedding Bash (59E59 Theaters), and A Soldier's Play (Ebony Repertory Theatre). Donovan holds a BFA in Drama/Musical Theatre from Carnegie Mellon University and also studied at the Moscow Art Theatre School. In addition to his work as an actor, he is a director and currently serves as Chair of the Theatre & Film Department at The Governor's School for the Arts in Norfolk, Virginia.
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(Oz/Mr. Michaels/Others)
Patrick Rooney he/him is an actor, singer, musician based in Richmond, VA. Previous credits include: As You Like It, Macbeth (Richmond Shakes); A Christmas Carol, Waitress, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty (Virginia Rep); Buried Child, Roman á Clef (Firehouse Theatre); Straight White Men (TheatreLab). Rooney also performs with the dream-folk band, The Potted Plants , as well as the Celtic music ensemble, Poisoned Dwarf. He’d like to express his profound gratitude to his beautiful wife and inspiration, Claire. PatrickRooneyActor.com
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(Actor 13)
Annalise Sison (she/her) is thrilled to be making her Virginia Stage Company debut! She is a junior at Christopher Newport University double majoring in Musical Theatre and Pre-Art Therapy. She most recently worked as a performing company member in the New Musicals Lab at the Ferguson Center for the Arts. Other recent credits include Fiddler on the Roof (Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre), Gypsy, and Jesus Christ Superstar (TheatreCNU). Aside from performing, Annalise has also choreographed for multiple theaters across the state and directed several experimental short films. IG: @annalisesison
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(Garth/ Kevin T/Others)
Elliott Scott Smith is thrilled to be back in the 757 performing in his Virginia Stage Company debut! Previous regional work includes: The SpongeBob Musical (Patrick Star), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Augustus Gloop), Spamalot (Sir Bedevere), Escape to Margaritaville (Brick), Beauty and the Beast (Cogsworth), Joseph…(Reuben). Huge thanks to VSC for this opportunity, to the team at Gregg Baker Management, to family both blood and chosen, and to every person who has been there along the way! For Theresa. www.ElliottScott.net | @ellioscosmi
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(Actor 14)
Ren Smith is a junior Musical Theatre major at Christopher Newport University. As a recent transfer, they felt so honored to be a part of CNU’s production of Gypsy as Yonkers. Recently, Ren has been seen as Damian in Mean Girls, Richie in A Chorus Line, and Ensemble/Emmet Understudy in Legally Blonde. Ren is excited to be on board for their first professional production and gives endless thanks to their number one supporter, their mother.
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(Claude/Others)
SCOTT WICHMANN is proud to return to the Wells. Previous VSC credits includeA Sherlock Carol, A Merry Little Christmas Carol, Little Shop of Horrors, The Three Musketeers, and Fiddler on the Roof . He was last seen onstage as John Adams in the Virginia Musical Theatre production of 1776.Other VMT credits include Footloose and Catch Me If You Can. Regional Theatre:Peter and the Starcatcher (Firehouse Theatre), Sweeney Todd (Va Arts Festival); A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, 1776, The Producers, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Say Goodnight Gracie (Va Rep); I Am My Own Wife (5th Wall); Brimstone (Berkshire Theatre Festival) The Life of Galileo (Studio Theatre), andOld Tom The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama. FILM/TV: Lincoln, Loving, TURN: Washington’s Spies, The Good Lord Bird and the upcoming Lionheart Filmworks adaptation of The Red Badge of Courage. Scott can also be seen as John Adams on the popular FOX series Legends & Lies: The Patriots. Host of The Richmond Forum with John Lithgow. A graduate of Wagner College, (Staten Island, N.Y.), Scott proudly serves as a chief petty officer in the United States Navy Reserve, and moonlights as Mister Showtime, a one-man Rat Pack with a killer jazz trio. IG: @scottwichmann