2017-2018 Season, Zach Theatre, Austin
ZACH Theatre Announces 85th Diamond Anniversary Season
2017-18 Season Highlights include
Singin’ in the Rain
Sunday in the Park with George
Heisenberg
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
A Christmas Carol and A Tuna Christmas for the holidays
ZACH Theatre celebrates its 85th Diamond Anniversary Season. The 2017-18 Season expresses the multigenerational theme ZACH Theatre has carried through its 85 years as Central Texas’ premiere professional theatre. As one of the ten oldest regional theatres in the United States, and the oldest continually running theatre in the state of Texas, ZACH Theatre has continued to serve multiple generations of Central Texans new and old to the area. Serving more than 100,000 people through theatrical productions and 60,000 through education, ZACH’s lasting impact on the community is heard via the voices of those who have walked through the door.
Excitement reigns as the 2017-18 Season brings the Austin premiere of the Golden Age of Musicals’ darling of “cultural icon” Singing’ in the Rain directed by Abe Reybold with Choreography by Dominique Kelley sure to splash those blues away. With book by award winning writers Betty Comden and Adolf Green, lyrics by Arthur Freed, and music by Nacio Herb Brown, Singing’ in the Rain includes audience favorites like “Good Morning” and “Singing in the Rain.” No matter age, this show will delight the entire family for years to come.
The art of making art comes to life on stage with Stephen Sondheim’s Pulitzer Prize musical Sunday in the Park with George starring Cecil Washington, Jr. fresh from his striking performance as Martin Luther King, Jr.in The Great Society. Sunday in the Park with George is directed by Dave Steakley with music direction by Allen Robertson. Opening in summer on the Kleberg stage is Olivier Award-winner Simon Stephens’ Heisenberg, a play about the intimate and often-comical sparring match that is human connection.
There could be no other way to end the magic of ZACH’s 85th Diamond Anniversary Season than with the magic of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, featuring an award-winning score by Alan Menken with Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. Be our guest for an enchanting experience at the theatre sure to entertain. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is directed by Abe Reybold with musical direction Allen Robertson.
Returning for the holidays is Steakley’s popular rockin’ and family-friendly adaptation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, with new addition A Tuna Christmas* written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard. One play is yet to be announced, and in past seasons, popular plays like All The Way and ANN have been secured for this Director’s Choice selection.
"I'm thrilled that for our 85th Anniversary Season that ZACH will be producing three regional premieres next season, all never before seen on an Austin stage - the delightful Singin' in the Rain, the thoughtful relationship comedy Heisenberg, and a recent Best Play Tony Award-winner to be announced soon,” states ZACH Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley. “Full orchestras under the direction of Allen Robertson will accompany all three of ZACH's musicals next season, and Dominique Kelley who dazzled with his Sophisticated Ladies choreography is back to bring the tap joy to Singin' in the Rain. And I am truly excited that we will be producing the first fully-realized production of Stephen Sondheim's musical masterpiece Sunday in the Park with George ever staged in our city. This extraordinary work is not only the composer's best work, but it celebrates the creative process which is at the heart of our vibrant city.”
Throughout the season, ZACH will host events celebrating the rich history of this theatre. From its namesake Austinite Zachary Scott, honoring its legends such as Boyd Vance, Joe York and Karen Kuykendall, celebrating milestones such as the 1972 opening of the Kleberg, the 1990 addition of the Whisenhunt and the newest state-of-the-art facility on the ZACH campus, the Topfer Theatre. Additional details on the Diamond 85th Season Celebration are to be announced at a later date.
The 2017-18 ZACH Theatre For Families Series includes classics such as a two-person adaptation of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, an entirely new version of the sing-along hit Holiday Heroes, the return of Goodnight Moon, and a brand new bilingual work Las Adventuras de Enoughie: Un Cuento de Kindness (The Adventures of Enoughie: A Story of Kindness).
ZACH’s 2017-18 SEASON
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN
September 27-October 29, 2017
Book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Songs by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown
Based on the classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film by special arrangement with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Inc.
Directed by Abe Reybold
Choreographed by Dominque Kelley
Musical Direction by Allen Robertson
ZACH Theatre celebrates its’ 85th Anniversary season with one of the greatest and most beloved classic musicals, brought to our stage in a new splashy, song and dance valentine to the Golden Age of movie musicals. For the first time in Austin, this production is designed especially for you. The joyous score features well-known songs like “Good Morning,” “Make ‘Em Laugh,” and the favorite, “Singin’ in the Rain” which will soar with ZACH’s full orchestra. And yes, it will rain on the Topfer stage. What a glorious feeling, I’m happy again!
