SAVANNAH—“Movin’ Out,” the Tony Award-winning new musical conceived, choreographed and directed by Twyla Tharp and based on 24 classic songs by Billy Joel, opens in Savannah at the Johnny Mercer Theatre on Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets, ranging from $32 to $52, went on sale Nov. 3 and can be purchased at the Johnny Mercer Theatre box office, online at www.savannahcivic.com or charged by phone at (912) 651-6556. Discounts are available for subscribers and groups of 20 or more by calling (912) 651-6557.

This engagement of “Movin’ Out” will mark the Savannah premiere of the show that critics say revolutionized musical theatre as we know it. “So exhilarating and soul-stirring, it practically bursts out of the theatre,” said Time Magazine.

“‘Movin’ Out’ is electrifying! The union of Tharp and Joel is one made in heaven,” raved the Chicago Tribune.

Told through the choreography of Twyla Tharp and more than two dozen of Billy Joel’s songs, “Movin’ Out” is the story of lifelong friends through two turbulent decades that change them and the world around them forever. Songs like “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and “Pressure” all come together to weave a musical backdrop which beautifully complements Tharp’s innovative choreography. The songs and dance take audiences through a poignant narrative comprised of three main elements: post-World War II idealism, the Vietnam War and its subsequent unrest, and finally, survival.

Many will recognize “Movin’ Out’s” main characters, as they come straight from Joel’s lyrics. There’s Brenda and Eddie from “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” Tony and Sergeant O’Leary from “Movin’ Out,” Judy from “Why, Judy, Why,” and James from “James”—and their story is told completely through dance, with no dialogue whatsoever. “Movin’ Out” is “a story told without language,” Tharp says. “The movement and the action tell the story—the experience, the emotional resonance, comes from action rather than language.”

The Broadway production of “Movin’ Out” played for over three years, closing on Dec. 11, 2005, after 28 previews and 1,303 regular performances. It joined the pantheon of great Broadway dance musicals when it surpassed the runs of “Contact, Fosse” and “Bring in ‘Da Noise/Bring in ‘Da Funk.” “Movin’ Out” received two 2003 Tony Awards – one for Tharp (best choreography) and one for Joel (best orchestrations).