There is a new theater company in town, and they are starting off with a bang - a full scale production of the Disney musical “Newsies."
With a cast and crew of 54 local students, Serendipity Theatre Company will be bringing the musical to the stage of the historic Savannah Theatre (222 Bull Street) on Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4. The shows start at 7:00 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, May 5th at 1:00 p.m.
Tickets go on sale today, April 17, and can be purchased through the Savannah Theatre box office in person, by phone, or online. Student and senior tickets are $15, with general tickets priced at $25.
Donna Stembridge, the show's director, has decades of experience bringing Disney musicals to the stage, including “Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, High School Musical, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, Cinderella, and Lion King”.
Starting Serendipity Theatre Company has long been a dream for Stembridge, because she wants “to have the opportunity to work with more children, from different backgrounds, and bring them all together to make exciting theater.”
Stembridge explains, “Back in the day, as the director of Savannah Youth University's Camp Pacer, we found that there was something special created by the summer campers that were from different schools and all economic backgrounds. And when they came together in those 8 short weeks to perform on stage, they were one. And those memories drive you to want to continue the creativity and bring people together to create theater.”
Serendipity Theatre Company is unique in that students learn all aspects of bringing the production to the stage, including the business side of marketing the show; skills that will transition to college and career life.
Of Savannah, Stembridge says, “I strongly believe that there should be more opportunities for children to grow and express their love for theater. Theater can be a powerful tool for personal growth, creativity, and self-expression, and it is essential that we provide children with access to these opportunities.”
For students who need assistance to be part of the troupe, Serendipity Theatre Company provides scholarships so that there are no financial barriers for any child in Savannah to participate.
Jessica Walden, the producer of this production, agrees that all children should have access to performing arts, and supports providing scholarships, “I strongly believe that there should be more opportunities for children to grow and express their love for theater. Theater can be a powerful tool for personal growth, creativity, and self-expression, and it is essential that we provide children with access to these opportunities.”
Another thing that sets Serendipity apart from other theater companies in Savannah is their dedication to providing opportunities to see the shows for every member of our community, “We believe all should have access to attend live theater, as its benefits are immeasurable,” says Stembridge.
"Serendipity Theatre Company strives to be good community partners. It is essential to mitigate financial barriers to the arts, and one way that we can do that is to give free tickets to families who might not otherwise have access to seeing a Broadway-style performance.”
Emily Osteen, an 11th-grader, says that the headline of this article should be, “Serendipity Theatre Company: A New Broadway”. She gives credit to the director, “I auditioned for this production through the Serendipity Theatre Company because Mrs. Donna (Stembridge) was leading it. Mrs. Donna has played a huge role in my love for theater and respect for myself with my abilities in acting. Without Mrs. Donna, I do not think I would be as confident as I am today. She is such an amazing person and the main reason I auditioned.”
All quantitative research points to the fact that children who participate in theater have better outcomes across the board, such as higher test scores, better mental health, increased self-esteem, and more career options.
For this production of the Disney musical “Newsies”, the qualitative results of the benefits of the Serendipity Theatre Company are already being calculated in spades.
Osteen adds regarding the benefits of performing arts, “Theatre plays a huge role in confidence and public speaking. Through various performances and the ability to be creative, students can truly be themselves and express feelings through their characters. Teenagers today tend to suffer with anxiety, and though I do too, I found that theater is a great way to overcome it because you are surrounded by people who have similar passions as you and who will never judge you on anything. Serendipity Theatre Company is full of a loving cast and crew. When you step into practice with them, it's as though everyone is a family. No matter who you are or how long you have been there, this crew will always be there for you.”
Lucy Thompson, who will be going off to college in the fall, says, “Theater is another form of self-expression where you can take your talents and create something amazing and productive out of it. For some more introverted kids, it allows them to speak up and stand up for themselves knowing they have the backing of their castmates and a well- rehearsed show. For more extroverted kids, theater is an outlet for their energy and outgoingness. It teaches public speaking, preparation, and many other skills needed for jobs in the future. Every opportunity to do theater is unique. I myself have been a part of other community theater shows since I was eight. Every opportunity provides a unique perspective and more chances to learn. The tactics and skills I learned through community theater were different from those I learned at school. However, both were incredibly useful and when intertwined allowed me to become the best actress I could be.”
