Zach Theatre Announces 2015 - 2016 Season
ZACH Theatre is pleased to announce the 2015-16 season:
Evita
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Tim Rice
Musical Direction by Allen Robertson
Experience passion and seduction in the seven-time Tony-winning musical Evita, in an all-new production created by ZACH. Revered by her people as an advocate for the poor, Eva Perón climbed meteorically from the slums of Argentina to her role as beloved First Lady at the age of 27, and became one of the most powerful women in the world. Evita tells Eva's passionate and unforgettable true story through some of theatre's most beautiful songs, including the unforgettable "Don't Cry for Me Argentina.”
Tribes
by Nina Raine
Texas premiere starring Russell Harvard and Lauren Lane
As the only deaf member of his sharp-tongued British family, sweet-natured Billy has spent much of his life feeling out of place. But when he meets a young woman on the brink of deafness, he finds out what it means to belong for the first time. This provocative and touching new play is as much about the tyranny of language, as it is about the challenge of not being able to hear it. ZACH’s production will be staged on our intimate Kleberg Stage starring deaf, Austin actor Russell Harvard, who won a 2012 Theatre World Award for Outstanding Debut Performance, and Drama League, Outer Critics Circle and Lucille Lortell Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor.
One Man, Two Guvnors
By Richard Bean
Regional premiere directed by Abe Reybold
It’s the Swingin’ Sixties and the easily-confused Francis Henshall attempts to keep his two employers - local gangster Roscoe Crabbe and upper class criminal Stanley Stubbers - from meeting and learning of his dual-employment. This Tony-Award winning comedy is a modern take on Goldoni’s classic play A Servant of Two Masters. It’s a laugh-out-loud satirical romp of slapstick and one-liners, with a live Beatles-era Liverpool band that keeps the party rockin’!
Ann
Written by Emmy-winner and Tony-nominee Holland Taylor
A Zach Theatre U.S. exclusive directed by Benjamin Endsley Klein
Tough as nails. Funny as hell. Ann brings our brassy blue Governor Ann Richards back to vivid life in a tour-de-force performance direct from Broadway. Ann is an inspiring and hilarious new play that brings you face to face with a complex, colorful, and captivating character bigger than the state from which she hailed. This Texas-sized story is a perfect fit for ZACH’s Karen Kuykendall Stage where you’ll be treated to an up close and personal visit with one of the most unforgettable personalities in Texas politics. “I do not want my tombstone to read, 'She kept a really clean house.' I think I'd like them to remember me by saying, 'She opened government to everyone.’”
Mary Poppins
Original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Book by Julian Fellowes
New songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe
Directed by Dave Steakley - Musical direction by Allen Robertson
Everyone’s favorite, practically perfect nanny, Mary Poppins, soars into the Topfer Theatre as ZACH’s 2016 summer musical. Drawn from the groundbreaking 1964 Disney film and the brilliant series of books, this delightful family musical features the unforgettable songs “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” Dave Steakley and the creative team who brought you The Who’s Tommy and A Christmas Carol will reinvent this beloved musical for a sublimely “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” new production – jam-packed with unforgettable theatrical magic!
Director's Surprise
This slot on our season is yet to be announced and will surely delight. Holding a spot open on the season allows us to bring you late-breaking titles not yet released – such was the case with the Texas premiere of All The Way this spring at ZACH.
HOLIDAY EXTRAS:
A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ Musical
by Charles Dickens
Adapted and directed by Dave Steakley
Musical direction by Allen Robertson
The most popular show in ZACH’s history returns to rock the holidays! ZACH’s fresh take on A Christmas Carol features three soulful Ghosts making a joyful noise, while moving our hearts with the Cratchit family’s love and Ebenezer Scrooge’s miraculous transformation. New hit songs and reimagined carols create an infectious holiday spirit that has you dancing in the aisles. ZACH’s inspired adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic juxtaposes a traditional Victorian setting and gorgeous period costumes, with a modern musical score that spans genres and eras. Come celebrate the season in true ZACH style with this new Austin holiday tradition!
The Santaland Diaries
By David Sedaris
Adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello
Directed by Abe Reybold, starring Martin Burke and Meredith McCall
He’s baaaaaaaack! Don’t miss the hilarious Martin Burke as the ever-irreverent elf Crumpet. David Sedaris’ outlandish and true tale comes to life on the Whisenhunt stage as Crumpet shows what it takes to juggle tiny tots and staggering Santas during a painfully festive time of the year. And to kick off the evening, chanteuse Meredith McCall and Martin Burke take you on a sensational sleigh-ride of an all-new cabaret show created especially for ZACH. This merrily subversive and laugh ‘til you cry evening will delight any adult audience.
For 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.
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 – 50,000 of which 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 and in its 82nd season, ZACH is the longest continuously running theatre company in the state of Texas, and one of the ten oldest in the country. Visit zachtheatre dot org for more information.
ZACH Theatre’s 2014-2015 Season is sponsored in part, by Applied Materials, Austin Catering, Baylor Scott & White Health, Holiday Inn-Lady Bird Lake, Kirk Tuck Photography, Marquee Event Group, OnRamp Access, Schlotzsky’s, and KXAN TV 36; 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.
