This is a rundown of shows and activities in theater you can catch around town. Theater Around Town navigates you through an eclectic array of performances, offering a glimpse into the diverse talent and creativity thriving within Savannah's theater community.
The Savannah Children’s Theatre Encore presents "Jekyll & Hyde" the musical
The Savannah Children's Theatre (SCT) has launched its brand new program, SCT Encore! This initiative allows teenagers and young adults to delve into the world of theater with more mature themes. Last year they presented "Phantom of the Opera," and this year they are presenting "Jekyll & Hyde," the musical, opening on July 5 at the Historic Savannah Theatre on Bull Street.
“For a few years now, many of our college-age students have come back to work summers for us to help with our summer camps. After doing "Phantom" last summer, which was very successful, we thought this was something that should continue,” said Kelie Miley, the show director and one of the founding artistic directors at SCT.
“From high school to young adults, returning actors and new ones, Encore gives them the opportunity to dive deep in the summer months and put on a fantastic play at the Historic Savannah Theatre,” she said.
SCT believes young, aspiring artists deserve the opportunity to explore complex themes in a supportive environment that fosters their individuality and creative growth. SCT Encore provides a safe space to hone their acting skills while tackling challenging characters and storylines.
The ensemble cast is led by Ben Templeton, who plays Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Another lead in the show is Amelie Steffen, who plays Lucy Harris in the production and Molly Bass who plays Emma Carew. They have been part of SCT for many years.
“I have been doing two to three shows here every year, and it's just been one of the greatest opportunities of my life. I've had so many dreams come true and met so many great people,” said Templeton.
Templeton has been with SCT since he was in the eighth grade, and Steffen since she was four years old. Bass has been with SCT since she was seven years old and was doing shows with her father. Now, as young adults, they are back helping the next generation while making a path in their career.
“I choreograph, stage manage, and work on costumes for the summer camps. Encore is important because it gives young adults who want to pursue a career in theater a space to practice their craft at a more professional level,” said Bass.
The complexities of "Jekyll & Hyde" demand a high level of commitment. The actors have been diligently rehearsing for hours, delving into the psychological nuances of their characters to deliver a truly captivating performance.
“This has been a little bit of a different role for me. It's been challenging in some ways, but a good challenge—a challenge that I've enjoyed. I’ve taken some character analysis things that I've learned in college and dove into who this character is, what she's about, and also why she's attracted to someone good like Jekyll and someone not so good like Hyde,” said Steffen.
Templeton has been working tirelessly, mastering the physicality and vocal changes required for each persona, Jekyll and Hyde.
“This story is such a classic story that a lot of people do recognize it. We have the book, we have the script of the musical, and we have what it's supposed to be, but it's great that we get to bring our own thoughts to our characters coming together to make one beautiful story on stage,” said Templeton.
Bass is in college for musical theater in Chicago but she enjoys coming home and working with new and past members of SCT.
“A lot of the cast members in the ensemble are people that I grew up doing theater with and some of the newer ones I have made fast friends with. every show I've been in at SCT has a cast that feels like a family,” said Bass.
In addition to the beauty of the ensemble's acting is their ability to dance and sing majestically as the story unfolds, holding the audience in a trance with voices and show-stopping dance numbers. Choreographers Zoe Sheehan Moore and Galen Schneider were precise in choosing the style of movement they wanted for this show.
“With 'Jekyll & Hyde,' when we were talking a lot about it before we started creating, there's a movement sound called pedestrian. What that means is you would take the movements you would see if you're walking in a downtown area or just people looking around, and then you take those movements that we all have innately within us, and then you stylize them to music,” said show choreographer Galen Schneider.
Experience the timeless battle between good and evil in the captivating musical phenomenon, "Jekyll & Hyde." Based on the iconic story by Robert Louis Stevenson, this production features a thrilling pop-rock score by acclaimed composers Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse, leaving audiences around the world spellbound. Purchase your tickets here.
Club One Bubbles and Bingo with drag show supporting Spa Bleu on July 8
Club One wants the community to show Spa Bleu some love. The spa recently faced a fire, and to support their amazing staff, Club One is having a fundraising event next Monday, July 8, at 6:30 p.m. at Club One on Jefferson Street. No entry fee and all donations are welcome! Every dollar goes directly to the Spa Bleu team. They’ll have a raffle with awesome prizes.
Enjoy "Grease" the musical live at the Savannah Theatre from July 18 – August 3
The musical-turned-movie that brings us back to the days of loud cars, big hair, and summer lovin’ is coming to the stage at the historic Savannah Theatre. The whole cast of "Grease,” including our beloved high school summer lovebirds, Danny and Sandy, will rock the stage with their classic songs that are still favorites today. If you love the movie, you will be sure to love Savannah’s revival of this incredible show which features the Savannah Theatre’s award-winning cast and band. Get tickets here.
Savannah Stage Company holding auditions for "Ragtime" this month
The Savannah Stage Company is announcing open auditions on July 20 and 21. Their 2024 "Season Of Sustainability" is in full force as they announce auditions for "Ragtime." This is a professional theater company looking to hire adult and teen artists for the show. "Ragtime" has music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and a book by Terrence McNally Company. All positions are paid. Sign up now for your spot at a chance to help tell this story at Tybee Post Theater this fall. Registration link here.
