ZACH Theatre – An Austin Theatre Blog

David Bologna

David Bologna, a former ZACH Theatre Performing Arts School student, and star of ZACH’s 2007 production of Golly Gee Whiz, has been nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical for his role as Michael in Billy Elliot. The smash hit Broadway musical has been nominated for a total of 15 Tony Awards. (Click here for a complete nomination listing.)

During his tenure at ZACH, David studied musical theatre with Jaclyn Loewenstein and dance with Adam Roberts. Adam worked intensively with David to hone his tap skills in preparation for his Billy Elliot auditions. Though David is an extremely accomplished Irish Dancer, the style of tap in Billy Elliot is more grounded and he wanted to nail the technique before heading to New York. David also performed the leading male role in the ZACH’s Performing Arts School production of Golly Gee Whiz, a family musical based on classic MGM Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney films of the 1930’s. His performance as the charming, optimistic Mickey brought down the house, and it was obvious that David was born to perform, and was destined for the Great White Way!

David, age 13, is a native New Orleanian and moved to Austin, Texas in the fall of 2005 after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina. David began his acting career at the age of 6 and has performed in 28 productions in New Orleans and Austin. David is a two-time Big Easy Award winner for Best Performance by a Child for his roles in The Music Man (Winthrop Paroo) and Oliver (Oliver). He is also a world class Irish Dancer, and has captured back-to-back North American Irish Dance Championships. He has also placed as high as 5th in the World Irish Dance Championships.

About Billy Elliot (from official website)
The one name on everybody’s lips is BILLY. BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL is the new show that has captured Broadway’s heart and received the best reviews for any musical in years. Called “EXTRAORDINARILY UPLIFTING” by Time Out New York and “INTOXICATING” by The New York Times, BILLY ELLIOT is a joyous, exciting and feel-good celebration of one boy following his heart and making his dreams come true.

Based on the critically acclaimed feature film, BILLY ELLIOT is brought to life by the movie’s original creative team – director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall – along with music legend Elton John, who has written what the New York Post calls “HIS BEST SCORE YET!”

About ZACH Performing Arts School
In addition to its rich repertoire of productions for youth and adults, ZACH’s Performing Arts School offers professional theater classes for children ages 3 through 18. Visit the Education section at http://www.zachscott.com/education/index.html for more information and a schedule of classes, camps and up-coming events.

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.