The Art Farm at Serenbe team is thrilled to announce the cast for their first musical theatre production, Little Shop of Horrors, premiering this September as part of the Under the Tent Series in Serenbe. Melinda Doolittle and Diana DeGarmo will be headlining the show along with several members of the cast from the Atlanta area.
In partnership with Matt Logan Productions out of Nashville, Tennessee, this innovative version of the show is adapted specifically for the traveling big-top tent. Tickets are available to purchase now for the show which will run from September 20-29 at various times.
American Idol star and soul–stirring songstress Melinda Doolittle will star as Audrey II. Melinda Doolittle became a household name during season six of American Idol in 2007, finishing in third place and gaining status as a fan favorite. In 2009, Doolittle released her debut album Coming Back to You garnering rave reviews from critics, including The New York Times and in 2013, she released her sophomore album You’re The Reason. Doolittle continues to thrill audiences everywhere from the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame to The White House, from the Copa Room to Carnegie Hall, and headlines her own soulful show Great American Soul Book.
Fellow American Idol star and powerhouse vocalist Diana DeGarmo will star as Audrey. Diana’s showstopping vocals shot her to fame on American Idol and opened doors to her numerous Broadway shows, National & International Tours, and a recurring role on The Young & The Restless. She recently released her newest big band country feast for the ears, GEMINI.
The incredible cast features talent from throughout the SouthEast region with several that are local to the Atlanta area. The cast includes:
Melinda Doolittle as Audrey II
Diana DeGarmo as Audrey
Ben Crawford as Orin Scrivello, DDS
Seth Nathan Green as Seymour
Judah Norman as Understudy (Crystal, Chiffon, Ronnette)
Morgan Crumbley as Chiffon
Carina Crumbley as Crystal
Daja Rice as Ronnette
Arik Vega as Understudy (Dentist/Seymour Understudy)
Amitria Fanae as Understudy (Audrey 2/Urchin)
Garris Wimmer as Mr. Mushnik
Bradley Parrish as Ensemble and Understudy (Mr. Mushnik)
Little Shop of Horrors, written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken and loosely based on the 1960 film of the same name, follows the story of Seymour Krelborn, a meek floral assistant who accidentally grows a man-eating carnivorous plant, leading to chaos and violence. The show, which originally premiered Off-Broadway in 1982, became a smash hit and a cult classic beloved for its dark humor, campy charm, and memorable musical score.
Little Shop of Horrors is part of the Under the Tent Series from the Art Farm and will run from September 20-29. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at this link here.
Art Farm will be kicking off the Under the Tent series with our second annual Soirée at Serenbe fundraiser on Thursday, September 12th, in support of our campus expansion, complete with incredible sneak preview performances, food, beverages, and a live auction.
Additional Under the Tent 2024 performances include:
There’s no better place to find your serenity than Serenbe! Located just South of the airport and Atlanta, it is a beautiful destination full of the arts, food, farmland, outdoor activities, and where you’re welcome to relax and stroll the gardens or be as adventurous as you want. Start with a stay at the Inn at Serenbe where you can revel in relaxed luxury in an updated, historic farmhouse. Then, enjoy Saturday’s farmers market, take a hike to the waterfall, grab a bite at Halsa and the Farmhouse at Serenbe, roam the gardens, and dinner at The Hill at Serenbe. Now, that sounds like a perfect weekend.
Inn at Serenbe
The Inn at Serenbe is a historic family farm that has been transformed into a luxurious getaway that’s the perfect destination from Atlanta! We stayed in the main farmhouse that boasts a king-sized bed, bay window, and all the bells and whistles! The Inn at Serenbe has a country feel starting with the gardens, wrap around porch with rocking chairs, and even an adult pool! Exploring the grounds around the Inn, you’re greeted by a lake with canoeing, horses, an animal farm, and even a stone labyrinth. It’s amazing!
