Charlottesville, VA – October 26, 2026 Audiences are raving about COME FROM AWAY, which opened to thunderous applause on Friday, October 23, at Live Arts in the Gibson Theater. The poignant musical welcomes audiences to Gander, Newfoundland, for the true story about 38 planes diverted on September 11, 2001, and the town that opened its doors to thousands. Tickets are moving quickly for the musical, running through November 15, 2026.
Cast of COME FROM AWAY; production photography by Linda Hogan
The production brings together artists from across Central Virginia’s community theater scene. Director Edward Warwick White, a two-time “Best of C-VILLE” winner for Best Live Performance, has beautifully shaped this production around the exceptional warmth, humor, and generosity at the heart of the story.
Live Arts’ Executive Artistic Director, Adrienne Jacobson Oliver, first collaborated with Warwick White in 2018 on Live Arts’ production of RAGTIME. “COME FROM AWAY is a story about welcome, but what moves me is how concretely that welcome is made: one meal, one room, one act of care at a time,” said Oliver. “Edward is uniquely capable of building such a production; warm welcome is his very essence, and the company of long-time theater and community-makers has built a tender, buoyant, gorgeous show. I am thrilled for audiences to experience their work!”
Cast of COME FROM AWAY; rehearsal photography by Kori Price
COME FROM AWAY is sponsored by Janet & Charles Cheeseman and Marty Moore. Book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. Music direction by Kyle Schneider. Associate music direction by Kristin Baltes. COME FROM AWAY is presented by special arrangement through Music Theatre International (MTI). Live Arts has also announced the Second Act of its 2026-2027 season, following the appointment of Oliver, effective September 1, 2026. The Second Act is sponsored by Janet & Fred Borch and completes the lineup for Live Arts’ 36th season, sponsored by Ronald Bailey and Pamela Friedman.
The Second Act begins with CLYDE’S by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage, directed by Ti Ames. A comedy about work, appetite, and second chances, the play follows formerly incarcerated workers making sandwiches and imagining lives beyond the ones the world has assigned to them. CLYDE’S runs January 29 through February 21, 2027, in the Gibson Theater. Auditions for CLYDE’S will be held Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, from 1-5pm, with callbacks Monday, November 2, from 630-10pm. Actors age 18 and older of all experience levels are encouraged to audition. To reserve an audition slot, email [email protected]. Rehearsals will follow a workshop model and require weekend-day availability beginning in November. Full audition details can be found at livearts.org/audition.
The Second Act continues with DANCE NATION, Clare Barron’s fiercely funny play about ambition, adolescence, and a competitive dance team. Emma Givens directs this raucous, original piece, a 2019 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama, running April 2-18, 2027.
The Second Act concludes with A DOLL’S HOUSE by Henrik Ibsen, in a new version by Amy Herzog. The thrilling and modern adaptation was nominated for six Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Play, in 2023. The landmark drama runs May 28-June 13, 2027, and will be directed by Kelli Shermeyer, whose previous Live Arts credits include THE ELECTRIC BABY and THE WOLVES.
Before The Second Act begins, Live Arts returns to a seasonal favorite. A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens and adapted for the stage by Miller Murray Susen and Daniel Kunkel, opens December 10 and runs through December 20. The familiar story of transformation comes to life anew on the Gibson Theater stage, co-directed by Kunkel and Mandy Shuker. “These are distinct works, each asking what people might make together under pressure, in the workplace, in motion, in union, in a town called to an extraordinary moment, and with reflection,” Oliver said. “We’re proud and excited to welcome audiences into community with each.”
Information about Season 36 at Live Arts, including tickets, subscriptions, sponsorship, auditions, volunteer opportunities, and more, is available at livearts.org. About Live Arts Live Arts is a volunteer-powered community theater in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia, forging theater and community through productions, education, and artistic work.
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