New beginnings abound at ZACH Theatre this week -- for both the Austin theatre scene and its latest star Anna Deavere Smith. Ms. Smith begins preview performances of her masterful new play LET ME DOWN EASY on Wednesday at 8pm on ZACH's Whisenhunt Stage, and begins the play's official run with a champagne reception following Saturday's opening night performance.
Beginning, too, at ZACH is an item that recently caught the attention of The New York Times: the start of a long-anticipated collaboration between famed Broadway director Leonard Foglia and Ms. Smith. The two are debuting their collaborative work on LET ME DOWN EASY exclusively at ZACH Theatre.
And, if you ask us, this is a match made in theatre heaven! LET ME DOWN EASY is on its final stop before heading to New York's Second Stage Theater. But Austin audiences get to witness a level of closeness with Anna Deavere Smith that New York audiences just won't see. Because ZACH's Whisenhunt stage hosts Ms. Smith's play in-the-round, Austin audiences will have a chance to see her in a setting with unparalleled intimacy.
“The city of Austin and ZACH Theatre, specifically, have played an important role in the evolution of this project,” said Ms. Smith. “ZACH Theatre has been part of the play since the beginning; many of the characters – from Gov. Ann Richards to Lance Armstrong – originated in suggestions from people at ZACH.”
The fact that the collaboration between Leonard Foglia and Anna Deavere Smith begins at ZACH Theatre is also a tremendous privilege for Austin audiences. Mr. Foglia took Laurence Fishborne's one-man play THURGOOD to extreme critical acclaim last year on Broadway. And many critics are excited to see what role he will play in shaping Ms. Smith's one-woman show at ZACH.
LET ME DOWN EASY "is a substantial revision of what I did before, focusing far more on health care than the previous productions," Ms. Smith told The New York Times. “Signs seem to suggest we will soon be in a vigorous national debate over health care. The piece not only looks at the human body as both resilient and vulnerable, but also health care as a practical part of that.”
For tickets, call (512) 476-0541, x1. Book early, shows are selling fast! Because of the tremendous demand, ZACH recently added a Tuesday night performance, and the theatre is offering a limited number of $20 tickets on Tuesday nights.
This project has been made possible by the Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation.
Showing posts with label broadway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label broadway. Show all posts
Monday, April 13, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Red, Hot and Soul, ZACH's Star-Studded Gala, Is Saturday: Auction Items Just Announced
This Saturday, Broadway meets the runway in a star-studded evening at ZACH Theatre's annual Red, Hot & Soul gala.ZACH is known for staging one of Austin’s most anticipated and superbly unique parties of the year. Each season delivers new sights, sounds, and surprises from the ZACH Theatre's gala committee and creative teams.
Everyone will be there, but what everyone wants to know is not just who is on the guest list but what is on the auction list.
ZACH's auction items are always one-of-kind finds that only the theatre could pull together. You think you know the girl or guy who has everything? Well, think again. Here's a list ranging from a trip in paradise to private concerts to a role in an upcoming ZACH Theatre production that everyone will be bidding on:
- Tuscan Paradise Retreat In Lucca, Italy
Value: $9,000
The ultimate in Tuscan luxury! Fly American Airlines to enjoy seven nights for up to six guests in a Broadway producer’s private retreat. Located in the heart of Lucca’s “centro storico,” this spacious and glamorous apartment is furnished in a luxurious yet practical manner to delight even the most assiduous holiday makers. A charming combination of typically Tuscan decor and modern conveniences (wi/fi, gourmet kitchen, satellite TV), Residenza Mansi is the perfect base for your exploration of historic Lucca and the surrounding wine country - Miro Quartet Concert and Dinner
Value: $11,500
The dynamic Miro Quartet, one of America’s highest-profile chamber groups, has risen to the top of the international chamber music scene in only a decade, captivating audiences and critics around the world with its youthful intensity and mature interpretations. On May 24th, you and your friends will gather at a beautiful Tarrytown home overlooking Lake Austin to share a glass (or two) of wine before the concert. Afterwards, mingle with the performers over a buffet dinner for 24 guests catered by 34th Street Cafe, with wine provided by the Aulers, owners of Fall Creek Vineyards. A very special concert to be remembered forever! - John Pointer Concert at Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Value: $5,000
