Caroling for Charity

This was ZACH's eighth year of participating in the annual Chuy's Children Giving to Children Parade. The parade has become an Austin holiday tradition with thousands of Austinites lining Congress Avenue to see everything from miniature ponies to live local talent. Each year ZACH sends the cast of our holiday show Rockin' Christmas Party to be part of Santa's float at the end of the parade. Singing some of the seasons most popular carols really kicks the holidays off right!

This year, the parade succeeded in not only meeting its goal of collecting 30,000 toys for Austin children, but it exceeded it! 32,027 toys were collected on the morning of November 29, and the children of Austin will have overflowing stockings. The magic of the holiday season is upon us and it's important to remember those less fortunate.

Put Some Rockin' in Your Stockin'

ROCKIN' CHRISTMAS PARTY, Austin's Rockin' Holiday Tradition is Back with New Songs and a Sportin' New Cast Addition! ZACH Artistic Director Dave Steakley shares his thoughts on ZACH's 2008 Edition of this Austin hit ...

"Rockin’ Christmas Party was inspired by a concert I saw at NYC’s Bottom Line nightclub, that starred Sonny Bono, Darlene Love and Ronnie Spector of the Ronettes in a live recreation of the 60’s Phil Spector “girl group” holiday album. When Rockin’ debuted at The Paramount Theatre in 1993 we performed Darlene Love’s huge holiday hit Christmas, Baby Come Home, that she performs annually on David Letterman’s show. Andra Mitrovich sang that song for us the first year, and she is singing it for us again this year in its return.

This season focused on CHANGE creates the opportunity for me to include a song I have been wanting to do for a long time. In 1989 I saw Dionne Warwick perform with Johnny Mathis at Radio City Music Hall, and Ms. Warwick performed a song that was popular at that time by Michael Jackson called “Man In The Mirror”. It seemed like an odd pairing of performer and song, until she began to sing it and I heard the extraordinary beauty of these lyrics for the first time with her sensitive and thoughtful rendition.

It has stuck with me all these years and now Cedric Neal (pictured here) ZACH’s extraordinary Sportin’ Life in Porgy & Bess, along with the cast will bring this version of the song to you and I think you’ll agree the moment is right for this one. Like Ghandi’s famous quote, the song invites us to be the change we want to see in our world. These times call for our individual empowerment to make thoughtful changes for the future.

After several seasons “Silent Night” returns, a favorite Christmas carol of Rockin’ audiences. This song has always provided a wonderful showcase for the vocal powerhouses who make Rockin’ what it is. The cast and I see this song as our appreciation to you for the many years of your generous patronage, and our heartfelt wish that you and yours will enjoy a beautiful and loving holiday season. Happy Merry Jolly!"

Rockin Christmas Party Opens Thanksgiving weekend and runs thru January 4, 2009 on ZACH's Stage at Riverside Dr. & S. Lamar.
Look for the cast singing live in the Chuy's Children Giving to Children's Parade on Saturday, Saturday, Nov. 29 10:30 am - 12 noon

ZACH Has a New Elf in the House!

ESPIE RANDOLPH of ZACH's Shear Madness and Austin's Esther's Follies Stars as The Little Macy's Elf this Season!

We thought you might like to ready the director's notes for THE SANTALAND DIARIES opening Thanksgiving weekend at ZACH Theatre. Director Dave Steakley says ...

"Austin’s love affair with writer David Sedaris is nothing short of rapturous! There is something about his offbeat, irreverent humor which connects deeply to our citizens on a primal, funny bone level. If you have ever gone to one of the annual readings that Sedaris does in Austin, you know what I mean. Almost every line is met with gales of laughter, prolonged cheering and thunderous applause. It also happens when Margaret Cho and Kathy Griffin are in town -- these evenings become events not to be missed.

Austin, in my opinion, has the greatest audiences in America. I think the live music scene and the contagious fervor at UT Longhorn games has trained us to respond with our full enthusiasm regardless of the arena in which we find ourselves -- whether in a concert hall or at the Broken Spoke, Austinites let you know how they are feeling. It is the thing I cherish the most about making theatre in Austin. ZACH’s Santaland is a glorious celebration of the Austin audience.

