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....