The Inn Rooms are spread out through the grounds of the property and throughout Serenbe, you can stay in the farmhouse like we did or in cabins, by the lake, or even in town! Our room was a very large, long bedroom with a comfy, large bed. Opposite the bed was a large bay window where we could sit and watch people roam the gardens right from our window. They had a large desk with two cookies and glass water bottles, as well as a very large walk-in closet with soft and fluffy robes. The bathroom was spacious and glistening white with two vanities, a walking shower/bathtub combo. Plus, the keys were so cute! A cow bell! The Inn also offers a big, beautiful country breakfast with AMAZING biscuits, French toast, eggs, bacon, oatmeal spread, and more. This out of the Farmhouse at Serenbe that offers a delicious lunch and dinner.
Inn at Serenbe Grounds
Around the Inn at Serenbe is a beautiful, sweeping landscape of lush rolling hills and farmland. One of our favorite spots to start with is the garden! Literally outside our window in our Inn room, the garden is where they grow the vegetables and other things for the restaurant, Farmhouse at Serenbe. Out back of the main farmhouse building at the Inn, is a large, HUGE, wrap around porch with rocking chairs, and several firepits for cool nights. Next to the firepit area is the adult-only pool, while the kids pool is right beside guest check in, but both are luxurious and large. They have a play area with a tree house, bocce, and giant chess for the kids.
Outside the immediate grounds is their petting zoo and animal farm! When you stay at the Inn, you can get free feed for the goats. You can take a walk around the farm pins and see pigs, donkeys, goats, cows, sheep, and more. Then, down the pathway are two destinations to explore, the pristine lake, stroll over it or go canoeing! Just beyond the lake is the bonfire area, artwork dotted throughout the woods and grounds, horses, and you should go see the stone labyrinth. A great experience for kids to find their way around the maze!
Farmhouse at Serenbe Restaurant
The restaurant that’s on the grounds of the Inn at Serenbe is a beautiful spot to enjoy lunch or dinner. Inside, they have a cozy blue room with a stone fireplace great for winter, next to it is the large, open-air sunroom that’s light and bright for enjoying lunch. They have a large bar with tons of cocktail options, as well as outdoor seating on the porch out back. They have a southern-inspired menu like pot roast or fried chicken that you need to check out.
We fell in love with the fall apart tender, meaty, well-seasoned, and rich pot roast smothered in a rich and hearty gravy atop some creamy, fantastic, mashed potatoes. On the side are amazing perfectly seasoned and tender okra and a delicious cold Brussel sprout salad with pickled red cabbage. Or if you love fried chicken, they are known for it! Available in the lunch menu, we know why! It is perfectly seasoned with spices, super crunchy yet tender inside. It comes with the same okra and brussels as the pot roast.
We started with the Farmhouse at Serenbe’s famous biscuits that are flaky and buttery, a slight crisp outside with tangy scallions mixed in. What a treat. And one of the best salads we’ve had all year is the Serenbe farms arugula and prosciutto salad. Starting with sweet blueberry peach dressing, earthy tangy goat cheese, meaty prosciutto and sweet candied pecans on a bed of fresh green, it’s a wonderful medley of flavors. Plus, you can’t beat the color!
As far as their cocktail program goes, it is a good one. Starting with the Fire & smoke cocktail that is tang, sweet strawberry and pineapple, smoky up from the mezcal, then kicks you with habanero on the back. It is very balanced and one tasty cocktail with a fun smoke show! Then, Aloe-U cocktail is minty, tangy, earthy cucumber and light, the aloe liquor adds a fun herbaceous-ness.
The Hill at Serenbe
In the main part of town, the Hill at Serenbe sits perched on a corner like a beacon! Entering the Hill at Serenbe, you’re greeted with a cozy, home-like ambiance to enjoy your wait, while the dining room next to the entrance is full of windows. We were treated to one of the best, most phenomenal meals we’ve had all year along with top notch service and stellar cocktails. The Hill prides themselves on bring fresh and local meats and produce from surrounding farms and that shows in their flavorful dishes!
