On Our Stages

The Clean House

By Sarah Ruhl
Directed by Dave Steakley
July 10 - August 17
Whisenhunt Stage

Written by one of the most original new voices in American theatre, and a finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer Prize, Clean House is a quirky and moving comedy about love, loss and the power of a good joke. Matilde, a latina housekeeper, is keen to stretch her funny bone, but can’t muster any elbow grease for her domestic duties. Her employers’ house isn’t in order and neither are their personal lives. In pursuit of the perfect joke, Matilde ignores the household dirt, only to be swept away by family affairs of the heart. Delicious language, seriously funny, and twists you won’t see coming make this a play that will hit you where you live. “Intelligent and thoughtful... a sharply funny, moving work!” – Washington Theater.

Starring Lauren Lane
of TV’s The Nanny & ZACH's The Vagina Monologues

Earlier This Season

The Gershwins'
Porgy and Bess

By George Gershwin, DuBose and Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin.

Starring David Jennings and Marva Hicks

Directed by Dave Steakley
Choreography by Robin Lewis
Musical Direction by Lyn Koenning
Vocal Arrangements and Orchestrations by Greg Bolin
January 25 - February 3

With support from the National Endowment for the Arts American Masterpieces Musical Theatre program, George Gershwin’s majestic musical Porgy and Bess springs to life at ZACH next season! Director Dave Steakley and ZACH’s artistic team are creating a dynamic, re-envisioned staging of this classic in the style of the jazz and R&B recordings of legends Ray Charles, Cleo Laine, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Central Texas’ wealth of African-American singers will star, including Austin artists who have graced ZACH’s stages for the past two decades from Dreamgirls to Crowns.

MORE INFORMATION

This project has been made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts as part of American Masterpieces: Three Centuries of Artistic Genius

Coverage of ZACH's Production! Click here

Speeding Motorcycle

Conceived by Jason Nodler
Songs and concepts by Daniel Johnston
Directed by Jason Nodler
Music Direction by Anthony Barilla
Choreographed by Andrea Ariel
February 14 - March 23
Kleberg Stage

This out-of-this-world rock opera takes its inspiration from cult figure Daniel Johnston, a singer, songwriter and artist who first gained recognition in Austin during the 1980s. Anyone who’s ever enjoyed Johnston’s music or drawings will want to catch this exuberant celebration of his unique creativity. The quirky love story coupled with Beatles-inspired music was a hit at Houston’s Infernal Bridegroom Productions. The New York Times said “At a recent performance of “Speeding Motorcycle,” scores of people were turned away at the door. Many moped around outside, hoping someone just might leave at intermission!”

Jamie Goodwin & Janelle Buchanan
Photo by Kirk R. Tuck

Doubt

By John Patrick Shanley (author of the film "Moonstruck")
Directed by Steven Dietz
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and 4 Tony Awards!
April 3 - June 15
Whisenhunt Stage

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

Directed by Dave Steakley
Musical Direction by Allen Robertson
Choreography by Case Dillard
(Based on Original Choreography by Christopher Gatelli)
June 5 - August 10, 2008

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. These heartthrobs will rock the masses at ZACH this summer with angelic voices and hysterical lyrics such as "Girl, You Make Me Wanna Wait" and "Jesus, Called Me On My Cell Phone." This winner of the NY Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical will be a “holy hit” for all ages!

"Oh, the thinks you can think when you think about Seuss!"

This production is proudly
sponsored by:

Seussical The Musical

By Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Directed by Wendy Bable
Musical Direction by Lyn Koenning
Choreography by Case Dillard & Natasha Davison
June 27 - August 10, 2008

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!

Starring ZACH's Original
"Little Elf" Martin Burke!

The Santaland Diaries

Written by David Sedaris, Adapted for the Stage by Joe Mantello
Directed by Dave Steakley
November 23, 2007 - January 6, 2008
Whisenhunt Stage

Our little Macy’s elf knows a thing or two about faking the Yuletide spirit. But you won’t be faking a good time when your sides split during David Sedaris’ wickedly funny The Santaland Diaries. Now in its 10th hit year, the comedy tells the real-life story of Sedaris’ tour of duty as the elf Crumpet, and what it takes to juggle tots and tottering Santas during a painfully festive time of the year. A laugh ‘til you cry evening of merrily subversive entertainment to delight adult audiences.

Rockin' Christmas Party

The Rock-n-Soul Musical
Created and Directed by Dave Steakley
November 23 - December 30, 2007
Kleberg Stage

Rockin’ Christmas Party turns fourteen this year reigning as one of the longest-running Austin traditions of all time. Bigger, brighter and merrier than ever our award-winning cast sure knows how to put the Christmas spirit in your heart – and your booty! – as they shake, rattle and roll down Santa Claus Lane. It’s great fun for the whole family, but get your tickets early because seats go fast for this wildly popular holiday shindig. For all ages!

Now Booking Holiday Parties for
Plaid Tidings, Rockin' Christmas Party and
The Santland Diaries for 2007!
Call Amanda at 476-0541, x221 for
Group Rates & Priority Seating.

Party facilities available, at the theatre, with your group
ticket purchase!

Plaid Tidings

By Stuart Ross
Directed and Choreographed by Robin Lewis
November 29 - December 30, 2007
Groten Stage

The four-part harmony, guy group holiday musical returns! Thanks to a heavenly phone call from Rosemary Clooney, Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie are returning to earth in the delightful Forever Plaid sequel, Plaid Tidings. This time the quartet tunes their heavenly harmonies on holiday songs and carols, along with a hilarious tribute to The Ed Sullivan Christmas Spectaculars featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir. And, the boys whip up a Plaid Caribbean Christmas which puts the “Day-O” in Excelsis! Great fun for the whole family!