ZACH Theatre – An Austin Theatre Blog

Bidding for ZACH’s exclusive Red, Hot & Soul Online Auction begins tomorrow, May 7 at 9am and runs through Tues., May 12!

The theatre added two only-at-ZACH items to the chopping block for your bidding pleasure: A role in ZACH’s upcoming production of PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE and a “Summer of Love” party thrown by ZACH Theatre and the LOVE, JANIS cast and crew. Below is a complete list of auction items.

Check ZACH’s homepage during the auction period for more information on items and to place your bid. Happy bidding!

Summer of Love Party Summer of Love Party with Janis Joplin Value: Priceless Minimum bid: $1,000 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 cupcakes from The Cupcake Bar 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. Choose from the following dates: May 28-July 15, 2009. Select a Wednesday or Thursday evening, or Sunday Matinee. (Friday and Saturday nights are excluded).

Bee A Part of the Cast! Bee a Part of the Cast! Value: Priceless Minimum Bid: $250 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 in a performance of the Tony Award-winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The package includes 4 tickets for your fans to watch your performance! The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee follows six teens who compete in an annual spelling contest. They revisit a time of awkward uncertainty and the craziness of adolescence and in the process learn that winning isn’t everything, and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser. With a playful score, the show is funny, offbeat, heartwarming, and according to The New York Times, “riotously funny and remarkably ingenious. Gold stars all around!”

Two UT Suite Tickets University of Texas Football Suite Tickets Donated By: Rusty Tally at UBS Services Value: $2,000 Minimum Bid: $800 Kick off the 2009 college football season with 2 tickets to sit in this University of Texas at Austin Darrel K. Royal Stadium suite, including food, drinks and amenities to the game! Restrictions: 2009 football season opening game on September 5, 2009.

IKEA Lounge IKEA Lounge Donated By: IKEA Value: $4,000 Minimum Bid: $1,600 If you are looking for a new furniture set that is reliable, beautiful and affordable – have a seat and take a load off your feet in this IKEA Lounge!

Dinner, Drinks and Music Fajitas and Margaritas for 35 at El Arroyo featuring Walt Wilkins! Donated By: El Arroyo Value: $3,000 Minimum Bid: $1,200 Enjoy some fajitas and margaritas and music by Walt Wilkins! He was recently featured on Pat Green’s latest album. Restrictions: Must be scheduled for a mutually agreeable date.

Concert and Dinner for 50 Concert and Dinner for 50 at Threadgill’s Donated By: Threadgill’s Value: $4,500 Minimum Bid: $2,000 If you love local classics, sign up for a fantastic evening at Threadgill’s with Patrice Pike. This rockin’ venue is the perfect place to invite 50 of your closest friends to have dinner and experience an incredible performance. Restrictions: Expires 12/31/2009. Must schedule 3 months in advance. Gratuity not included.

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.

This year’s Red, Hot & Soul event is at the Hilton Austin Downtown, this Saturday, April 4. To purchase a ticket, sponsor a table or make a donation to Austin’s imaginative ZACH Theatre community, please visit the ZACH Theatre website.