Starting with one of the best steaks John or I have ever had, it starts with a juicy, thick cut piece of filet, perfectly cooked inside and a slight char out. Seasoned and doused in a creamy, sultry, herbaceous butter and a rich and deep house made port glaze on the side. It just melts in your mouth and runs a gamut of amazing flavors. Paired it with the Pineapple Bonfire, a slightly smoky mezcal cocktail balanced with spicy jalapeño for a little bit of a kick and tangy, sweet pineapple. The perfect pair!
For our starters, we opted for Bread Service, Chorizo and Elote Fritters, as well as Deviled Eggs. Starting with the Bread Service, the bread is fluffy, sweet, and light, slightly crisp outside. The compound butter served on the side is light and airy, sweet and a slight spice.
Next up the Deviled eggs are super sharp, rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor then topped with salty trout roe that gives it a pop and an herbaceous, tangy dill oil. These are some of the best Deviled Eggs we’ve ever had! Another must try is the Chorizo and Elote fritters. They are spicy, earthy, creamy inside and crunchy outside, while the jalapeño aioli gives it a tang.
The other entrée we thoroughly enjoyed is the Pan Seared Porkshire Pork chop. It is a bone-in chop that is filleted into a sweet and meaty, yet tender cut of meat. The Honey mustard jus brightened it up and gives it a tang, while underneath the creamed brussels and spinach is charred, earthy, and creamy. Wowzer. We paried this with the Selbourne Blossom cocktail. It is an herbaceous gin cocktail with cool and sweet muddled strawberry, earthy basil syrup, and bitter Aperol for balance.
A Carefully Curated Serenbe Itinerary You’ll Want To Use
Take a stroll around town, find relaxing and beautiful walkways, trails, and more.
Check out the Saturday local farmers market for local goods, food, and gifts.
Halsa: Have lunch or snacks at the delicious Halsa. Grab a creamy and earthy curry chicken salad sandwich with a side of sultry hummus. Enjoy a flaky croissant or sweets like a cinnamon roll. They have tuna poke bowls, build your own bowls, coffee, and wine.
Another option for lunch or dinner is Farmhouse at Serenbe.
Take a hike down to the tranquil waterfall and enjoy the sounds of flowing water.
Take in the sculptures and artwork that’s around every corner.
Check-in to Inn at Serenbe for the night and peruse the grounds. They have animals you can feed, a labyrinth, gardens, swings, horses, and even a lake.
Take a dip in the Inn at Serenbe pool.
Take a tour of their model homes to see what is inside some of the houses that line the streets of Serenbe.
Bamboo Juices: Cool off with refreshing and healthy cold press juices from Bamboo Juices! Our favorites are the earthy and spicy Turmeric & Beets and Dark Greens. They even have popsicles!
Check out all the little shops and boutiques around town! They have a wine store with tastings, as well as shops for clothing, home goods, and more.
Dinner: explore the extraordinary cuisine of The Hill at Serenbe’s phenomenal dinner menu.
Relax at the Inn at Serenbe’s firepit or bonfire area.
Finish the night with a cocktail at the Farmhouse and Inn and Serenbe’s bar!
Three major events will offer something to enjoy for every member of the family!
Today, the Art Farm at Serenbe team is thrilled to announce the first-ever “Under the Tent” series premiering this Fall. The “Under the Tent” series will be a compilation of three events: “Mashups in the Meadow”, a special night featuring five former American Idol performers, “VOICE: A Night of Spoken Word” hosted by Emmy nominated writer and storyteller Jon Goode, and the internationally acclaimed aeralist troup Les Farfadais presenting “SERENITY”, a whimsical and immersive, acrobatic cirque style show created exclusively for Art Farm.
