VIDEO: Get A First Look At Taylor Hicks and Rachel Potter In Serenbe's SHENANDOAH

By: Mar. 22, 2019
Enter Your Email to Unlock This Article

Plus, get the best of BroadwayWorld delivered to your inbox, and unlimited access to our editorial content across the globe.




Existing user? Just click login.




BroadwayWorld has a first look at Serenbe Playhouse's SHENANDOAH, starring American Idol Winner Taylor Hicks and Broadway and The X Factor finalist Rachel Potter. Check out the video!

The story of one family's struggle living in the Shenandoah Valley during the American Civil War leaps to life in a hidden field in Serenbe, transporting you to the rolling hills of Virginia. A theatrical journey of heartbreak and ultimately hope in a fight for human rights will erupt out of an actual Civil War reenactment with over 100 soldiers, canons, horses and with an all-star cast of singer/musicians in a fight for Freedom and Love!

Taylor Hicks (Charlie Anderson) is one of the most beloved and popular AMERICAN IDOL winners of all time. Winning "American Idol's" blockbuster fifth season was just the beginning. Hailed as "part Stax, part Motown and part honky-tonk" by The New York Times, Hicks' intoxicating blend of soul, blues, country, and rock & roll quickly rendered him a household name as he progressed to the show's record-breaking finale in 2006, a historic television event which drew an audience of more than 200 million viewers.


Hicks immediately followed his Idol victory with a #1 Billboard single and an RIAA certified Platinum debut, and soon went on to make history as both the first male Idol champion featured on a GRAMMY-winning record (Jimmy Fallon's 'Blow Your Pants Off'), and the first to land a prestigious Las Vegas residency. Hicks also penned a brisk-selling inspirational memoir about finding your voice and your way, "Heart Full of Soul". A versatile artist, actor, and advocate, Hicks has since ventured into theatre and television with a successful run on Broadway in New York as Teen Angel in Grease, leading to a lengthy eighteen-month tour. In addition, he and also appeared on "Law & Order: SVU" and hosting "State Plate," the award-winning food and travel series on the INSP television network. Hicks' passion for southern cuisine also led him back to his native Alabama, where he opened up Saw's BBQ & Juke Joint, a restaurant recently crowned one of the "25 Best Barbecue Spots in America" by Men's Journal.


After a lengthy hiatus from recording, Hicks returns in 2019 with his highly-anticipated third album, a deeply personal, roots-inspired collection recorded at Zac Brown's Southern Ground studio in Nashville with contributions from Robert Randolph, Keb Mo, and JoJo Hermann. Produced by Hicks along with GRAMMY-winning guitarist Bryan Sutton (Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley), the album is due out later this year and will bring Hicks back on the road for extensive touring.

Rachel Potter (Anne Anderson) is thrilled to be making her debut at Serenbe Playhouse! She began her professional career at Walt Disney World, singing as Ariel, Belle and Nemo. She later starred on Broadway in The Addams Family, as Wednesday Addams, originated the role of the Mistress in the Tony-Nominated revival of Evita, and toured as Glinda in Wicked. Some of her favorite roles she's had the honor of playing regionally: Wendla in Spring Awakening, Sophie in Mamma Mia!, and Eponine in Les Miserables.

Pursuing another dream of country music and recording arts, she moved to Nashville in 2013. Potter went on to become a Top 12 finalist on season 3 of The X Factor, earning international praise for her country rendition of Queen's "Somebody to Love." Her take on the classic tune, which has now reached over 46 million views on YouTube, is featured on her album, "Not So Black and White."


In addition to the previously announced Taylor Hicks and Rachel Potter, the cast will feature: Caleb Baumann (Gabriel), Daniel Burns (James Anderson), Chase Davidson (Jacob Anderson), Pilot Bunch (Boy Anderson), Sophie DeLeo (Jenny Anderson), Jeremy Gee (John Anderson), Cullen Gray (Nathan Anderson), Jordan Patrick (Sam), Aaron Schilling (Henry Anderson), Jeremy Skidmore (Rev. Byrd). The Ensemble includes: Andrew Andersen, Alden Burroughs, Brady Dunn, Destiny Freeman, Alexandria Joy, Karley Rene, Terrence Smith.

To breathe new life into this classic story, Director Brian Clowdus (Artistic/ Executive Director, Founder of Serenbe Playhouse) leads a creative team including: Bubba Carr (Choreography), Chris Brent Davis (Music Director), Adam Koch (Scenic Designer), Joel Coady (Lighting Designer/ Director of Production), Rob Brooksher (Sound Designer), Emmie Thompson (Costume Designer), Mark Warner (Technical Director), and Jake Guinn (Stunt Coordinator).


Tickets are on sale now. Ticket prices start at $40. Senior/student and group discounts are available. Rain Insurance is available for all tickets. All may be purchased online at www.serenbeplayhouse.com, or by calling the box office (770-463-1110), Wednesday - Sunday, 12pm - 5pm.



Videos