In a season devoted to CHANGE, I am delighted that Espie Randolph, an endlessly inventive and funny Austin actor, is joining us this year for his first time as the little Macy’s elf. To my knowledge he is the first African-American actor to ever play this role -- perhaps a timely change -- but really for me it was about finding the funniest person I know to take on this Austin tradition. However, if you are a returning Santaland fan you are going to find several new humorous discoveries because the lens through which we experience Sedaris’ humor has changed. I love it when that happens. The opportunity to experience something well known through Espie’s fresh perspective is a gift. And it is our good fortune that Meredith McCall and Jason Connor join Espie to whip up the merriment for their 11th rib-tickling year! Have a great time!"

Tickets for the show are available online or call ZACH's box office at 476-0541, x1.

This is the Week to See CAROLINE, OR CHANGE

NOW IS THE TIME FOR CHANGE ... 'CAROLINE, OR CHANGE' that is.

ZACH Theatre's production has wowed the critics and audiences have loved the show. “Immaculate ... A brilliant opening to ZACH’s 2008-09 Season of Change!” –The Austin Chronicle

Many saying this is among the best productions that ZACH has ever produced. With the historic election this week, CAROLINE has greater resonance than ever. If you're wondering what I mean, I suggest you see the musical for yourself. It is a truly remarkable reflection on an amazing time in our country's history as seen thru the lens Tony Kushner of one of America's greatest playwrights.

But you need to hurry. This is the FINAL WEEK for ZACH's production which closes on November 9th. Ticket prices have been set so that price shouldn't be a barrier to seeing the show. You can get in for as low as $25! Join us this Friday, Saturday at 8 pm or Sunday at 2:30 and 7:30. For tickets call 476-0541, x1 or go online.

In the meantime, here's a sampler of the fabulous voices in the show....

ALTAR BOYZ Held Over

ZACH is very pleased to announce that after overwhelming response to ALTAR BOYZ, it will now be held over until August 10.

Don't miss this hilarious musical about the gospel according to boy bands.

Call and reserve your tickets today!

ZACH's Kleberg Stage (Riverside at South Lamar)
Wed.,Thur., Fri., Sat. at 8:00 & Sunday at 2:30

Call 512-476-0594 x. 1 to book your tickets now!
Or buy online at www.zachtheatre.org

ZACH also offers discounts for seniors and students and groups of 8 or more.

$15 Student Rush tickets also available to all shows 1 hour prior to curtain.

SEUSSICAL Now 1/2 Price Tickets!

After a great opening and first three weeks Zach is now proud to offer
SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL tickets at 1/2 price!!

This offer will continue now through August 10.

Phone orders only.

Call and reserve your seats today!
(512) 476-0541, ext: 1

SEUSSICAL comes to ZACH Theatre!

Seussical The Musical

By Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Choreography by Lisa Holmstrom

ZACH Theatre's Performing Arts School presents Seussical -- a FUNtastical, magical, musical extravaganza based on the books of Dr. Seuss -- live on stage this summer! Your family will be enchanted when Seuss' beloved characters spring to life in this energetic, heart-warming musical featuring classics such as Horton Hears a Who, Horton Hatches the Egg, Gertrude McFuzz, Green Eggs and Ham and of course, The Cat in the Hat! Dr. Seuss' most colorful characters come tumbling right out of the books and up onto our stage in this joyful gumbo of musical styles, ranging from Latin to pop, swing to gospel, and R&B to funk! So let your toes tap, your fingers snap, and your imagination run wild! ZACH's production features Austin's most talented youth and adult performers in a full scale production guaranteed to delight your children, and make you feel like a kid all over again. Last year's family show, High School Musical, sold out in record time - so hurry and secure your tickets to this summer's hit today!

June 27 - August 10, 2008
R.L. Davis Auditorium, Texas School for the Deaf
Thursday, Friday at 7:00, Saturday at 2:00 & 7:00 & Sunday at 2:00

Call 512-476-0594 x. 1 or buy online at www.zachtheatre.org

DOUBT, A Parable is Held Over!

We're really excited to announce that due to the extremely popular demand (and weeks of sold out houses) we're extending the run of DOUBT through June 8th! Call now to buy your tickets. Houses are selling out fast! Call 512-476-0594 x. 1

By John Patrick Shanley • Directed by Steven Dietz
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and 4 Tony Awards!
Wed, Thur, Fri & Sat at 8:00pm, Sun at 2:30pm

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.

ALTAR BOYZ comes to ZACH Theatre!

ZACH is excited to announce that Altar Boyz will be our Summer Musical. Tickets are on sale now!