The “Under the Tent” series will commence with “Soiree at Serenbe” on September 21. This evening will be an engaging gathering for art patrons and enthusiasts in support of ambitious plans to expand the Art Farm campus. Festivities will include libations and bites as well as feature a live auction. Patrons will also experience a preview of each exciting performance scheduled for the series.
“This series is incredibly exciting and offers something for everyone to enjoy!” said Madalyn Mentor, Director of Operations for the Art Farm at Serenbe. “As a unique global destination for the highest caliber of entertainment, we are thrilled to offer this spectacular compilation of events in our magical location. We look forward to having our local arts community join us for the opening evening and all the performances to follow.”
“Mashups in the Meadow” performance will showcase the incredible talents of former American Idol stars Diana DeGarmo, Ace Young, Melinda Dolittle, Brandon Rogers, and Alexis Grace. The program will consist of well known song pairings “mashed up” as well as a taste of each performer’s original music. Whether a fan from their time on the well-known talent reality show or just someone who loves hearing incredible singers perform live, this show is sure to please audience members of all ages.
“VOICE: A Night of Spoken Word” will be hosted by writer and storyteller Jon Goode. Four Atlanta performers will be joined by a live band as they share stories, poetry, and music. The performers for the evening include Amina Brown, Jonathan Samuel Eddy, Scotty Crowe, Kifayat, and Goode Stuff Experience.
“We were inspired by our visit to Serenbe to create, “SERENITY,” a unique and magical show that reflects the beauty of this special place.” said Kyle Kier from Les Farfadais. “Our multi-discipline circus troupe combines the talents of aerial art, acrobatics, and storytelling for a show that will give audience members a totally unique experience.”
The schedule of events is as follows:
“Mashups in the Meadow” with performers Diana DeGarmo, Ace Young, Melinda Dolittle, Brandon Rogers, and Alexis Grace
September 22, 2023 @ 7 pm
“VOICE: A Night of Spoken Word” hosted by Jon Goode
September 23, 2023 @ 7 pm
Les Farfadais and Art Farm present “SERENITY”:
September 26, 2023 @ 7 pm
September 27, 2023 @ 7 pm
September 28, 2023 @ 7 pm
September 29, 2023 @ 7 pm
September 30, 2023 @ 2pm
September 30, 2023 @ 7 pm
October 1, 2023 @ 2 pm
To buy tickets for Soiree at Serenbe and any of the above events, please visit this link.
The performing arts community will be offering over 75 events this year for the public
Today, the Art Farm at Serenbe team is thrilled to announce the 2023 programming filled with incredible productions from a wide variety of artists, performers and musicians. Designed for the public to enjoy, this year’s events are grounded in the global destination’s mission to offer performances rooted in nature celebrating both environmental resources and sustainability – the principles upon which Serenbe was founded.
“Our programming this year is incredibly exciting, and offers something for everyone to enjoy!” said Madalyn Mentor, Director of Operations for the Art Farm at Serenbe. “From Broadway stars to award-winning talent from across the globe, the artists coming to Art Farm at Serenbe this year are unmatched. We look forward to providing our audiences with the opportunity to connect with nature and the arts in a place unlike any other.”
In addition to the announced programming, Art Farm will also be sharing information on their biggest event scheduled for this Fall in a few short weeks – a series of events created especially for Serenbe from a world-class production team that is sure to “wow” event go-ers.
Events happening at Art Farm at Serenbe this year include:
Valentines with Joe Gransden
Feb 10 8:00 pm -9:30 pm
Joe Gransden returns to Serenbe with his quintet and all the sultry and romantic songs we love to hear. Bring your special Valentine and enjoy the classic sounds of Sinatra, Bennett, Connick and Cole as you warm up for this special holiday.