Emma Campbell, an 11-grade student, says, “Having opportunities for theater and arts is important for students because of how theater shapes people’s character. Because of theater, I have become a more outgoing person, a harder worker, and a better teammate. However, I am not the only one. I have had several teachers say that they can always tell which kids are in theater based on project presentations and work ethic. Also, the majority of the people in the ‘Newsies’ cast are in multiple AP and college classes, sports, service activities, and clubs. Theater teaches kids how to be well-rounded and hard working people, qualities that go beyond the stage and stay with people for the rest of their lives.”
Katie Campbell, Emma’s younger sister says, “Being able to do drama since fourth grade I have been able to connect with people of all ages who I would never have talked to otherwise. My role models were in drama and I look up to all of these people. It is also a blessing to be able to have someone look up to you too so doing drama just gives you a chance to interact with different grades. Also it allowed me to come out of my shell and find a sense of belonging and community where I feel like these are my people and I relate to them.”
Both Emma and Katie Campbell agree that Serendipity Theatre Company is different from others in part because of the supportive, family environment it creates. Additionally, the show includes a diversity of ages. "We have kids in ‘Newsies’ from third-grade to 12th grade and are still able to pull off an incredible show," Emma said. "Also, there is such a strong bond between everyone in this cast. Everyone talks to everyone no matter the age. "
Emma and Katie’s youngest sister, Violet, a third-grader, is also in the show, making her debut stage performance in “Newsies"- a true family affair.
Lucas Walden, a 12th grader who is playing one of the lead roles of Jack, says “Serendipity is a welcoming safe place for anyone who would like to be involved with theater, even if they aren’t sure about it in general. Everyone within the company is extremely welcoming and understanding of anything and everything. It is important because not all environments nurture that feeling to be in theater and the arts. It is hard to find where you belong sometimes, and having a place where one can feel accepted and enjoy what you are doing not only for yourself but for other people is important. Serendipity also allows for students to join in on theater production such as set design, costumes, and props. o no matter if you want to be on stage or off of it there will be someplace for you with Serendipity.”
Addison Caddick, a ninth-grader says of the new troupe, “Serendipity Theatre Company has surrounded me with such caring, loving, amazing, and talented people that you won’t find anywhere else, which is what makes it stand out to me more than other theater companies. Theater and arts is a great way to showcase your talents and strengths like dancing, singing, or just acting in general. It’s such an amazing opportunity that I think everyone should try at least once, and Serendipity is a great community to start in.”
Hallie Westbrook, also in ninth-grade says, “It is vital for students to have access to an array of theater and arts experiences, and this company has given me so many great friendships and memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life; that should be accessible to everyone. The Serendipity Theatre company is an incredible opportunity to expose yourself to a new community of talented, kind and hardworking individuals. The company presents fresh new opportunities for anyone to be able to participate in an outstanding theater company.”
Matthew Strickland, in 12th grade, also espouses the benefits, “Serendipity is a 100 percent student production. Everyone who makes this show possible, is a student who adores the arts. Without theater or arts, I wouldn’t be who I am today. The stage is another world in which I can be someone else. Performing for a large audience in seventh-grade opened my eyes and completely changed my life. I’ve met people who have made me who I am today. Without theater or the arts, I believe life is bland.”
Lily Floyd, also in 12th grade, touts the benefits of being a theater kid, “Children need creative outlets and theater is an amazing one. It can build confidence and social skills. Theater almost always provides an accepting and loving community. I have built my greatest relationships through theater.”
Why should people attend the show?
Cast members say it best.
Lucy Thompson - 12th grade - in the role of Katherine Plumber:
“There are so many reasons to come see this show, but I will focus on three.
