Come From Away

The Charleston Light Opera Guild, The Official Musical Theatre of West Virginia, will produce the heart warming musical “Come From Away” at the Charleston Coliseum Theater during April 17-19 and 24-26, 2026. 

The musical is based on the extraordinary true story of what happened when 38 planes landed in Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001. With the town's small population of 9000 swelling by nearly 7000 stranded airline passengers, the residents of Gander opened their hearts and homes, welcoming ‘plane people’ with warmth and kindness. The musical highlights themes of community, resilience, and compassion formed between the locals and the passengers during a time of crisis. With a dynamic score and uplifting storytelling by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, “Come From Away” captures the spirit of togetherness in the face of adversity. “Come From Away” replaces the previously announced April 2026 production of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”

The PAY IT FORWARD 9/11 organization inspired by “Come From Away” is a kindness movement notably

founded by one of the real-life stranded passengers, Kevin Tuerff (character Kevin T). It encourages

doing good deeds for others. This global initiative has inspired the Charleston Light Opera Guild and the cast,

directors, band, and crew of the production to accept donations for the Charleston YWCA Women’s

Domestic Violence Shelter. Donations may be dropped off in the lobby of the Charleston Coliseum Theater

on production nights and days prior to the shows. 

Needs include items for hygiene including: towels,

paper products, cleaning supplies and others. The Guild looks forward to joining this kindness movement.

“Come From Away” is sponsored by the Charles and Mary-Fayne Glotfelty Foundation. 

The Guild’s box office at the Coliseum Theater will be open two

hours before each production. Don’t miss this uplifting story of kindness during one of our nation’s worst

nightmares.