“This all-tapping, all-splashing show will put a smile on anyone’s face.” – Daily Express
“The perfect, potent pick-me up.” – The Telegraph
“Hugely energizing, feel-good factor galore” – The Daily Mail
Age recommendation: Six and up
Run time: Two hours and 40 minutes including one intermission
A TUNA CHRISTMAS*
*pending final approval
November 1-December 31, 2017
By Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard
Directed by Dave Steakley
It's Yuletide season in itty bitty Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies! Between the holiday yard display contest and the Little Theatre’s A Christmas Carol on the brink of cancellation, it's a miracle anyone gets tinsel on a tree. Two actors play all 22 colorful citizens of Tuna, including OKKK Radio hosts Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie who report on the small-town festivities. This satirical ode to the season is spiked with enough sass and shenanigans to make for one Texas-sized jolly holiday.
So funny it could make a raccoon laugh affectionately at Davy Crockett...It's far too good for just Christmas." - The New York Post
"A hoot!" - The New York Times
"The hilarity...never lets up."- The Village Voice
Age recommendation: Twelve and up for adult humor
Run time: Two hours including one intermission
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
May 30-June 24, 2018
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
Directed by Dave Steakley
Musical Direction by Allen Robertson
Starring Cecil Washington, Jr.
Stephen Sondheim’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical masterpiece is a living painting by artist Georges Seurat, and centers on the artist as he discovers unimaginable possibilities while creating an enduring work of art. Seurat, known for juxtaposing points of multi-colored paint to allow the viewer’s eye to blend the colors, connects the dots that make life so passionate, unexpected, heartbreaking, and ultimately rapturous. The live, onstage orchestra brings the radiant score about the art of making art – and love – soaring to brilliant life with "tension, composition, balance, light, and harmony.” The gift of this musical is that the people who are the most different from us, may be the persons who illuminate ourselves to ourselves, and hold the key to our heart.
"... an audacious, haunting and, in its own intensely personal way, touching work. Mr. Sondheim and Mr. Lapine, have woven all those imaginative possibilities into a finished picture with a startling new glow." – The New York Times
“Sondheim’s soaring score sounds marvelous. Sunday’s emotional climax brings tears.” – Time Out New York
"A substantial peek inside the mind of someone wrestling with their own genius... so magnificent and so emotionally rich." – The Atlantic
Age recommendation: Thirteen and up
Run time: Two hours and 40 minutes including intermission
HEISENBERG
June 20-July 22, 2018
Written by Simon Stephens
Directed by Nat Miller
Amidst the crowds of a London train station, Georgie, a delightfully quirky woman, spots Alex, a much older man, and impulsively plants a kiss on his neck. This electric encounter thrusts these two strangers into a fascinating game of love that is never what it seems. In the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, the closer you get to something the less you know about it, and such is the case for the uncertain and often-comical sparring match that is Georgie and Alex’s need to truly connect with each other. Intimately staged on ZACH’s cozy Kleberg Stage!
“Sumptuous… Quirky, lovely, funny, powerful...” – Associated Press
“A soaring, suspenseful, thrilling, and wonderfully stealthy play. Vibrant and emotionally charged.” – The New York Times
“Sweet and surprising.” –Time Out New York
Age recommendation: Thirteen and up for adult language and sexual situations
Run time: One hour and 20 minutes including one intermission
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
July 11-September 2, 2018
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice
Book by Linda Wolverton
Originally Directed by Robert Jess Roth
Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions
Directed by Abe Reybold
Musical Direction by Allen Robertson
Be Our Guest! This “tale as old as time” follows Belle, a book-smart and adventurous young woman and Beast, a formerly dashing young prince cursed by an enchantress. If the Beast cannot learn to love and be loved in return, he and his household including Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, and Chip will be trapped forever under the spell. The Broadway smash hit showcases a merry, award-winning score with such favorites as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Gaston,” and “Be Our Guest.” This delightful family musical enchants and transforms hearts of all generations.
“Engaging… charming… irresistible entertainment.” - Miami Herald
“Energetic… colorful… a delight from start to finish.” - San Francisco Examiner
Age recommendation: Six and up
Run time: Two hours and 40 minutes including one intermission
DIRECTOR’S CHOICE
This slot will feature an inspiring work that engages and transforms ZACH audiences, selected by Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley. It will be announced at a later date.
HOLIDAY EXTRA:
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
November 22-December 31, 2016
By Charles Dickens
Conceived and Adapted by Dave Steakley
Directed by Bryan Bradford
Musical Direction by Allen Robertson
Choreographed by Christa Oliver-Torres
Austin’s most rockin’ holiday tradition returns to make merry with a new music to get the party started! ZACH’s inspired adaptation of the Dickens’ classic is a musical sleigh ride through rhythm and time, infusing the traditional Victorian story with a musical score that spans all genres and eras. Motown meets the HoHoHolidays in this family celebration, creating an infectious spirit that has everyone dancing in the aisles, creating an infectious spirit that has everyone dancing in the aisles. Join the loving Cratchit family and three soulful ghosts as they take Ebenezer Scrooge on a joyride to miraculous transformation, as he rediscovers his heart and love for human kindness.
