THE GRAPES OF WRATH Soundtrack: Free Song Downloads from ZACH's Soulful Hit Musical Score

Ever since THE GRAPES OF WRATH took stage at ZACH, audiences have been blown away by an unexpected surprise from the show: Its soundtrack.

The music from the show adds a dimension to the stage version of THE GRAPES OF WRATH that many didn't see coming after just having read the book.

True to the novel, the play is an entirely different experience than most expect, in part because of the lush live musical soundtrack that accompanies audiences night-after-night through the heartland of 1930's America. It's a joyous experience, fast-paced with heartfelt songs and a lush, emotionally evocative and stimulating musical score.

Without further ado, here are music downloads recorded by cast members from ZACH's production of THE GRAPES OF WRATH (click on the links to hear the tracks, or save them by right clicking and choosing 'Save As'):

1. Dust Bowl Children, performed by John Pointer


2. Dust Bowl Blues, performed by John Pointer


3. I'll Close 'Em, performed by John Pointer, Zach Thompson and Paul Mitchell Wright


4. 66, performed by John Pointer and Rich Upton


5. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, performed by Sarah Gay


6. Pastures of Plenty, performed by Sarah Gay, John Pointer, Rich Upton, Paul Mitchell Wright, Zach Thompson, Marc Pouhe and Jarrett Mallon


7. Clarksville Talking Blues, performed by John Pointer, Paul Mitchell Wright, Zach Thompson and Marc Pouhe


8. Battle Hymn of the Republic, performed by Sarah Gay and John Pointer
   


9. I Ain't Got No Home, performed by Rich Upton


10. Crawdad, performed by John Pointer, Rich Upton, Paul Mitchell Wright, Zach Thompson and Jarrett Mallon


11. Pass Me Not, O' Gentle Savior, performed by Sarah Gay and John Pointer

Tickets for this epic live performance of THE GRAPES OF WRATH are available online, or by phone at (512) 476-0541, x1.

Music Downloads: Tracks that Inspired THE GRAPES OF WRATH Musical Score

The live musical score put together by musical director Allen Robertson for THE GRAPES OF WRATH has generated a huge buzz in the Austin music community.

At once gracefully appropriated and historically accurate, the score adds another layer to this gorgeous production. But its origins have been somewhat of a mystery to ZACH audiences ...

... until now! Z-News readers, we are happy to present free music downloads of 6 tracks that inspired the lush melodic musings of THE GRAPES OF WRATH musical score:

• "Dust Bowl Children" by Peter Rowan
  (Performed by John Pointer in the show)
  
  
• "66" by Michael Smith
  (Performed by John Pointer, Zach Thompson and Paul Mitchell Wright)
  
  
• "Pastures of Plenty" by Woody Guthrie
  (Performed by Sarah Gay, John Pointer, Rich Upton, Paul Mitchell Wright, Zach Thompson, Marc Pouhe and Jarret Mallon)
  
  
• "Down to the River to Pray" by Alison Krauss
  (Performed by Sarah Gay, Rich Upton, John Pointer, Marc Pouhe and Zach Thompson)
  
  
• "I Ain't Got No Home" by Woody Guthrie
  (Performed by Rich Upton)
  
  
• "Pass Me Not, O' Gentle Savior" by Fanny J. Crosby and William H. Doane
  (Performed by Sarah Gay and John Pointer)

Enjoy the tunes, and stay tuned for more MP3 downloads from ZACH Theatre's original production.

If you still haven't see the show, please contact our box office at (512) 476-0541, x. 1 to reserve your tickets, or buy tickets online.

Don't take our word for it ...

Austin Live Theatre, one of Austin's preeminent blogs on the local theatre scene, posted a review today of ZACH Theatre's production of THE GRAPES OF WRATH.

Stay tuned to our blog for free music downloads, backstage insight, and special events and discounts for this production!

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....