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Movin Out kicks off Broadway in Savannah season
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SAVANNAH–Jam Theatricals proudly announces the Broadway in Savannah 2008-09 Season highlighted by the Tony Award-winning “Movin’ Out,” featuring the music of Billy Joel.

The Broadway in Savannah 2008-09 Season also includes “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” starring Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis in the 30th anniversary tour of this 1930’s classic revue; “Sweeney Todd-The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” the live stage Sondheim thriller that inspired the Tim Burton and Johnny Depp movie; the 10th anniversary tour of “Footloose,” based on the 1980s film; “The Rat Pack is Back!,” Vegas’ four favorite sons come together for this spirited tribute to Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey Bishop; and “The Pajama Game,” the feisty, frisky Broadway classic with hits like “Steam Heat” and “Hernando’s Hideaway.”

“We are thrilled to continue our commitment to bringing high quality Broadway shows to Savannah,” said Steve Traxler, president of Jam Theatricals. “This is our seventh season with the Johnny Mercer Theatre and we are thrilled to bring the Savannah premiere of ‘Movin’ Out,’ a collaboration between music star Billy Joel and legendary Broadway choreographer Twyla Tharp. With this exciting line-up, the 2008-09 season is a must-see.”

This year’s subscription offers include the Four-Show Classic Series, which includes Ain’t Misbehavin’, Sweeney Todd, Footloose and The Pajama Game. The Five-Show Premiere Series is also offered this season, which includes all the shows of the Classic Series plus Movin’ Out. Prices range from $110 to $240 depending on the series and seating choice. The Rat Pack is Back! can be added to any package for an additional cost.

Subscriptions to this exciting season are on sale now. Subscriber benefits include guaranteed same seats to all season shows, as well as the chance to renew those seats from year to year. Subscribers also receive ticket discounts to all shows and the first chance to purchase tickets to any added shows. Tickets are received by mail to avoid box office lines and lost ticket insurance is included free.

Subscription renewals are available now. New subscriber orders will be processed in the order they are received after all current subscribers’ renewal requests have been processed. All seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

For information about subscription renewals or becoming a new subscriber of the 2008-09 Broadway in Savannah Season call the subscription hotline at (912) 651-6557 or (800) 351-7469, visit the Johnny Mercer Theatre box office or visit www.savannahcivic.com

About Jam Theatricals
Jam Theatricals is a Chicago-based entertainment company that presents and produces Broadway engagements throughout North America. Founded in 1997 by Arny Granat, Jerry Mickelson and Steve Traxler, Jam Theatricals manages subscription seasons in more than 30 cities.

Jam has presented notable national touring productions including “Cats,” “The Producers,” “Stomp,” “Les Misérables,” “Mamma Mia!,” “Hairspray,” “Miss Saigon” and “Riverdance.” Jam Theatricals is the recipient of three Tony Awards for producing “The History Boys” (Best Play- 2006), “Monty Python’s Spamalot” (Best Musical- 2005), and “Glengarry Glen Ross” (Best Revival of a Play- 2005) on Broadway.

The Broadway in Savannah 2008-09 Season presented by Jam Theatricals
“Movin’ Out”

Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.

Five-time Grammy-winner Billy Joel and legendary director/choreographer Twyla Tharp joined forces for the spectacular new musical The New York Times calls “a shimmering portrait of an American generation.” Movin’ Out brings 24 Billy Joel classics to life in the story of five friends over two turbulent decades.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’”  starring Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis

Jan. 18 at 7 p.m.

Don’t miss the 30th Anniversary Tour of Ain’t Misbehavin’ starring 2003 American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis, 2003 American Idol contestant and star of Rent on Broadway. The comic and musical soul of 1930s Harlem is showcased in this rollicking revue that is one of Broadway’s most well-crafted shows. Sassy and sultry, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is unforgettable.

“Sweeney Todd-The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” 

Feb. 7 at 8 p.m.

Experience live on stage the musical that inspired the Tim Burton and Johnny Depp movie. When the infamous demon barber takes up with crafty Mrs. Lovett, the two embark on a delicious plot to slice through London’s upper crust. Justice is served with lush melody, audacious humor and hair-raising excitement.

“Footloose”

Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Based on the 1980s film starring Kevin Bacon that took the world by storm with its youthful spirit, dazzling dance and electrifying music, Footloose  tells the story of a city boy, Ren who moves to rural America where dancing is banned. He reminds the town that it’s no sin to be young, have fun and dance! Now in its 10th anniversary tour, “Footloose” show serves up classic ’80s hits including “Holding Out For A Hero,” “Almost Paradise,” “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” and of course the ’80s theme “Footloose.”

“The Rat Pack is Back!”

March 31 at 7:30 p.m.

