Johnny Mercer Theatre Information
The Johnny Mercer Theatre plays host to an array of large-scale events and has seen big acts such as Chicago, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, and Jerry Seinfeld grace the stage of the auditorium. Situated in the heart of downtown Savannah, there are many shops, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance, making it ideal for both locals and visitors to explore before or after a performance.
More than just a performance venue, the Johnny Mercer Theatre is a cornerstone of Savannah’s cultural identity, offering a space for creativity, entertainment, and community connection. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor to the city, the theater provides an unforgettable setting for experiencing world-class performances and celebrating the artistic spirit that defines Savannah.
You can also host private events at the theater or other spaces within the Civic Center, the building has hosted many events from family shows and galas to corporate meetings and weddings.
If you’ve read any of the rave reviews about the Johnny Mercer Theatre, you might think that it is the main attraction for Savannah’s live performance scene. But it is only one part of the larger Savannah Civic Center facility. The facility, built-in Savannah, Georgia’s Historic District, was first constructed in 1974. It consisted of four main venues; the Martin Luther King Arena, West & East Promenades, the Civic Center Grand Ballroom, and of course, Johnny Mercer Theater. These venues work together to provide performance spaces and live venues for events from concerts, plays, and Broadway productions to college graduations, trade shows, comedy shows, and more. The Civic Center servers the larger Georgia community by providing a classy and spacious area that’s perfect for event planning, national gatherings, and shows, as well as all the tools required for production management.
Every year, the center hosts nearly 900 events from small one-time shows and events to annual events. These popular events include the Savannah Tire Hockey Classic as well as games for the Savannah Bees basketball team, the Savannah Spirits basketball team, and the Savannah Rug Ratz soccer team of the EISL. The facility has also hosted the 1986-87 Big South Conference men’s basketball tournament. Artists from all over the world are drawn to the facility for their biggest Georgia shows. As you can imagine, big-name entertainers always place the Savannah Civic Center’s venues on top of their list, whenever they want to appeal to the best crowds on their side of the country.
Given the mass appeal of the facility, visitors might be surprised to hear how close it came to being lost including The Oglethorpe Plan, which seeks to demolish the civic center to create more green space as of a vote in June 2019. Currently, longtime Savannah residents, led by Paul Mazo seeks to “Save the Mercer” by showing how important the venue is to the local arts community.
Visiting the various venues of the Savannah Civic Center, including the Johnny Mercer Theatre, is an excellent way of showing support to this important cause.
History of the Johnny Mercer Theatre in Savannah, Georgia
The Johnny Mercer Theatre was originally opened in 1990 as part of the Savannah Civic Center. The venue is named after Savannah-native Johnny Mercer who was a legendary figure in American music. Mercer was born in Savannah in 1909 and went on to achieve great fame as a lyricist, composer, and singer. His work includes writing some of the most enduring songs in American popular music, such as “Moon River,” “That Old Black Magic,” and “Hooray for Hollywood.”
In addition to major touring productions, the Johnny Mercer Theatre also supports local arts organizations. It has been the venue for performances by the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra, Savannah Ballet Theatre, and many local theater companies, providing a space for local talent to thrive alongside national and international acts.
It’s also an important venue for several of Savannah’s prominent cultural festivals. For example, it plays a key role in the Savannah Music Festival and the Savannah Film Festival, both of which bring global attention to the city and display its arts scene. These festivals help solidify the Johnny Mercer Theatre’s position as a key cultural institution in the city.
Over the years, the Johnny Mercer Theatre has undergone various renovations and upgrades to ensure it remains a top-tier venue for performances. The design reflects a balance between modern amenities and a sense of historical charm, consistent with Savannah’s architectural style.
Did you know?
Although the theater was named after Johnny Mercer, the musical legend never actually got the chance to perform at or visit the venue. Mercer passed away in 1976 just a few years before the theater opened its doors.
While you’re there, why not indulge your senses in other cultural activities? Head to the Savannah Historic District and take a walk down the cobblestone streets while reveling in the beauty and rich history of the district. There’s so much to do near the theater, you’ll want to stay longer!
Further information on Johnny Mercer Theatre:
Ticket Policies:
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Johnny Mercer Theatre Seating Chart:
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Johnny Mercer Theatre Parking:
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