Spelman College Glee Club in Concert
Sat, Apr 15 6:00 pm -7:00 pm
Located in Serenbe’s beautiful wildflower meadow, join us for an early evening of extraordinary choral performance featuring the celebrated Spelman College Glee Club.The Spelman College Glee Club has maintained a reputation for choral excellence since 1924.Open by audition to all students of the College community, the Glee Club performs a repertoire that includes selections from world cultures, commissioned works, sacred and secular choral literature, Negro spirituals, and music by African American composers with a particular focus on harmonies that complement women’s voices. Currently under the direction of Dr. Kevin Johnson, associate professor of music.
Tertulia Spring
Thurs May 11- Sat May 13, 2023 Various Times
Tertulia is a chamber music series that presents concerts in an atmosphere that combines lively conversation and dining with the opportunity to hear the greatest performers of our time from around the globe. Performances this Mother’s Day weekend include a Lakeside Pavilion concert, afternoon picnic, and a special chef’s dinner in a private home at Serenbe. Something for everyone wishing to make Mom feel special.
Terminus Modern Ballet
Nov 3-6, Nov 10-12
Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre was founded in 2017 by five principal dance artists who struck out to create their own unique vision of dance. By bringing together the classical and contemporary dance forms and strengths of each of its principal artists, the company has become celebrated for the creation of daring and theatrical dance works.Through performance and contemporary storytelling, the company intends to expand conventional definitions of ballet and serve as a cultural terminus for the greater arts community.
Movies that Made Me
Date: TBA
Art Farm at Serenbe proudly presents their series “Movies That Made Me,” films presented by industry professionals about movies that shaped their lives. Come relax and learn about how and why these individuals got into the movies as well as the movies that guided their way.
Broadway in the Woods
Date: TBA
Broadway is coming to Art Farm at Serenbe in this new performance series featuring Broadway’s biggest and brightest stars. Each incredible performer will create a unique slate of show-stoppers and hidden gems from America’s quintessential art form, all with the beautiful natural setting of Serenbe as a backdrop. Join us for this magical theatrical experience!
Hang with Fatima
Dates: TBA
Famed choreographer Fatima Robinson will show us how to connect with nature through dance and the beautiful sounds of a remixed incredible choir recording. As the New York Times notes, Fatima Robinson is “one of the most sought-after hip-hop and popular music choreographers in the world.” Recent highlights include the 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show, Beyonce’s performance for the 2022 Oscars and as a producer of the 2022 Grammy Awards. Fatima was recently nominated for an Emmy Award for producing the highly regarded 2021 Grammy Awards.
For more information about upcoming events and to buy tickets today, visit www.artfarmatserenbe.org.
About Art Farm at Serenbe
Art Farm at Serenbe celebrates artistic excellence with an emphasis on programming experienced in magical outdoor places. As a unique global destination for the highest caliber of entertainment, Art Farm at Serenbe creates programming for audiences to experience the arts in the south, bringing cultural experts to Chattahoochee Hills through thoughtful, heart-centric collaboration. Art Farm is an arts incubator cultivating meaningful partnerships for programming, learning and outreach while respecting the lifestyle of the greater community and with care for the natural environment. We value the perspectives and contributions of all people and are committed to being an inclusive organization that welcomes and respects everyone.
Latest Pop-Up Features Tapas-Style Menu with Wine Pairings
Sunday, April 24 3-7pm
Explore Enzo’s Northern Italian flavors at an Apericena pop-up at The General Store at Serenbe on Sunday, April 24. Apericena is an informal meal serving tapas-style food, and Enzo’s menu features a three-course menu paired with three wines.
The menu boasts a first course of oysters and bubbles followed by tuna tartare, hamachi crudu, beet caponata, and bruschetta paired with a robust white wine. The third course rounds out the meal with wood-grilled spiedini misti made with beef, sausage and seafood served with sauces and vegetables and paired with a light red wine.
Enzo’s Apericena runs 3-7 p.m. and costs $60 per person. Tickets may be purchased online through Eventbrite.
