The inaugural gala of the Savannah Performing Arts Festival celebrated local talent and performances despite recent funding challenges.
The first-ever Performing Arts Festival in Savannah kicked off on February 10, 2025, culminating in an inaugural gala on February 20. Despite a successful event filled with performances and local talent recognition, the festival faced a significant setback when a major sponsor withdrew support due to the inclusion of drag performances. Organizers remain optimistic, seeking community funding and ticket sales to bridge the financial gap and continue promoting diversity in the arts.
The enchanting city of Savannah recently kicked off the highly anticipated first-ever Performing Arts Festival, which began on February 10 and runs until February 22, 2025. The centerpiece of the festival, the grand inaugural gala held on February 20, 2025, was filled with anticipation, excitement, and a dash of controversy that has sparked discussions across the community.
The gala was a delightful affair, featuring a sumptuous dinner, live performances, and awards celebrating local talent in various performing arts genres. Attendees had the pleasure of enjoying a spectacular production of the Tony Award-winning musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder. This musical, directed by the talented Karla Knudsen and featuring music direction by Diane Houseman, promises a theatrical experience that will keep audiences laughing and gasping in turns.
Performances of the musical are slated for February 14, 15, 21, and 22, with shows starting at 7 p.m. and extra matinee performances at 2 p.m. on the weekends. The lead role of Montague “Monty” Navarro, who finds himself in a complicated family affair surrounding a potential inheritance, is portrayed by Jordan Jones, the recipient of Connect Savannah’s 2024 Best Actor Award. Meanwhile, the entire D’Ysquith family will be brought to life by the versatile actor Justin Kent.
However, amidst the festivities, a significant hiccup emerged. One of the festival’s major five-figure sponsors unexpectedly withdrew their support due to the inclusion of drag performances and discussions around them. While the identity of this sponsor has not been disclosed, it has been confirmed they are a private individual from outside Savannah’s vibrant community. The festival, organized by the Savannah Performance Alliance and documented on their website, OnStageSavannah.com, hoped to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the arts, which may have intersected uncomfortably with the sponsor’s values.
With this funding setback, Chris Bass, the executive director of the festival, expressed disappointment but remains optimistic. The team is actively seeking ways to overcome the financial gap, relying heavily on ticket sales and local donations as vital solutions. Responding to the community’s enthusiasm for the arts, the festival organizers have set out to celebrate all facets of performing arts, undeterred by the sponsor’s withdrawal.
Ticket packages for over 20 thrilling events, including the gala, are currently available at early bird pricing ranging from $139 to $249. Individual tickets have been available for purchase since January 17, 2025, making it easier for patrons to dive into the festival’s rich programming.
The Savannah Performing Arts Festival has positioned itself as a beacon of creativity and inclusivity, aiming to showcase the unique talent that thrives in the community. While the recent sponsor setback is unfortunate, the festival’s organizers remain hopeful and are committed to their mission of bringing people together through the power of performing arts.
With a variety of performances, community awards, and artistic presentations, the festival is bound to be a noteworthy chapter in Savannah’s cultural scene—one that celebrates all performing arts and builds a stronger, more inclusive creative community.
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