Reviews for Zach Theatre Performances
Review #2 of 2: THE GREAT SOCIETY by Robert Schekkan, Zach Theatre, January 25 - March 5, 2017
by David Glen Robinson
Published on February 12, 2017
The GREAT SOCIETY by Robert Schenkkan is one ponderous battleship of a stage presentation, driven forward by Steve Vinovich as LBJ, one of our most imperial presidents. It's a political and historical thriller.
The Great Society by Robert Schenkkan is one ponderous battleship of a stage presentation. At three hours and ten minutes, it could have won the Battle of the Phillippine Sea singlehandedly in extended combat, given its nonstop narrative discourses. People who lived through the tumultuous mid-sixties of the Johnson Administration can recall bits of the conversations and events of the time recreated in the play.Schenkkan has woven actual speeches by President Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ), …
Review #1 of 2: THE GREAT SOCIETY by Robert Schekkan, Zach Theatre, January 25 - March 5, 2017
by Brian Paul Scipione
Published on February 12, 2017
Three acts, many characters, with a laugh or sigh or a gasp from the audience every five minutes. The script is marvelous: dense but easy to take in. Whether or not you know this period in U.S. history, but especially if you lived through it, I recommend this production.
Tour de force: a masterly or brilliant stroke, creation, effect or accomplishment. A tour de force is easily defined but not so easily described. So to say that Zach Theatre’s latest production, The Great Society, is a tour de force is accurate but not particularly enlightening. And yet this exact turn of phrase is required because of the generous scope of the play. It wouldn’t do to say things like well done, on point or …
Review: A Christmas Carol: A Rockin' Musical by Zach Theatre
by Michael Meigs
Published on December 05, 2016
Director Steakley serves up a production with more elegant delights than a mail-order fruitcake from Neiman Marcus.
That glossy Zach Theatre program produced by PAPI is emblazoned with a leapin' rock 'n' roll picture and the bright legend LET'S PARTY! It reflects precisely director Dave Steakley's creative aim with this third iteration of A Christmas Carol. It no longer carries the explanatory gloss A Rockin' Musical, but that's exactly what it is -- more than two hours of lively entertainment, offering covers of pop music and swift-moving stage choreography to amplify the …
Review: Charlotte's Web by Zach Theatre
by Michael Meigs
Published on October 19, 2016
Bright, fun, and at the same time subtly educational for all ages, this happy theatrical version at the Zach's Kleberg Theatre is a gift and a reward in itself.
Bright, funny and engaging, the Zach Theatre production of Charlotte's Web is a delight, not only for the young and their parents but also for all those who had the good fortune either to read the E.B. White classic or to have it read to them. White's story, so simple and gentle, offers some comedy, a fine tale of friendship, and an ever-so-gentle brush up against the question of mortality. Fun and yet subtly educational …
Review: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert by Zach Theatre
by Brian Paul Scipione
Published on October 14, 2016
PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT, has all the makings of a classic, but in many ways it's still in its heyday. The Austin debut only strengthens its legacy.
How long does it take to become a classic? Priscilla Queen of the Desert was first produced as an independent Australian film in 1994. In 2006, it was adapted for the musical stage and debuted in Sydney, Australia. It is the sweet story of a drag queen who is shocked to learn he has a son from his former life. In stereotypical fabulous style, he decides he can’t just jump in the car and drive …
Review: Mary Poppins by Zach Theatre
by Brian Paul Scipione
Published on August 05, 2016
As director Dave Steakley muses in his production notes: Mary Poppins lives in a fantasy world, and the point of visiting her is to forget your cares in the real world. And there is nothing wrong with that.
“First of all let me make one thing quite clear… I never explain anything.” Perhaps my favorite line from the musical Mary Poppins, this classic one liner of delightful irony sums up the story of a magical nanny who descends from the sky to teach two unruly children (and their parents) the true meaning of family. Many things in the story are non-linear and silly for silliness sake: Any part of the scenery can be …