News: New Oak Theatre Delivers Intimate, Impactful Night with "I Could Use a Drink" at 208 Wine Bar

New Oak Theatre, Savannah’s rising force in professional stage theatre, presented an emotionally charged and musically rich performance of I Could Use a Drink by Drew Gasparini at 208 Wine Bar, delighting a sold-out audience with a night of storytelling, song, and local flavor.

Held in the cozy and elegant setting of 208 Wine Bar, the performance brought together powerful vocals, raw emotion, and relatable narratives as performers Sareé Fioravanti, Jonah Harmon, Chase Brackett, and Sarah Brackett gave voice to Gasparini’s modern song cycle. Each number captured the highs and lows of life’s defining moments—exploring themes like teen pregnancy, love and heartbreak, familial responsibility, and the ongoing search for belonging—with striking vulnerability and heart.

Music director Tim Evans provided masterful accompaniment on the keys, giving the singers a solid, expressive foundation to shine. The intimate venue created a direct connection between performers and audience, turning each song into a personal confession shared across wine glasses and candlelight.

Beyond the music, New Oak Theatre created a community experience. Attendees browsed and purchased branded merchandise including T-shirts, tote bags, and stickers, while enjoying artisan popcorn from Pooler’s Popcorn Geeks. A lively raffle offered gift cards to local businesses such as Java Burrito and Stretch Zone, a curated gift basket from Locally Made Savannah, and even a bottle of wine from the hosting venue—drawing cheers and smiles throughout the night.

In a city known more for its historic charm than contemporary performance art, I Could Use a Drink struck a deep chord. Several attendees shared how they had recently relocated from New York City and were surprised—and thrilled—to discover professional theatre in Savannah that matched the caliber they had come to expect in larger cities.

The evening wasn’t just a performance; it was a declaration. New Oak Theatre is here, and it’s raising the bar for what professional theatre can be in Savannah.