This spirited tribute recreates the “Summit at the Sands” hotel shows, when the “Rat Pack” created a nightclub act starring Vegas’ four favorite sons: Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop. Written and produced by Sandy Hackett, son of comedian Buddy Hackett, “The Rat Pack is Back!” features uncanny vocal recreations, unbridled humor, and a big band that sends audiences back with hits “That’s Amore,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” and more.

“The Pajama Game”

April 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Bright and riotously funny, this frisky tale is theatre at its best with this all-new production of the Tony Award- winning, Broadway smash hit  “The Pajama Game.” A feisty employee representative finds her match in a pajama shop superintendent, and when the two get together, they discuss much more than job actions. The energetic score by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross brims with popular hits such as “Steam Heat” and “Hernando’s Hideaway.”

Savannah, Richmond Hill, Tybee ready for July 4 celebrations
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The Savannah Waterfront Association will hold its annual 4th of July celebration, including fireworks, Monday on River Street from 4-10 p.m.

VIP seating for viewing fireworks will be available for active and retired military and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Hypnotics will perform from 8-10 p.m., including a patriotic set during the fireworks to complement the show.

The fireworks sponsored at 9:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to park off of River Street since the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department will close the street from 6 p.m.-3 a.m.

Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are gearing up for this weekend’s July 4th and First Friday festivities; and ask the public to be mindful of traffic conditions in the Downtown area.

In anticipation of potential road delays, Metro will increase traffic and foot patrols in the Downtown festival area, starting Friday afternoon. Officers also will patrol Hutchinson Island in greater force to assist with traffic flow, prevent bottle-necking and help move motorists safely. To ensure safety and help minimize delays, motorists are asked to be vigilant, patient and co-operative.

Public parking lots on River Street will close on Monday at about 3 a.m. until early Tuesday afternoon. River Street will close to vehicular traffic Monday at 3 p.m. and will reopen early Tuesday morning.

All traffic and parking laws will be enforced on in Downtown Savannah and Hutchinson Island. Vehicles parked in the roadway, or in a manner that obstructs traffic will be towed at the owner’s expense. Please note that parking vehicles on the Truman Parkway and Talmadge Bridge also is dangerous and illegal.

Interstate 16 will be available to drivers leaving the firework show. To leave Downtown, traffic originating from points beyond Bay Street will be directed away from Martin Luther King Boulevard to other routes, such as Whitaker and West Bay streets. Westbound traffic on Bay Street will be directed to East Lathrop Avenue to access I-16 via Louisville Road.

Police recommend use of city parking garages, where drivers will be given maps for the easiest Downtown exit routes following the firework display. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, expect delays and heed posted signage. The key components of the traffic plan include:

Prohibiting traffic from turning southbound onto Whitaker from Bay. Westbound traffic on Bay Street will be directed to alternate routes to I-16 through East Lathrop and Louisville Road, or through Garden City.

Parking garage traffic will be routed southbound on MLK, Whitaker and Price streets.

Alternate routes to I-16 are West Gwinnett and 37th streets. Price Street also can be used to get to 37th Street, which will take traffic to westbound I-16.

Additional signage will be deployed to assist drivers in locating the alternative routes to I-16.

Traffic may be heavy along Highway 80 for those leaving Tybee Island’s fireworks display. There is a slight potential for shallow coastal flooding due to King Tides July 4.  At this time, this flooding is not expected to close Highway 80. Remember if there is shallow coastal flooding:

Traffic headed toward Wilmington Island via President Street should flow as usual.

Also please remember that the city curfew law remains in effect for this event.  All persons 16 years of age and under must be off the streets at 11 p.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Officers will be enforcing this ordinance.

As always you can stay up to date with the latest on the Festival, road closures and other related updates by following the Twitter feed @SCMPD, Facebook or www.scmpd.org.

Richmond Hill will host 4th of July events Saturday, starting with Star Spangled Cars and Coffee from 9-11 a.m. Car owners can bring in a car and interact with other automobile enthusiasts. Visitors can bring the family to view the cars and tour the Richmond Hill History Museum, formerly the Henry Ford Kindergarten. Admission to the event is free and coffee can be purchased for 25 cents with a $1 donation to the museum. This event will take place at the Richmond Hill History Museum located at 11460 Ford Ave. 

Fort McAllister will hold its 4th of July celebration Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with living history programs including demonstrations of Civil War drills and rifle and cannon firings. Visitors can participate in old fashioned games including sack races, an egg toss, wheel barrow races and a Civil War-era baseball game. Fresh watermelon will be available.  Admission for this event is $8 per adult (18+), $5 per Youth (6-17), under 6 are free. For more information, call (912) 727-2339.

Richmond Hill will kick off its annual Red, White, and Blue Independence Day Celebration at J. F. Gregory Park located at 521 Cedar St. For more information, visit www.richmondhill-ga.gov or call (912) 756-3345.

Tybee Island changed the date of their annual  fireworks from Sunday, July 3 to Monday, July 4. The Independence Day celebration will held be at the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion with a fireworks extravaganza. It will be held from 9:30-10 p.m.