COME FROM AWAY to Proceed at Wells Theatre After Storm Damage
The historic Norfolk venue has served as Virginia Stage Company's home since 1979.
Virginia Stage Company is assessing damage and beginning cleanup efforts at the historic Wells Theatre following a severe rainstorm that caused significant water intrusion into the building on Thursday, August 20.
During the storm, water poured through portions of the theatre ceiling and onto the stage, causing ceiling tiles to collapse and affecting areas of the historic building. Virginia Stage Company crew and staff worked throughout the incident to contain the water, protect the theatre and its equipment, and begin cleanup efforts.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Performances of Virginia Stage Company's upcoming production of Come From Away are moving forward as the organization continues this work. The safety of the production's cast and crew, VSC staff and audiences remains the company's highest priority. Should any ticket holders be affected, Virginia Stage Company will contact them directly with additional information.
The Wells Theatre has been a gathering place in downtown Norfolk for more than a century and has served as Virginia Stage Company's home since 1979. While the damage is significant and the images from inside the theatre are difficult to see, cleanup and recovery efforts are already underway.
Virginia Stage Company has received an extraordinary outpouring of messages, well wishes and offers of assistance from throughout the Hampton Roads community. The organization is grateful for the support and is continuing to assess the damage before determining what additional assistance may be needed.
Those asking how they can support Virginia Stage Company right now are encouraged to attend Come From Away or another upcoming production at the Wells Theatre. Contributions to Virginia Stage Company may also be made at vastage.org/donate.
Come From Away runs September 2–20, 2026, at the Wells Theatre in downtown Norfolk. Tickets and additional information are available at vastage.org.
About Virginia Stage Company
Virginia Stage Company is a professional regional theatre producing performances at the historic Wells Theatre in downtown Norfolk. Through its mainstage productions, education programs and community engagement initiatives, Virginia Stage Company brings people together through the extraordinary power of sharing a story.
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