The fun will never stop with the talented multi-instrumentalist, John Pointer performing at Sullivan’s Ringside Bar. This concert and party for 30 people includes a four course dinner and everyone’s first drink! John Pointer is a ZACH favorite with his riveting performance as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar/Jesucristo Superestrella and his current role in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. Aside from his national TV commercials for Chili’s Baby Back Ribs and Schlotzsky’s Deli/Austin City Limits, he has been active in the Austin music scene since 1991. As a multi-instrumentalist, he has produced, performed, and recorded with many bands and artists including Ozomatli, BoomBoxATX, Schrödinger’s Cat, Woodwork, Trio Los Vigilantes, and Sixpence None the Richer. - ZACH’s Exclusive Diva Dinner & Concert
Value: Priceless
Back by popular demand, you have the opportunity to experience this private concert by three of ZACH’s most talented powerhouse Divas in the elegant south dining room of Chez Zee. Your unforgettable evening will feature a catered dinner for ten and a stellar musical evening designed personally for you by ZACH Artistic Director Dave Steakley. Depending on availability, your divas will come from this extraordinary group of ZACH stars: Meredith McCall (The Santaland Diaries, Cabaret); Rebecca Schoolar (Tapestry, Rockin’ Christmas Party); Janis Stinson (Crowns, Porgy and Bess); Judy Arnold (Beehive, Porgy & Bess), Laura Benedict Scott (Always Patsy Cline, Beehive), and Jill Blackwood (Cabaret, Urinetown). Restrictions: Event must take place on a Sunday evening by November 30, 2009. Gratuity not included. - Exclusive Konstantino & Jewels Brunch at Neiman Marcus
Value: $6,000
Meet the man who exudes pride and passion for his creations at an intimate brunch for 20 on May 1, 2009. You and your lucky friends will dine with famed jewelry designer Konstantino at a private and exclusive brunch at Neiman Marcus and YOU will take home three original Konstantino creations! A sumptuous brunch will be provided. - Summer of Love Party with Janis Joplin
Value: Priceless
An evening to rival no other! Gather 250 of your closest friends, don your Woodstock apparel and rock out at an exclusive performance of ZACH’s Love Janis, starring Austin’s one and only Andra Mitrovich as Janis Joplin, rock-n-roll’s most fabulous goddess! Your exclusive “Summer of Love“ party includes delicious catering for your guests on ZACH’s Deck under our tent. Relive old memories and create new ones with this once in a lifetime celebration for a milestone birthday or anniversary. - Bee a Part of the Cast!
Value: Priceless
Your very own starring role on ZACH’s stage! BEE the envy of all your friends when you are featured as one of the Spelling Bee contestants on Opening Night of the Tony® Award-winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The package includes 4 tickets for your fans and after the show you’ll join the cast for the festive opening night gala party. - Trish Murphy concert and dinner for 30 at Café Josie
Value: $6,000
This incredible package includes an exclusive concert by Austin’s favorite Trish Murphy in addition to a fantastic dinner with wine from Café Josie. For 30 people, this is the perfect evening for a special occasion or just a great time with friends. Good for a pre-approved and mutually agreeable Sunday between June '09 - May '10. Contact Charles with calendar ideas well in advance of possible dates. - Dinner for 10 with Luci Baines Johnson at Ranch 616
Value: Priceless
Enjoy this dinner for 8 with one of Austin’s living legends, Luci Baines Johnson. As the second daughter of President LBJ and Ladybird, Luci has many wonderful stories to share from her extraordinary life. This unforgettable night begins at Ranch 616 with a specialty drink outside on the patio around the fire pit. You will be escorted to dinner where a special menu has been created for your party. Take advantage of this unforgettable opportunity for a fantastic menu and the very best company. - Perfect Pairing for 20 with Twin Liquors and Fete Accompli
Value: $2,250
This is your opportunity to learn about a variety of wine from Twin Liquors’ limitless cellar of wine and to enjoy its complimentary hors d’ oeuvres delicately designed by the chefs of Fete Accompli. Available for 20 guests in the classroom in Twin Liquors’ Hancock Center location, this will be the perfect party plan for you and your friends. - Dinner for 10 in Larry Peel’s Wine Cellar with food from Mirabelle
Value: $5,500
If you live for fabulous wine, amazing food and good company, this is your package! Enjoy a dinner for 10 in wine aficionado Larry Peel’s home and catering from Mirabelle’s restaurant.
ZACH Theatre's 2009 Red, Hot & Soul Gala
Event Chair: Larry Connelly
Event Co-Chair: Christine Horne
Honorary Event Co-Chairs: Laura & Tom Green
Event Chair: Larry Connelly
Event Co-Chair: Christine Horne
Honorary Event Co-Chairs: Laura & Tom Green
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