One: ‘Newsies’ itself is a fantastic show about children (ages eight - 18) fighting for equal pay and equal treatment, not just for themselves, but children all over New York. It is important, especially for kids to see the impact we can have on the world.
Two: Support Local Talent. ou can treat this show like a trip to the movies. Except, you are supporting the children right here in your hometown of Savannah.
Three: This is a chance to see the debut Serendipity Theatre Show. I have a feeling everyone will see a lot of more of it soon!”
Lucas Walden - 12th grade - in the role of Jack Kelly:
“Families should come and see our show because it is worth it. Now of course we aren’t some amazing broadway cast on an extravagant set and stage, but everyone on that stage will be showing how much they love this art and giving it their all. ‘Newsies’ itself is also an incredible show that is entertaining, tells an important story in history, and is bound to spread the love of theater to others as well.”
Matthew Strickland - 12th grade - in the role of Davey:
“The quality of the show is amazing. The work everyone puts in lifts the show well above others. Compared to many other shows in Savannah, the price ends up being lower as well.”
Lily Floyd - 12th grade - in the role of Finch, and dance captain:
“Serendipity is not just a theater company, we are a family. From the youngest child to the grandparents who volunteer, we are a family. Each member from cast to crew is important, from the ensemble to the lead, it's obvious that everyone matters. This company is full of love, and the passion to create something wonderful.”
Emma Campbell - 11th grade - in the role of Elmer:
“Mrs. Donna makes every show she directs feel like a real production, rather than just a school play. So, when a family decides to buy tickets to ‘Newsies’, they are paying to see a musical where every person involved has put their whole heart, and more than 100% effort, into making this show as incredible as possible.”
Emily Osteen - 11th grade - in the roles of Hannah, Bowery Beauty, and Nun:
“Families should come to this show because it has everything! Comedy, drama, music, and more! ‘Newsies’ is an amazing Disney musical and it was the very first one I watched. It inspired me to pursue fine art classes, and opened my eyes to the wonderful world of musicals. I hope this show will also inspire the younger generations, and show them that they can do whatever they want to, just like it did for me.”
Addison Caddick - 9th grade - in the role of Mush, and understudy of Finch:
“I think families should come see our show because we all love putting on an amazing show for our audiences, and the cast and crew has worked so hard to make the show the best it can be, and it is a show definitely worth seeing.”
Hallie Westbrook - 9th grade - in the role of Specs, and understudy for Kathrine:
“Newsies’ is such a moving production, the entirety of it is an immersive experience that will be loved by the whole family. Full of joy, hope and new beginnings, this production is the collective heart of all involved, it would be an honor to share our love of this musical and its message with you. ‘Newsies’ is genuinely such a big part of us all and we hope to have you with us to experience the magic as well.”
Katie Campbell - 9th grade - in the roles of Mike, Nun, Bowery Beauty, and understudy Crutchie:
“Families should invest in watching ‘Newsies’ because it is captivating with its dance numbers, its music, and the plot always keeps you on your toes. Also because this musical has so much emotion in it and it really just moves you in a way I can't really explain, in just understanding and watching what actual kids went through in the Children's Crusade of 1899.”
Gabriella Gonzales - 9th grade - in the role of Henry, and understudy of Albert:
“This is a community based group of actors welcoming many ages to play a role in theater production or making the stage come to life being a character. This company is taking its first swing and making a statement downtown in the Savannah theater, putting on the show "Newsies." Keep your eyes open for tickets because it's a show you don't want to miss.”
Kendall Zittrauer - 8th grade - in the role of Buttons, and understudy for Bowery Beauty:
“People should come and see ‘Newsies’ as we did this on a major time crunch, 8 weeks, and we put in a lot of hard work for this show to come out successful.”
Tickets can be purchased at the Savannah Theatre box office, 222 Bull Street; by phone 912-233-7764; or online https://savannahtheatre.com/tickets/
For information about the opportunity for free tickets to the shows for families that have a financial need, go to the Facebook page, Instagram account, or website for Serendipity Theatre Company to get the details.
