Asbury Memorial Church Teams Up With New Musical Showcase for Free Public Presentation

Resilient Tune Takes Center Stage

In an ambitious artistic endeavor, Asbury Memorial Church is joining forces with a promising new musical, NIAGARA: A New Musical, to present a vibrant showcase absolutely free to everyone from the public on Friday, June 14. The entertaining journey lasts 90 minutes, allowing audiences to experience scenes and songs from this brand-new musical scheduled to make a Broadway debut in 2026.

Anchored by a fully original story, NIAGARA: A New Musical, takes the audience along with six individuals destined for the legendary Niagara Falls. Along the route, the musical unfolds into an introspective exploration of family, forgiveness, and the promises we make to one another that shape our relationships and our lives.

Creators Behind the Scenes

Lauren Widner, along with composer, producer, and former Savannah Repertory Theatre member Ryan McCurdy, formulated the book, music, and lyrics for the musical. Further musical contributions come from James A. Rushin, while Katie Walker spearheaded the dramaturgy.

The enthusiastic Reverend Billy Hester of Asbury Memorial envisions the showcase for the Savannah community as a chance to garner a unique insight into the creation and development of a musical. With a hopeful glint in his eye, Reverend Hester expressed his aspirations for a promising future for NIAGARA.

Memory Kept Alive

Following an unfortunate COVID-related loss of Lauren Widner, the surviving collaborators brought the concept to completion. In her honour, the piece is marking its Savannah premier in a pioneering partnership with Asbury Memorial.

All-Star Company on Display

The showcase is set to include a cast of Savannah’s favorite performers and previous NIAGARA associates under the mindful supervision of Lead Producer Cheryl Widner and producer J. Wilson Morris.

Mr. Morris’s generosity has paved the way for this concert to be available free of charge to the entire Savannah community. He believes that showcasing the creation process of a Broadway musical in the local community can fuel meaningful dialogue around the shared human condition.

Human Experience Cast in Song

With its heartfelt sincerity and a touch of magical realism, NIAGARA acts as a compilation of human experiences. With every decision we make, we carve out our life’s story, a concept beautifully encapsulated by this musical.

Ryan McCurdy cherishes the opportunity to partner with Asbury Memorial and incorporate artistic work in development into local discussions. He views this event as an uncommon chance to bring a Broadway-bound work-in-progress to Savannah before New York City witnesses its production. He emphasizes the significance of hosting this NIAGARA showcase at Asbury Memorial as a tribute to the memory of Lauren Widner.

Asbury Memorial Church conducts their weekly Sunday worship service at 11:15 a.m., welcoming all, regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, economic status, or any other societal category.