They’ve got the moves, they’ve got the sound and they’ve got a faith stronger than their hair gel. They’re the newest boys on the block the ALTAR BOYZ!

This delightful new musical stars five Apostles of Pop – Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham (he's Jewish) – who will raise your spirits with their spectacular music, sinfully hot dance moves and uncanny ability to drop the funk in fantastic five-part harmony. With choreography that rivals Justin Timberlake and 'N SYNC, the ALTAR BOYZ share their message of brotherhood, love and the power of good hair products.

Book by Kevin Del Aguila • Music & Lyrics by Gary Adler & Michael Patrick Walker • Based on a Concept by Marc Kessler and Ken Davenport • Directed by Dave Steakley • Musical Direction by Allen Robertson • Choreography by Christopher Gattelli (Choreographer for original Off-Broadway Production!)

June 5 - July 13, 2008
ZACH's Kleberg Stage (Riverside at South Lamar)
Wed.,Thur., Fri., Sat. at 8:00 & Sunday at 2:30
Tickets for all seats to Wednesday night shows are only $15

Call 512-476-0594 x. 1 to book your tickets now!
Or buy online at www.zachtheatre.org

Daniel Johnston to appear at tonight's performance!

Late Breaking News!

Singer, songwriter, artist DANIEL JOHNSTON to attend tonight's performance of SPEEDING MOTORCYCLE at 8 pm (Friday, 3/7)! And, following the show he will appear with the band in their post-show concert at ZACH! This is a rare opportunity to see the man behind the music. The word is out and seats are going quickly. Secure yours now – call ZACH's box office starting at noon today: 476-0541, x1.

Daniel Johnston is the well known artist of the "Hi, How Are You" frog mural painted on The Drag, the songwriter of numerous hit songs – many featured in the new musical SPEEDING MOTORCYCLE now on stage at ZACH, and the subject of the SXSW featured film "The Devil and Daniel Johnston." Daniel Johnston tee shirts are available at the show too!

For video, photos and more on the show go to www.zachscott.com

Media Coverage for PORGY AND BESS...

ZACH Theatre's production of PORGY AND BESS opens this weekend and has already drawn some amazing media coverage...

Check out these links to stories and recorded interviews about the production:

Aielli Unleashed show on KUT:
Part I
Part II

The Austin Chronicle coverage by Graham Reynolds:
Article I
Article II
Article III
Article IV

Austin American Statesman XL Cover Story

AND an Austinist entry about the production

Tickets for this dynamic production are now on sale.
Call 476-0594 xt. 1 and make your reservations now!
Limited two week run - January 25 - February 3, 2008
A ZACH Theatre production at the All New Austin Music Hall.

Sneak Peek #4... Production Photos

The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess OPENS this weekend!

David Jennings as Porgy
and Marva Hicks as Bess
















Cedric Neal as Sportin' Life
and Janis Stinson as Maria










(Left to Right) Justin Waller as Scipio, Donald Collier as Nelson and Quincy Kuykendall as Jim.







To see more photos go to www.zachscott.com

Tickets for this dynamic production are now on sale.
Call 476-0594 xt. 1 and make your reservations now!
Limited two week run - January 25 - February 3, 2008
A ZACH Theatre production at the All New Austin Music Hall.

Sneak Peek #3... Background for ZACH's Production

Notes from Director Dave Steakley:

THE NEA GRANT
Two years ago Michele Baylor, ZACH’s Development Director, came to me with a new grant initiative from the National Endowment for the Arts called American Masterpieces. The NEA was going to award ten grants to reacquaint Americans with the nation’s greatest artistic works in musical theater from the past and provide a younger generation with an introduction to the rich heritage of the art form. Michele wanted to know if I had any projects in mind that met the criteria and without hesitation I said Porgy & Bess. Katrina happened a couple of weeks before we wrote the grant and it was heavily on my mind as I wrote my Artistic Statement because in Act II of the opera there is a huge hurricane that occurs which has devastating consequences on the economically poor Gulf Coast residents. At that moment many New Orleans residents and musicians were finding their way to Austin for refuge, and suddenly our approach to Gershwin’s masterwork had a context for our community.


