Reviews for Zach Theatre Performances
Review: Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Zach Theatre
by Michael Meigs
Published on May 15, 2022
One particular attraction of MR. HATCH, particularly for family audiences is a clever reversal of roles. Here, it's the young narrator who becomes the coach and encourager to the despondent adult.
Allen Robertson has delivered a gentle miracle at the Zach Theatre with his adaptation of Eileen Spinelli's 1991 picture book Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch. Three well-known and admired adult actors are matched by the lively young character Melanie Todd, played by a rotation of three young women from Zach's theatre program. The production takes places in the Kleberg Theatre, configured as a theatre-in-the-square, around which the audience find themselves up close and personal. …
Review: A Christmas Carol: A Rockin' Family Musical by Zach Theatre
by Brian Paul Scipione
Published on December 12, 2021
Zach Theatre’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a wonderful response to the difficulties the Austin theater world has faced over the last few years, declaring that just as Dickens's tale is timeless, so is the spirit of creative endeavor of those who channel it.
Upon entering the Topfer Theatre at Zach to watch its first indoor production since the pandemic began, one discovered a stark reminder of the significance of this moment: a simple piece of paper on each seat stating, “This seat has been empty for 626 days.” The choice of play with its triumphant ending matched the celebratory attitude that dominated the crowd who'd made donations to purchase glow sticks to enliven the party atmosphere of singing, …
Review: Into The Woods by Zach Theatre
by Michael Meigs
Published on October 14, 2021
No one wants to be alone. Do yourself a favor; find an evening to spin on your axis to enjoy the music, comedy, disappointments, and tragedies. You know -- like in real life.
We've all been lost in the metaphorical woods for the last year and a half, and it's no wonder that Zach producing artistic director Dave Steakley turned to the haunting, wrenching, and perennial Into the Woods for Zach Theatre's return to live narrative performance. He's eloquent about that decision in his director's note to the intangible but nevertheless substantial program, accessible by QR code and smartphone: The idea for this production originated last year, just …
Review: Tameca Jones Concert by Zach Theatre
by Brian Paul Scipione
Published on April 20, 2021
Tameca Jones opened up about the challenges of having to live up to so many different personas expected of her, including bad-ass, alluring, powerful, and sexy. Her true self still outshines them all.
Zach Theatre’s answer to the obstacles of practicing safe social distancing while keeping live theatre and entertainment thriving, Songs Under the Stars continues throughout the spring season with shows till May 23, 2021. The venue has done an excellent job of adopting with an outdoor stage, lighting, and sound systems enhanced by the beauty of the night sky (the clarity of the night sky not guaranteed). The staff and volunteers are well trained …
Review: Legendary Ladies of the Grand Ole Opry by Zach Theatre
by Brian Paul Scipione
Published on April 01, 2021
These performers delivering classic country songs with true heart and soul put to shame today’s top-40 formulaic country songs—with powerhouse renditions and wonderful jokes and anecdotes.
The Grand Ole Opry has a long history dating back to its origins as a radio show on Nashville's WSM, a radio station established by the National Life & Accident Insurance Company on November 28, 1925. George D. Hay, an immensely popular radio announcer, called his weekly show the WSM Barn Dance (the name “Grand Ole Opry” was introduced in 1927). An opry is an Americanized form of the word opera. By the …
Review: A Night with Janis Joplin by Zach Theatre
by David Glen Robinson
Published on February 03, 2020
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN gives meaning to the otherwise trite phrase that the music lives on. We all can be grateful for that.
Zach Theatre has once again produced one of its brightest assets, A Night with Janis Joplin, at the Topfer Theatre. The show is perfect for midwinter in Austin. The blues and rock songs, sung and played by headliner Mary Bridget Davies and a highly talented ensemble of singers and musicians, give us a set of popular music of the Sixties and earlier decades of blues singers. Davies makes a career specialty of Joplin; she …