Before Enzo—a new Northern Italy-inspired, chef-driven steakhouse and bar concept from Andrea Montobbio and Carmine Noce—opens in the summer in the Town at Trilith, guests are experiencing the restaurant through catering and private events, pop-ups and special events, and grab-and-go and take-home dishes available through select retail partners. View catering options and Enzo At Home menus on Enzo’s website and follow Enzo on Facebook and Instagram or visit the website for happenings in the community.
In between the rolling farmlands and the thick forest of South Atlanta sits a small town composed of small business, restaurants, and beautiful houses line the streets. One side, the farm is full of goats and horses, and on the other there is a cozy Inn where you can stay for the night. Serenbe, has come into its own as a day trip destination boasting everything from shopping to dining to the arts and everything in between. Recently, we took a short daytrip down there to explore the community, take in the grounds of the farm and Inn at Serenbe, then enjoy dinner at the The Farmhouse at Serenbe. This day had the perfect weather to sit on the sunporch at The Farmhouse at Serenbe and enjoy a cool Everlasting Lemonade and a stellar Herb Encrusted Lamb Rack. We can’t get over the delicious fare here with everything from carpaccio, foie gras, pork chops, lamb, and lemon cake. Plus, they grow a lot of their veggies in a garden on the grounds and locally source everything else. The Farmhouse is one of those spots you’ll remember forever.
Sitting on the sun porch and gazing out at the lush green lawn and beautiful sunshine, we sipped on the Berry Bramble, which was blackberry forward cocktail with the right balance of sweet from the fruit and spice from the ginger. This one is definitely refreshing! Our favorite cocktail of the day was the Everlasting Lemonade. This patio sitting sipper mixes lemonade and tart strawberries together into a slightly sweet and tart drink. Reminiscent of long summer days in the south, we’d recommend this one to anyone.
Starting with a pair of appetizers, we sampled the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio and Hudson Valley Foie Gras Terrine. The Wagyu Beef Carpaccio starts out with rich, tender beef brightened up with a fantastic, creamy truffle cream, earthy and crunchy capers, plus some deep truffle oil. As you roll around all the ingredients together on your fork, you get a good mix of meaty, creamy, earthy, and a little bit of crunch from the lettuce grown right on the grounds. On the other hand, the Hudson Valley Fois Gras Terrine combines meaty foie gras, tangy and bright dried fruit compote, and an amazing wine-tasting Riesling jelly. What’s amazing out this bite is that it tastes like a gourmet peanut butter and jelly! We’d recommend piling all the ingredients on the toast for the best bite!
For our entrees, we were treated to the divine Double-cut Pork Chop and an amazing Herb Encrusted Lamb Rack. The Double-cut Pork Chop is simply perfection of a pork chop being juicy, thick, and well-seasoned. The meat is so good, that the accoutrements are just icing of the cake. They’re just as special with sweet, creamy, and chunky grits mixing with the tangy and rustic collards and the apple adds a well-rounded brightness to the overall rich dish. When we say divine, we mean heavenly for sure! Needless to say, with how good the pork chop is, we were floored by Liz’s favorite, the Herb Encrusted Lamb Rack. Starting with the tender and succulent lamb perfectly cooked and adorned with mustard and herbs for a tangy, crunchy, and earthy bite. We cannot begin to describe the explosion of flavors this lamb brings. On top of that, the rutabaga puree beneath is sweet and creamy, the root vegetables are earthy, all mixing with the hearty lamb sauce and jus create an unimaginable bite. This dish will always be one of the best we’ve ever had, well, ever.
Being so full, we did save a little room for the Lemon Cake & Blueberry Compote. We love our lemon desserts and cakes. The cake itself was moist, yet dense that went so well with the thick, light icing, and the blueberries around it. The light and not over-sweet bite we needed to end our experience at The Farmhouse at Serenbe.
As the sun set over the rolling farmland, it splashed purples, blues, and pinks into the sky. If you ever need a little day trip or getaway just outside of Atlanta, this is your spot! Can’t wait to get back and try even more of their restaurants and spend a night in the Inn! If you could go to Serenbe would you?