THE CONTEXT FOR OUR PRODUCTION
We are one of ten theatres nationally that were awarded a grant by the NEA. Our production will remain in the 1930’s period in which it was originally set, and we are being inspired by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band of New Orleans, to draw from the rich jazz musical heritage of The Big Easy. Consequently our orchestra will be comprised of piano, bass, drums, violin, guitar, banjo, tenor sax, baritone sax, trombone, trumpet, flute and clarinet with the intention of orienting our production toward an American jazz exploration of Gershwin’s masterwork. When the hurricane strikes at the end of Act II, the scene will be performed by our actors from rooftops as the levees break and our swampy bayou is flooded. Imagine what this will do to the mourning felt in Bess’ reprise of “Summertime” sung to Clara’s orphaned infant in this context of the flood.

I envision ZACH Theatre as the meeting tent where a diverse, energized community of Central Texans has investment, ownership and representation -- on stage, behind the scenes and in the audience. I believe theatre offers an avenue for self-examination, an arena in which we might be challenged to understand a little better not just our own lives, but the world in which we live. We purposefully make art that creates the opportunity for meaningful conversations on topics that have resonance in our community. At ZACH we love learning from other voices and other perspectives because they enrich our imagination and our experience in ways we could not imagine. We see theatre as the place where all liberties are possible for all people. Porgy and Bess provides an opportunity for us to shed some light again on our brothers and sisters who are still finding life in a partially recovered New Orleans to be challenging.

Tickets for this dynamic production are now on sale.
Call 476-0594 xt. 1 and make your reservations now!
Limited two week run - January 25 - February 3, 2008
A ZACH Theatre production at the All New Austin Music Hall.

Sneak Peek #2... Meet the Cast of Porgy and Bess...

THE 'LOW DOWN' ON ZACH’S SPECTACULAR CAST

Notes from Director, Dave Steakley

DAVID JENNINGS (PORGY) I saw David this summer in Atlanta performing the role of Curtis opposite Jennifer Holliday in her final return as Effie in Dreamgirls. It’s not easy holding your own against Jennifer in that role, but David was truly spectacular, and when he began singing the introduction to Steppin’ To The Bad Side, I had serious goosebumps. He is what you’d call a lady killer, as the shouts from the ladies confirmed. Oftentimes Porgy is played as a pathetic beggar, and Bess ends up with him because he is her only option when everyone else on Catfish Row turns their back on her. It is important to me that there be a vitality to Porgy and that there be a genuine sexual attraction between Porgy and Bess. I think Porgy’s sex appeal has been overshadowed by his physical disability for most people, but Bess sees past this and finds acceptance and true love like she has never experienced. Recently David also starred in a show called The Genius of Ray Charles in London’s West End and he sang Ray Charles’ version of Let The Good Times Roll for me in his audition --this really sealed the deal for me in terms of the voice I was looking for our Porgy. On Broadway, David played Coalhouse Walker, Jr., in Ragtime, John in Miss Saigon, The Duke in Play On! and was in Once Upon a Mattress with Sarah Jessica Parker. He also toured with Larry Gatlin in The Civil War.

MARVA HICKS (BESS) I’m so excited that Marva is playing Bess! She gave one of the most spine-tingling auditions I have ever experienced in 17 years at ZACH and I can’t think of anyone else I’d cast for this role having seen what she brings to it. She has a bluesy, soulful, scorching quality that will bring a depth of earthiness, worldliness and depth of feeling that will make Bess so fiery and vulnerable. Most recently Marva played the Radio in Caroline, or Change and Rafiki in The Lion King on Broadway. When Marva first came to New York she was cast as Lena Horne’s backup vocalist in her Broadway show The Lady and Her Music for 3 years. Stevie Wonder discovered Marva’s talents and enlisted her as his backup singer for many years. Marva has also backed up multiple world tours for artists like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and James Ingram. She signed with Polydor in the late '80s and her debut LP, Marva Hicks was released in 1991. Star Trek fans will know Marva as the Vulcan T'Pel, Tuvok's wife. Prior to Star Trek, she had several guest spots on Sister, Sister, Mad About You, and played Principal Jacara for the 1997-1998 season of One Life to Live.




DAVID ST. LOUIS (CROWN) I saw David a few years ago in a show called Harlem Song at the Apollo Theatre that was created and directed by The Public Theatre’s George Wolfe. The musical was a historical retrospective of all the great acts that had ever played the Apollo and David was the male lead which meant he had to play a very wide variety of roles and he excelled at all of them. David possesses one of my favorite voices of all time – he sounds like the great soul singers of the 1960’s. He has such a deep resonant voice full of grit and smoke and a life hard won… it’s like Wilson Pickett, Sam and Dave and Lou Rawls all rolled into one for me. On Broadway, David has starred in Rent, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Scarlet Pimpernel, and also performed as a backup singer for Randy Travis and Stevie Wonder.

