North Fulton County

Georgia girl makes Broadway debut at age 11

By Kimberly Richardson
By Kimberly Richardson

MILTON, Ga. — A Georgia girl may be young -- but boy is she going places with her contagious, bubbly personality and beautiful voice.

Sarah Charles Lewis,11, has been training for this moment since she was 5 years old -- the moment when she would make her Broadway debut.

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The Renaissance International School of Performing Arts (RISPA) and Crabapple Crossing Elementary alum is starring as Winnie Foster, the lead in "Tuck Everlasting."

Based on the best-selling, award-winning novel by Natalie Babbitt, "Tuck Everlasting" is an exhilarating story about everlasting love, never-ending life, and discovering what it means to truly feel alive.

The question everyone wants to know: Would you choose to live forever, frozen at her age, like the Tuck family?

With no hesitation Lewis answers, "No, I wouldn't want to miss out on life, on being a mother and a grandmother."

Before landing the Broadway lead, Lewis starred as Annie at the Atlanta Lyric Theater, where she was named the youngest ever Suzi Bass Nominee for leading best actress.

#tb to 2 yrs ago...one of my favorite roles & favorite directors as #annie @Atlanta Lyric Theatre ❤️ #atlanta #theatre

Posted by Sarah Charles Lewis on Saturday, 12 March 2016


Lewis also starred in "Tuck Everlasting" at Atlanta's Alliance Theatre, where she played Winnie Foster.

Lewis tells Channel 2 Action News that leaving her family and friends in Georgia has definitely been a hard thing to do -- but it's been worth it.

First afternoon in our new home at the Broadhurst Theater for Tuck Everlasting!! It's sooooo gorgeous!! I can't believe this is happening -- people!! 󾌯󾌯󾌯 Get ready for #tucktakesoverbroadway!!

Posted by Sarah Charles Lewis on Wednesday, 16 March 2016


"Saying goodbye to my friends at school was really sad," Lewis said. "They made me a sign that said 'Goodbye Broadway Star!' that had me in tears. A lot of them are coming up to see the show, so I can't wait to see them!"

Lewis' mother and father switch off on who stays with her full time in New York City.

"I can't describe it ... Living in New York City ... It all feels like a dream," Lewis said. " I don't want to wake up."

She is taking advice wherever she can find it, including from co-star Carolee Carmello, who has taught her how to quickly put in pin curls.

Her best advice to anyone following their dreams: "You just have to go out there and give it everything you got ... even if you mess up," Lewis said. "It's the only way."

Lewis makes her Broadway debut March 31 at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City.

Cox Media Group

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