Embodying social justice comes in many forms. At Swarthmore United Methodist Church, the vital partnership with Viviana Theatre Company offers a unique way to unite the translational power of Scripture and the call of discipleship with the joy of musical theatre.
When Senior Pastor Rev. Ali DeLeo was appointed to Swarthmore UMC, she knew SUMC had a longstanding history of music excellence. “Connecting worship with the arts is an ancient Christian practice. With God as the master Creator, expressing our faith through the creative process is always transformative. You just never know what cool new thing God has in store.”
It just so happened that SUMC’s Director of Music, Matthew J. English, was also Co-founder and President of Viviana Theatre Company. Pretty quickly, they could feel the Holy Spirit coalescing a beautiful diversity of gifts and graces to bring a collaboration to life.
For the past three years, Viviana and SUMC have produced several musicals, held a fundraiser concert for gun violence prevention, hosted several cabarets, and have engaged in Bible study, fellowship meals, Pride celebrations, holiday cantatas, and service projects.
English reflected, “There’s something special and wonderful that happens when a group of people come together to tell a story. In our cast and crew, we’ve built a family. It’s more than putting on a show; it’s about creating a community where everyone belongs. A community where people from all walks of life come together, share their talents, and support each other both on and off stage.”
Rev. DeLeo echoed English’s sentiments. “The church could learn a lot from theatre groups about radical welcome, listening deeply, being supportive of differences, vulnerabilities, and mistakes, all the while engaging in the hard but beautiful work it takes to tell powerful stories together.”
This summer, Viviana & SUMC will present Disney’s Newsies. A high-energy musical with rousing choreography and catchy songs, Newsies is also a story about justice, courage, and the power of unity. Set in 1899, Newsies follows Jack Kelly and a band of streetwise newsboys who rally against powerful newspaper publishers exploiting child labor.
“Newsies isn’t just a musical; it’s a reminder that when we unite for something bigger than ourselves, we discover the true power of community. We are challenged to stand together, speak up for what’s right, and remember that our actions can spark real change in the world,” English reflected.
The themes of resilience, hope, and community are woven throughout, making Newsies especially relevant today. Andrew Foster V, who plays Jack remarked, “This show is undoubtedly a pleasant surprise! We are a family, and I know this cast would never let me down. This is a beautiful show to pour love into.”
From August 1-10, the talented cast and crew of Viviana Theatre Company and Swarthmore UMC bring this uplifting and timely story to life on the SUMC sanctuary stage. The production will feature live orchestra, vibrant choreography, and a passionate ensemble ready to “Seize the Day.”
Rev. DeLeo planned her summer worship series to reinforce the themes of the show. Each week in worship, the sermon will connect the Bible to themes in the show and cast members will offer special music from the musical.
You won’t want to miss this family-friendly performance that promises inspiration, excitement, and a reminder that change begins when people come together. Performances run August 1-10 at Swarthmore UMC, 129 Park Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081.
Purchase your tickets today at vivtix.ludus.com.