Wondering what to do this week, but tired of hopelessly sifting through event websites and online calendars? Well Savannah Made Simple has done the hard work for you, and curated the best of what is happening in Savannah this week.
Savannah Theatre welcomes ‘Les Misérables’ for performances Sept. 15, 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, the musical follows Jean Valjean, Javert, Cosette and a cast of unforgettable characters through years of hardship, hope and upheaval. The score features some of musical theater’s best known songs, while the story moves between intimate moments and large scale scenes of revolution. Whether ‘Les Misérables’ is already a favorite or this will be your introduction to the classic, seeing it performed at Savannah Theatre makes for an engaging evening in one of the city’s historic entertainment spaces.
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Jazz takes over Savannah Sept. 18 through 20 as the ‘Savannah Jazz Festival’ fills several local venues with performances throughout the weekend. Friday’s schedule begins in the evening, Saturday stretches from afternoon into night, and Sunday wraps things up with an afternoon session. The variety of locations and performers gives the festival a distinctly local feel, making it easy to build an afternoon or evening around the music. It’s a chance to hear live jazz in different Savannah settings, wander between events and settle into the relaxed pace that makes this annual gathering a favorite for music lovers.
Madison Ryann Ward heads to Victory North on September 18, bringing a soulful mix of folk, Americana and roots inspired songwriting to the Savannah stage. Ward’s music puts plenty of emphasis on her distinctive voice, with songs that move between stripped back intimacy and fuller atmospheric arrangements. The 8 p.m. performance should make for a more laid back start to the weekend than a typical high volume concert. If thoughtful songwriting and expressive vocals are more your speed, this is a good opportunity to hear an artist whose sound sits comfortably between several different musical traditions.
The ‘Savannah Philharmonic’ heads to the Lucas Theatre on September 19 for a performance of Gustav Holst’s The Planets, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Written in the early 20th century, the seven movement orchestral suite gives each planet its own musical character, from the forceful opening of “Mars” to the quieter, mysterious close of “Neptune.” Hearing the full work performed live gives the music room to build from delicate passages into much larger orchestral peaks. The Lucas Theatre provides an especially fitting setting for an evening centered on one of classical music’s most recognizable and ambitious compositions.
A night of stand up is on the schedule at the Johnny Mercer Theater when ‘Gary Owen’ performs September 19 at 8 p.m. Owen has built his comedy around stories and observations drawn from family life, relationships, everyday frustrations and the situations people recognize from their own lives. His conversational style and willingness to lean into a story give his shows a distinctly personal feel. This Savannah appearance offers a chance to spend a Saturday evening with live comedy rather than another concert or party, making it a natural pick for anyone who would rather spend the weekend laughing than dancing.
Victory North turns into the setting for ‘Fresh Day Party XL’ on September 19, with the event getting started at 8 p.m. The night is geared toward people who want music, dancing and a social atmosphere rather than a sit down performance. Bring a group of friends, make an evening of it and settle in for a party that is designed to keep the crowd moving. With Saturday night in full swing, Fresh Day Party XL fits neatly into a Savannah weekend itinerary for anyone looking for something more upbeat. It’s less about a formal program and more about enjoying the night as it unfolds.
