Asbury Memorial Church is partnering with NIAGARA MUSICAL LLC, to present a community showcase which is free and open to the public, at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 14. This 90-minute musical journey showcases scenes and songs from this brand-new musical which is planned for a Broadway debut in 2026. 

NIAGARA: A New Musical is a genre-spanning, fully original story following six people on their way to the legendary Niagara Falls. In the great tradition of the American road trip, this musical evolves into an exploration of family, forgiveness, and our commitments to each other. The book, music, and lyrics were developed by Lauren Widner and the composer, producer and theatrical consultant, Ryan McCurdy, who is formerly of Savannah Repertory Theatre. Additional music is by James A. Rushin, and dramaturgy by Katie Walker.

“It’s very exciting to be showcasing the musical, NIAGARA, at Asbury Memorial,” said Reverend Billy Hester. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our church members and for the Savannah community to see the inner workings and development of a musical. We’re hoping this is a big step for a promising future for NIAGARA.”

After the tragic loss of Lauren Widner during COVID, the surviving collaborators have completed the piece, which is making its Savannah concert debut in partnership with Asbury Memorial. Produced by J. Wilson Morris and supervised by Lead Producer Cheryl Widner, this concert will feature many of the musical's signature numbers performed by an all-star company of Savannah favorites and NIAGARA alums. Thanks to the generosity of Savannahian, Mr. Morris, this concert will be free for the entire community. 

With its emotional honesty and a dash of magical realism, NIAGARA is a celebration of humanity, a universal story of the importance of life’s choices, and a study of how a lifetime of decisions shapes our individual journeys.

“It is a real privilege to partner with Asbury Memorial and share artistic work in development to ensure that our new musical becomes part of the community’s conversations,” said Ryan McCurdy.  “This event is a rare opportunity to bring a work in progress, designed for Broadway, to Savannah before the show is produced in New York City.  It is very important to me that we are bringing this showcase of NIAGARA to Asbury Memorial to honor the memory of Lauren Widner and we encourage everybody in the community to join us on the evening of June 14.”

Asbury Memorial Church offers a weekly Sunday worship service at 11:15 a.m. They welcome all people, no matter their age, gender, race, sexual orientation, economic status, or any other demographic. For more information on Asbury Memorial Church or to see other upcoming events, please visit https://www.asburymemorial.org/.