BEEHIVE Thrills Packed Houses Opening Weekend! Farewell Performance Run Begins!

It’s here! The biggest musical hit in ZACH’s 75-year history opened this weekend for its Farewell Performance run. This performance will absolutely be the final opportunity to enjoy ZACH’s original BEEHIVE cast members Rebecca Schoolar, Laura Benedict, Judy Arnold and Andra Mitrovich in the show that made ZACH history. New to the cast this season are Amani Dorn and Noellia Hernandez, familiar to audiences from their roles in ZACH’s recent productions of SEUSSICAL and CAROLINE, OR CHANGE. All of these ladies ignite the stage with performances that will have you cheering throughout the show.

Directed by Dave Steakley, BEEHIVE opened on New Year’s Eve 1992-93, and became an instant hit. I remember audiences pouring out of the theatre on their way to ZACH’s post-show New Year’s Eve party so jazzed that they said “let’s do that again!” The production quite simply blew their socks off. It certainly set the tone for a raucous party that night and for an exciting decade and a half to come for musical theatre at ZACH.

BEEHIVE is a heartfelt tribute to the girl groups and individual artists who skyrocketed to fame between the years 1960-1969: The Shirelles, The Supremes, Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Lesley Gore, Aretha Franklin, Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield, Tina Turner, and Janis Joplin. ZACH’s amazing cast of singers – who raise-the-roof with one chart topping hit after another – has made BEEHIVE an enduring favorite with audiences for over 16 years!

And, you’re in for a treat. Dave Steakley, the cast, and creative team have done it again. The 2009 edition of BEEHIVE is more fun than ever! With period-perfect choreography, stellar voices, a rockin’ band, and those “higher the hair, closer to God” wigs by Willa Kaye Warren, BEEHIVE delivers an experience that will have you saying “let’s do that again!”

And, it seems the word is out, because performances are already filling up. It’s probably best not to wait if you want to get good seats. There are only 18 performances in the run. And, many folks are coming in groups to party together, – yeah, it’s that kind of show. So come – bring your spouse, date, partner and friends. ZACH offers discounts for groups of just 8 or more. BEEHIVE is tremendous fun and will get your 2009 to a great start. Don’t forget to tell your friends so they can share in the fun too!

If you attended opening weekend, please share your experience!

We are also having a ZACH Theatre TweetUp this Wednesday, January 21 at Paggi House from 5-7pm. Several of the BEEHIVE cast will be there, and a few other ZACH staff. We’d love to meet you – so come on out and say hi!

– Jim Reynolds, ZACH Marketing Director
photo by Kirk R. Tuck

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