Savannah Rep has announced their partnership with Savannah Children’s Theatre as co-producers of the Backpack of Power Tour, sponsored in part by the City of Savannah and through a generous grant from Galvan Foundation. Written and directed by Kendra Norwood Brown, a singer-songwriter born and raised in Savannah, Backpack of Power has created space for teachable moments and opportunities for growth, understanding, and compassion since its premiere in the Spring of 2021.

Both companies believe that the musical is an exciting tool for engaging young audiences and opening the door to topics we might find challenging to discuss with children, like racism and bullying. Backpack of Power Tour cast includes Montrice Anderson, Nicole Borysowicz, Austin Bradford, Vanity Daniels, Eowyn Miller, and Allie Mitchell with Tyler Lindquist and Johnny Scott as production understudies.

A few words from the author/director: “Our children deserve a better world than what was playing out on TV and social media. Eventually, with every breath and pen stroke, I wrote a musical on racism, social injustice, discrimination, love, leadership, and light. Backpack of Power was born from my hope of igniting a spark for change to make this world the beautiful place all our children deserve.”

The production is stage managed by Tinna Rivera, with costume design by Bonnie Juengert and properties design by Lisa James & JoJo Ward.  

Kelie Miley is the Artistic Director of Savannah Children's Theatre, Natasha Drena is the Producing Artistic Director of Savannah Rep, and Justice von Maur is the Backpack of Power Tour Manager & Program Director.