KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
September 30, 2020
By Jennifer Miko
Julie and the Phantoms premiered earlier this month on Netflix, and the series and the soundtrack have captured worldwide fans. 20-year-old Katy actress, Savannah May showcases the well-polished dance moves, vocal talents, and confident acting abilities that caught the attention of award-winning director Kenny Ortega.
Savannah May, center, in Julie and the Phantoms; Photo: Courtesy of Netflix
The teen series, Julie and the Phantoms, embodies the formula for success that built the Descendants franchise – talented cast, extravagant musical numbers, romance, and plot twists (some in ghostly forms). Savannah May appears front and center in two high-energy dance numbers. Since the premiere, fans have been trying to break down the complicated choreography.
Recently, the Julie and the Phantoms team released side-by-side videos comparing rehearsal performances of musical numbers to clips used in the show. Savannah has received high praise on social media for her command of the choreography. Fans have posted comments asking Kenny Ortega to feature her more, and many have begged for a season two.
Watch Savannah perform "Make Em Say Wow" from Julie and the Phantoms.
In Julie and the Phantoms, Savannah admits her character, Carrie, is unlike any she’s played. She describes her as the queen bee of Los Feliz High – the resident “diva mean girl.”
“It was a major change from what I’m used to playing but it was a challenge that I was ready for!” says Savannah.
Savannah May in Julie and the Phantoms; Photo: Courtesy of Netflix
But the series does check off Savannah’s favorite boxes with “high energy dance numbers, catchy lyrics, and fabulous costumes.” Plus, working with Ortega.
“Kenny is the kind of director every actor dreams of working with,” says Savannah. “You can tell just by watching him work on set that he has such a passion for what he does and wants everyone to love what they’re doing. With that kind of infectious energy on set, you can’t help but have a blast creating the beautiful world that is Julie and The Phantoms.”
In the series, Savannah joins the ranks of well-known, Ortega alums Jadah Marie (Descendants), and Booboo Stewart (Descendants), and reunites with Owen Patrick Joyner (Alex) her former Knight Squad (Nickelodeon) castmate.
Check Out the trailer for Julie and the Phantoms.
The Julie and the Phantoms cast album was released on September 10, and Savannah is featured on two tracks. The album reached the number one spot on the iTunes albums chart the week of September 16, and currently remains in the top 10.
Watch the Julie and the Phantoms series on Netflix, and read more about Savannah in Katy Magazine.