Theatre History
The Savannah Theatre opened its doors on December 4th, 1818 with a production of the comedy "The Soldier's Daughter" and a farce, "Raising The Wind."
The original structure was designed by renowned architect William Jay. Among Jay's other celebrated works is the Telfair Mansion, built for Alexander Telfair in 1819.
In its first 20 years the Theatre would change hands several times, twice at auction. But in 1838 a more stable stock company was organized and the theatre was incorporated in December of that year.
Edwin Booth played several engagements at the Theatre in February of 1876. Although probable, it is unknown as to whether or not Booth's brother, John Wilkes, played here as well.
During a January 1896 engagement, the famed duo of Henry Irving and Ellen Terry was accompanied by their manager, Bram Stoker, who would later gain fame as the author of "Dracula."
One of the most unique performances in the Theatre's history took place in November 1911, when baseball legend Ty Cobb appeared in *The College Widow.*
Over the past two centuries, the Theatre has undergone multiple renovations due to damage caused by fires.
Following the 1948 fire, the Theatre was remodeled into its current Art Deco style.
The Theatre re-opened as a movie house on October 21, 1950, with a screening of *Mister Eighty-Eight* starring Burt Lancaster and Dorothy McGuire.
In the fall of 1993, the Theatre was leased to Paramount Pictures for the production of Forrest Gump and served as the wardrobe and makeup headquarters for the actors and extras in the Tom Hanks “bench” scenes (Hanks had his own trailer at the opposite end of Chippewa Square).
Today, the Savannah Theatre has been restored as a wonderful example of the 1940's Art Deco style. We invite you to stop in and visit the museum in our lobby which includes more artifacts, newspaper articles, and photographs from the past.