CEDRIC NEAL (SPORTIN’ LIFE) For a couple of years now I have been hearing from many of my Dallas/Ft. Worth colleagues about an actor they keep telling me belongs on stage at ZACH. I finally got to meet Cedric and am so happy he is playing Sportin’ Life in our production. He is perfection from my point of view. At our annual season preview party he brought down the house with It Ain’t Necessarily So – vocally he is a show stopper, he is a terrific dancer, and he connects so personally to each audience member – exactly the qualities we are used to celebrating at ZACH in our favorite performers!

From Austin, ZACH audiences can look forward to: Janis Stinson as Maria (JC Superstar, Crowns, Jelly’s Last Jam); Judy Arnold as Serena (Rockin’ Christmas Party, Crowns); Quincy Kuykendall (Rockin’ Christmas Party, Hair); Forest Van Dyke (JC Superstar, Rockin’ Christmas Party); Billy Harden (The Exonerated, Streetcar Named Desire); Roderick Sanford (Crowns, Dreamgirls), Dorothy Clark (The Exonerated, Crowns), Azia Sims and Dooney Waller (High School Musical), Deborah “Peaches” Duncan (Crowns) Sarah Jones (Rocky Horror and Crowns), Courtney Rutherford Sanchez (Gospel At Colonus, Dreamgirls).

New to ZACH are Sacha Crosby who plays Clara (Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes), Austin gospel recording artists George Powell and Kenneth Brown, Donald Collier, Dion Arnold, Neena Coleman, Morgan Gale Beckford, Candace Bellamy, Thais Bass Moore, and Kenny Smith.

Tickets for this amazing production are now on sale!
Call 476-0594 xt. 1 and make your reservations now!
Limited two week run - January 25 - February 3, 2008
A ZACH Theatre production at the All New Austin Music Hall.

Sneak Peek into ZACH's production of PORGY AND BESS...

Happy New Year ZACH Folks!
We're super excited about our upcoming production of
The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS.

This post (and subsequent postings) will give you a glimpse into the production as it comes to life.


Notes from the director, Dave Steakley:

As I began to imagine ZACH’s Diamond Anniversary season, I hoped that we would, in part, look back to the time when Austin Civic Theatre – the precursor to ZACH - was being created in the height of the Great Depression, and discover what plays and musicals were also making their debut in the mid to late 1930’s. My desire in looking back at this historical moment in time is to create a conversation that has relevance for today. As I researched what shows came to life on Broadway in the 30’s – one title immediately jumped off the page because it has been on my wish list for us to produce for over 10 years – the Gershwin masterpiece Porgy and Bess.

Ten years ago we produced Dreamgirls to great critical and audience acclaim at ZACH and then the following season at the Paramount in an expanded version. I had a conversation during that time with actor Joe York in which he said, “You really ought to follow this up with Porgy and Bess.” It was one of Joe’s favorite shows and it planted a seed in me. My familiarity with the show, like many people, was limited to the various versions of “Summertime” which have been sung by countless jazz and popular musical artists. Joe’s comments sent me digging, and being a soul music fan I was delighted to discover that Ray Charles and Cleo Laine had made a wonderful recording of the music from the opera in their style. It became for me a wonderful and perfect introduction to this beautiful score. Digging further I discovered Nina Simone’s moving recordings of a couple of the songs, and the wonderful recording made by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. These recordings became my window into this terrific music by George and Ira Gershwin. My dream was that we would create a version of Porgy and Bess that was inspired by these legendary recordings I have grown to love so much.

ZACH’s 75th Anniversary opens with Porgy and Bess at the brand spanking new Austin Music Hall. We chose this venue because it will primarily host Austin’s live music concerts, and one of our goals is to find dynamic ways which bridge the experience of Austin’s live music scene to our theatre. There is a synergistic vibrancy in both which can find a point of common interest in ZACH’s production of Porgy and Bess.

Tickets for this dynamic production are now on sale.
Call 476-0594 xt. 1 and make your reservations now!
Limited two week run - January 25 - February 3, 2008
A ZACH Theatre production at the All New Austin Music Hall.