The Savannah VOICE Festival (SVF) is excited to announce a series of new family friendly shows for its thirteenth season, “Once Upon a Time”, celebrating 25 years of the Milnes VOICE Programs on Aug. 7-17. Scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., the new shows include “My Simple Wish” on Saturday, Aug. 9, “Cinderella’s Royal Feast: A World Premiere” on Thursday, Aug. 14 and “Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tales Come Alive” on Saturday, Aug. 15.

“My Simple Wish” by David Friedman will be performed at Asbury Memorial Church in Savannah, located at 1008 E. Henry Street. Friedman is a renowned composer of Broadway and American Song, famed conductor and arranger of famous Disney scores and winner of the 1997 Johnny Mercer Award for Songwriter of the Year. All are welcome to join Friedman as he presents the featured artists in a special concert of his career’s music, including some family-favorite Disney songs. MVPs are invited to stay for a post-show Meet-and-Greet with the artists.

“Cinderella’s Royal Feast: A World Premiere” by Michael Ching will be performed at the Yamacraw Center for the Performing Arts in Savannah, located at 649 W Jones Street. As a sequel to Rossini's “La Centerentola,” Ching’s fairy tale opera transports viewers to a special party celebrating Cinderella’s wedding. Suitable for both children and adults, the story was written with the help of Savannah-Chatham County School students. Through a collaboration with Savannah Chatham County Public School System, this will be an evening of musical whimsy and wonder for all to enjoy.

“Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tales Come Alive,” directed by Fabrizio Melano and Maria Zouves, will be performed at the First Presbyterian Church of Savannah, located at 520 Washington Avenue. The popularity of fairy tales in opera, musical theatre and song makes this an event ideal for the whole family. Attendees of all ages will be captivated by the iconic stories and styles that take place in a delightful concert of scenes.

“Our new family friendly shows are crafted to enchant audiences of all ages through the magic of music,” said Evelina Erickson, Executive Director of SVF. “This season, we are inviting families to experience the power and beauty of the vocal arts.”

Tickets to these shows start at $42.50 for standard seating and $68.50 for premium seating. For a full lineup of all Savannah VOICE Festival concerts, performances, master classes and other events or to purchase tickets, please call 855-766-7372, email [email protected] or visit www.savannahvoicefestival.org.

Savannah VOICE Festival is a 501(c) 3 tax exempt nonprofit arts organization in the state of Georgia. The Festival brings classical vocal excellence to the Savannah area through a two-week celebration of concerts, events, and educational presentations during the month of August and throughout the year. Focusing on arts awareness and audience development in the performing arts, it offers music from opera, musical theatre, and popular song. The Savannah VOICE Festival is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly. GCA is a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Donations are tax-deductible.