They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway. They say there’s always magic in the air.
That's how The Drifters captured the spirit of the revered New York theater district in their hit song more than 60 years ago. All these years later, the glitz and glamour of Broadway hasn't faded — even in the face of an unprecedented pandemic.
If anything, the past 18-month experience has made devoted fans miss the Broadway glow that much more.
Credit: DEEN VAN MEER/PROVIDED BY STRAZ CENTER
Credit: DEEN VAN MEER/PROVIDED BY STRAZ CENTER
On Oct. 24, the Tybee Post Theater will bring the experience of Broadway musicals to the Lowcountry, with "Lights Up: A Broadway Revue."
The production weaves songs and stories from beloved Broadway classics new and old, including songs from Rodgers & Hammerstein, Sondheim, "Wicked," "Frozen," "Phantom of the Opera," and more.
The show’s featured vocalists will be familiar to many, as longtime performers on the Savannah music scene, including soprano Jessica Fishenfeld; mezzo-soprano Sara Zoe Budnik; baritone Trevor Martin; and pianist Justin Addington.
As a born-and-raised New Yorker, featured vocalist Fishenfeld says Broadway has always been an important part of her life since she was a little girl.
Credit: Courtesy of Tybee Post Theater
Credit: Courtesy of Tybee Post Theater
"As long-time NYC residents, I know Trevor and Sara Zoe share my sentiments," Fishenfeld shared.
"This program is our tribute to Broadway’s lights turning back on after a long, grueling hiatus, and our numerous friends and loved ones on and off stage who were affected by it - all of whom deserve to be celebrated."
All of the event's performers are no stranger to the stage, with the Revue's three vocalists having competed in the Savannah-based American Traditions Vocal Competition (ATC), while Fishenfeld and Budnik also perform as featured artists with the Savannah VOICE Festival (SVF).
Staff at the non-profit Tybee Post Theater say they are grateful to be back to live productions after re-opening in May following a challenging time for the entertainment industry.
Credit: Courtesy of Tybee Post Theater
Credit: Courtesy of Tybee Post Theater
The theater has put new safety protocols in place to ensure the wellbeing of their guests, shared Tybee Post Theater Executive Director, Evan Goetz. These include hand sanitizing stations throughout the theater, a new high-tech air filtration system, and more.
Goetz says they are excited to welcome fans back for more memory-making events.
"Musicians continue to rock out on stage, movies still light up the theater, and patrons are able to interact with one another and enjoy quality entertainment," Goetz added.
Credit: Courtesy of Tybee Post Theater
Credit: Courtesy of Tybee Post Theater
In fact, that's what these performers say is the essence of "Lights Up: A Broadway Revue" — a chance for the community to come together again to share in range of emotions and music, and recognize how much our lives benefit from the magic of Broadway and live musical performances, Fishenfeld noted.
"After experiencing all of our lovingly selected songs and stories in one concert, we hope folks will leave the theater with fuller hearts and more compassionate minds, humming the tunes they love, and excited about new discoveries. I know we will!"
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: The lights of Broadway come to the Tybee Post Theater with favorites such as 'Wicked' and 'Frozen'
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