Porgy and Bess
Music by George Gershwin, Libretto by DuBose Heyward, and Lyrics by Ira Gershwin and Heyward. Based on Heyward’s novel Porgy and the play of the same name co-written
with Dorothy Heyward.
Directed by Dave Steakley
(Right: Photo from Trevor Nunn's production)
With support from the National Endowment for the Arts American Masterpieces Musical Theatre program, George Gershwin’s majestic musical Porgy and Bess springs to life at ZACH next season! Director Dave Steakley and ZACH’s artistic team are creating a dynamic, re-envisioned staging of this classic in the style of the jazz and R&B recordings of legends Ray Charles, Cleo Lane, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Central Texas’ wealth of African-American singers will star, including Austin artists who have graced ZACH’s stages for the past two decades from Dreamgirls to Crowns.
This project has been made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts as part of American Masterpieces: Three Centuries of Artistic Genius
Doubt
By John Patrick Shanley (author of the film "Moonstruck")
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and 4 Tony Awards!
(Right: Photo from original Broadway production)
A fast-paced game of cat and mouse is ignited when evidence of a priest’s wrongdoing comes to light. At a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, Sister Aloysius, a strict school principal, faces the decision of a lifetime: Does she openly accuse a priest and give voice to her fear of his actions, or does she bury her suspicions and leave room for doubt? This intense and personal power struggle between Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn ultimately calls into question both faith and justice in the shadow of doubt. “A superb new drama ... an inspired study in moral uncertainty with the compelling structure of an old-fashioned detective drama.” –The New York Times.
Revival of a Popular Broadway Musical
Directed by Dave Steakley
Choreography by Robin Lewis
ZACH is currently in negotiations for a hit Broadway musical soon to be announced for this slot. Rest assured that ZACH will certainly bring what the Austin Chronicle calls "the Best Razzle Dazzle in Town".
The Clean House
By Sarah Ruhl
Directed by Dave Steakley
(Right: Photo by Joan Marcus)
Written by one of the most original new voices in American theatre, this 2005 Pulitzer Prize winner is a quirky and moving comedy about love, loss and the power of a good joke. Matilde, a latina housekeeper, is keen to stretch her funny bone, but can’t muster any elbow grease for her domestic duties. Her employers’ house isn’t in order and neither are their personal lives. In pursuit of the perfect joke, Matilde ignores the household dirt, only to be swept away by family affairs of the heart. Delicious language, seriously funny, and twists you won’t see coming make this a play that will hit you where you live. “Intelligent and thoughtful . . . a sharply funny, moving work!” – Washington Theater.
Speeding Motorcycle
Conceived by Jason Nodler
Songs and concepts by Daniel Johnston
Directed by Jason Nodler
(Right: Photo by George Hixon)
This out-of-this-world rock opera takes its inspiration from cult figure Daniel Johnston, a singer, songwriter and artist who first gained recognition in Austin during the 1980s. Anyone who’s ever enjoyed Johnston’s music or drawings will want to catch this exuberant celebration of his unique creativity. The quirky love story coupled with Beatles-inspired music was a hit at Houston’s Infernal Bridegroom Productions. The New York Times said “At a recent performance of “Speeding Motorcycle,” scores of people were turned away at the door. Many moped around outside, hoping someone just might leave at intermission!”
Holiday Extras
The Santaland Diaries
Written by David Sedaris, Adapted for the Stage by Joe Mantello
Directed by Dave Steakley
November 23, 2007 - January 6, 2008
Our little Macy’s elf knows a thing or two about faking the Yuletide spirit. But you won’t be faking a good time when your sides split during David Sedaris’ wickedly funny The Santaland Diaries. Now in its 10th hit year, the comedy tells the real-life story of Sedaris’ tour of duty as the elf Crumpet, and what it takes to juggle tots and tottering Santas during a painfully festive time of the year. A laugh ‘til you cry evening of merrily subversive entertainment to delight adult audiences.
Rockin' Christmas Party
The Rock-n-Soul Musical
Created and Directed by Dave Steakley
November 23 - December 30, 2007
Rockin’ Christmas Party turns fourteen this year reigning as one of the longest-running Austin traditions of all time. Bigger, brighter and merrier than ever our award-winning cast sure knows how to put the Christmas spirit in your heart – and your booty! – as they shake, rattle and roll down Santa Claus Lane. It’s great fun for the whole family, but get your tickets early because seats go fast for this wildly popular holiday shindig. For all ages!
Plaid Tidings, Rockin' Christmas Party and
The Santland Diaries for 2007!
Call Amanda at 476-0541, x221 for
Group Rates & Priority Seating.
Free party facilities at the theatre with your group ticket purchase!
Plaid Tidings
By Stuart Ross
Directed by Dave Steakley
November 30 - December 30, 2007
The four-part harmony, guy group holiday musical returns! Thanks to a heavenly phone call from Rosemary Clooney, Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie are returning to earth in the delightful Forever Plaid sequel, Plaid Tidings. This time the quartet tunes their heavenly harmonies on holiday songs and carols, along with a hilarious tribute to The Ed Sullivan Christmas Spectaculars featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir. And, the boys whip up a Plaid Caribbean Christmas which puts the “Day-O” in Excelsis! Great fun for the whole family!
Just checking out who else is doing Plaid Tidings this year.... -Julia (light design/stage amangement) Civic Theatre, Lafayette, IN
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