Some may think it’s a bit too early for Christmas decorations, but Savannah Repertory Theatre’s Christmas in July festival will add some holiday cheer to this hot, hot summer.
Festivities wrap up this week with the final concert of the Christmas in July Concert Series on Thursday, and the Christmas in July Maker’s Bazaar on Saturday, July 29.
"The idea for Christmas in July is to promote and elevate the work of local artists and businesses, utilize the beautiful space we have downtown, and generate an opportunity for people to engage even more with The Rep," said Luisa Nolasco, ,marketing and development director of Savannah Rep.
The group’s space at 402 E. Broughton St. has transformed into a Christmas wonderland, and many people walking by have stopped in to inquire about the early decorations.
"We wanted to be something that would catch someone's attention while they're walking by on Broughton. The building has so many windows, and we’ve taken advantage of that. It's fun seeing people looking at the trees, and then they see Christmas in July and go, ‘Oh, that makes sense’," said Nolasco.
On Thursday, July 27 at 8:00 p.m., it's “Andy and Mandy's Hard Candy Christmas, a Holiday Hoedown,” with Andrew Sovine, Mandy Madson, Phillip Reynolds Price on keys, Jalen Reyes on drums, and Dylan Puckett on bass, showcasing a country and a bluegrass themed Christmas. The concert is $25.
On Saturday, the Maker’s Bazaar will feature many local businesses in a variety of crafts, including jewelry making, visual arts, and more.
"The Maker’s Bazaars that we've been having have had a myriad of different makers, like painters and other forms of art. Even people focused on the metaphysical side of it with crystals and many other fun creations," said Nolasco.
Savannah Rep has had a busy summer. In June, they held a few visual art students’ installations on display at The Rep. They also formed a partnership with the Savannah Stage Company with their presentation of "Spring Awakening", and produced the Christmas in July series.
"We want the community in general to be able to utilize this space as well and enjoy it as much as we do. Our next big show will be in September with the show ‘Empanada Loca’," said Nolasco.
Inspired by the legend of Sweeney Todd, "Empanada Loca" is a new play about a determined woman who knows that, in this dog-eat-dog world, only one rule matters: eat or be eaten.
Savannah Rep was founded in 2016 and has become a part of the cultural fabric of Savannah as the city’s flagship professional non-profit theater.
"We aim to utilize our space not only for ourselves but as a platform to elevate and showcase local artists, businesses, and organizations like the ones we are doing for Christmas in July. We wanted to reflect the complexity of our community, and we didn't want it to limit the potential that it has," said Nolasco.
"There is no limit to the space, and that's how we want the space to be, especially for us at the Rep as well. When it comes to our shows, we always want the audience to expect something different when they're coming to see a show or whatever that's happening here in the Rep Downtown," said Nolasco.
For more information about "Christmas in July" and to purchase tickets for the concert and upcoming shows, visit savannahrep.org.