Age recommendation: Six and up
Run time: Two hours and 20 minutes including one intermission
THEATER FOR FAMILIES:
THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
September 9-February 4, 2018, Kleberg Stage
Based on the Story by C.S. Lewis
Adapted by le Clanche du Rand
Opening: Friday, September 22, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday Public Shows: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Sunday Public Shows: at 2 p.m.
Journey through the Wardrobe to Narnia for an imaginative adventure to help Aslan defeat the White Queen! With just two actors and a lot of theatre magic, this classic tale comes to life in a way never before experienced.
Age recommendation: Five and up
Run time: One hour and 20 minutes including one intermission
HOLIDAY HEROES
December 2 and 9, 2017, Topfer Stage
Written by Allen Robertson, Shaun Wainwright Branigan and Jerome Schoolar
Saturday Public Show: December 2 and 9, 2017 at 11 a.m.
Welcome to a whole NEW adaptation of Holiday Heroes. It’s the holiday season and the characters named RED and GREEN work in a factory sharply divided between a red side and a green side. One day, instead of a package, RED and GREEN receive a visitor - BLUE. BLUE doesn’t fit into either side, and GREEN can’t seem to get rid of her. Through music, mime and mischief, BLUE helps RED and GREEN learn the value of giving, empathy, and to see the world from the other point of view.
Age recommendation: Three and up
Run time: 55 minutes
GOODNIGHT MOON
March 2- May 27, 2018 Kleberg Stage
Adapted from the book by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd
Book, music and lyrics by Chad Henry
Opening: Friday, March 2, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday Public Shows: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Sunday Public Shows: at 2 p.m.
Step into the Great Green Room as one of the most iconic children’s books of all time is brought to life. In this lively musical, Bunny’s room magically comes alive with stunning puppetry, tap dancing bears, and even a trip through the night sky with a constellation light show.
Age recommendation: Three and up
Run time: One hour and 20 minutes including one intermission
LAS ADVENTURAS DE ENOUGHIE: UN CUENTO DE KINDNESS (THE ADVENTURES OF ENOUGHIE: A STORY OF KINDNESS)
Mexican American Cultural Center
Written by Caroline Reck
Dates To Be Determined
Friday Public Shows at 7 p.m.
Saturday Public Shows: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday Public Shows: at 2 p.m.
Enoughie is different from the other kids at school. He looks different than the other kids, with his furry, blue face and puffy antennae, so he doesn't always feel like he fits in with everyone else. One day, Enoughie takes an incredible to journey to figure out who he is and how he does belong. Along the way, he learns the power of kindness and how to embrace the differences in us all. This bilingual puppet production will be presented in collaboration with ZACH Theatre, Teatro Vivo, Glass Half Full Theatre, and The Kindness Campaign.
Age recommendation: Three and up
Run time: One hour and twenty minutes including one intermission
SUBSCRIPTIONS:
For Mainstage and Theatre for Families Season Subscription information call ZACH’s Box Office at 512-476-0541 x1 or go to zachtheatre.org. ZACH’s Box Office is located inside The Topfer Theater, 202 S. Lamar Blvd. Free, short term and convenient parking available at the front entrance. Subscriptions are currently on sale to renewing subscribers only. New subscriptions will go on sale in mid-May.
- ACT ONE Young Professional pre-show parties occur the first Wednesday for select Mainstage productions.
- Pride Night pre-show parties occur the first Thursday for each subscription Mainstage production.
- Sign interpreted and Open Captioned Performances occur the second Wednesday of each Mainstage production.
- Post Show Discussion Nights occur the second Wednesday of each Mainstage production.
Dates for Theatre for Families Sensory Friendly performances have yet to be announced.
Dates for Theatre for Families Sign Interpreted performances have yet to be announced.
About ZACH Theatre
A non-profit organization, ZACH creates intimate theatre experiences that ignite the imagination, inspire the spirit, and engage the community. As Austin’s leading professional producing theatre, ZACH employs more than 300 actors, musicians, and designers annually to create its own diverse array of nationally recognized plays and musicals under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley and Managing Director Elisbeth Challener. Each year, ZACH serves nearly 115,000 Central Texans – 55,000 of whom are children and youth who participate in our education and outreach programs, as well as inspiring camps and classes. ZACH Theatre is honored to host private and community events across the beautiful rental-ready spaces on our three-stage campus located in the heart of Austin. Founded in 1932, ZACH is the longest continuously running theatre company in the state of Texas, and one of the ten oldest in the country. Visit www.zachtheatre.org for more information.
ZACH Theatre’s 2016-2017 Season is sponsored in part, by AT&T, Austin Catering, Baylor Scott & White Health, H-E-B, Holiday Inn-Lady Bird Lake, Kirk Tuck Photography, Marquee Event Group, OnRamp Access, and Schlotzsky’s; and by grants from The Shubert Foundation, the Junior League of Austin, The National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, and the Cultural Arts Division of The City of Austin Economic Development Department.
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