It's spooooky season, the leaves are changing and the weather is finally getting colder, making me want to bundle up and come indoors. It probably doesn't surprise you to know that one of my all-time favorite cozy (and maybe spooky) places is the Savoy.
Legend has it that the Savoy is haunted by a friendly but discerning ghost who really loves a good show. Built in 1889, in a neighborhood brimming with wonderful history, how could it not be? The space itself has been many things: a social hall, a home, and even a vanilla factory. It's said the smell of vanilla wafted into the neighborhood from our humble spot well into the 1990s. Our ghost loves to ride the elevator (new in the remodel done by the Frank Family), to change the music in the lobby when it’s not the right fit, and sometimes flickers the lights when it likes the show happening in the ballroom.
If you're reading this, you've probably already been there. You've walked up those stairs and been enveloped in the magic of the lobby, with the little light-up desk (handmade by Buba Basishvilli and holding bits and bobs of things found in the walls during construction). You've followed the delicious smell of popcorn to the bar with its cute little couches and strange jukebox. Our bar manager, Leah, is always coming up with delicious new cocktails and potions to delight your palate, and each of our bartenders is an artist in their own right; ask them what cool project they're working on next!
But my favorite space of all is the ballroom (also called the Social Hall). As a producer, I love the way it can transform into anything: I’ve loved that I can throw up an aerial rig to bring a little circus magic, and then, have free reign to bring some magical experiences to life. From magical elf-filled snowball fights and holiday splendor, to a full cardboard box labyrinth and goblin ball, I can bring you into my wildest and weirdest dreams.
And it isn't only my shows. Supporting artists is at the heart of what we do, through subsidized rent and increased marketing, so I've seen a lot of performances in that room, and watching other artists transform it might be the best part. From jazz to blues, rap to tango, I've been lucky enough to experience talented musicians play their hearts out. I've watched BETC turn it into a pub in Ireland and into a witchy little cottage, the Wit took us camping with puppets, and Theatre Artibus once turned it into a pastry shop where the air smelled of chocolate.
It's a magical space, and I would love to hear your own memories of it. It's the perfect time of year to pop by, try a magical beverage, and enjoy a show. And keep an eye out for that little flicker of the lights: our resident critic may be leaving his review.
