On Our Stages

Featuring a Live Musical Score!

THE GRAPES OF WRATH

March 12-May 10, 2009
Kleberg Stage

By Frank Galati from the novel by John Steinbeck
Directed by Dave Steakley • Music Direction by Allen Robertson

Re-envisioned by Chicago’s famed Steppenwolf Theatre Company to international acclaim, this Tony Award-Winning play tells the story of the Joad family’s exodus from the dust bowl in Oklahoma to a new life in California in search of land, jobs, and dignity. With an epic cast, stunning theatricality, and an evocative musical score inspired by Woody Guthrie and the music of the Great Depression performed live by a four piece band, this is a deeply moving affirmation of the human spirit and highlight of the new season.

“Majestic...leaves one feeling that the generosity of spirit Steinbeck saw in a brutal country is not so much lost as waiting once more to be found.” – The New York Times

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This project has been made possible by the
Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation

Last Stop Before New York!

LET ME DOWN EASY

Previews April 15, 16, 17
Champagne Opening Night April 18
Performances Continue Tuesdays - Sundays through May 10
Whisenhunt Stage

Conceived, written by and starring Anna Deavere Smith
Directed by Leonard Foglia (Broadway director of Master Class, The Heidi Chronicles, and Thurgood.)

Acclaimed actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith returns to ZACH’s stage with her new play that explores the resiliency and vulnerability of the human body.  Channeling the dramatically different experiences of her interview subjects, from survivors of the Rwandan genocide to the head coach of the University of Texas football team, and from Governor Ann Richards to a professional rodeo cowboy, Ms. Smith captures a grace on stage that illuminates the resourcefulness of the human spirit. 

ZACH is presenting this extraordinary artist in the intimate setting of our Whisenhunt Stage.  We are all in for a very rare treat to have an artist of Anna Deavere Smith’s caliber in an up-close, unforgettable performance.

“Anna Deavere Smith is the most exciting individual in American theatre!”
– Newsweek

Anna Deavere Smith interview in The Austin Chronicle.

Click here to see clips of Anna Deavere Smith's unique performances.

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Live! on ZACH's Intimate Stage

LOVE, JANIS

May 28-August 30, 2009
Kleberg Stage

Conceived, adapted & directed by Randal Myler
Inspired by the book by Laura Joplin

Starring ANDRA MITROVICH in an exclusive engagement in ZACH's production.

The most requested show in ZACH’s history is back! Selected by Janis’ sister Laura Joplin as the original star of the Off-Broadway and national tour of Love, Janis, Andra Mitrovich returns home to ZACH’s stage to channel Janis Joplin as only she can! The life and music of the rock-n-roll icon explodes onto the stage in this dynamic rock musical that offers a glimpse at Janis’ soul through the letters she wrote home and the songs she made famous, like “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Piece of my Heart,” and “Mercedes Benz.”

“Best Actress in a Musical!” Winner for Love, Janis
– Austin Critics’ Table Awards

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"A Smart and Sweet Comedy!"
– Austin American-Statesman

World Premiere!

SHOOTING STAR

February 12-April 5, 2009
Whisenhunt Stage

Written & Directed by Steven Dietz • Starring Barbara Chisholm and Jamie Goodwin

From one of America’s most produced and beloved playwrights (and the director of ZACH’s hit play Doubt) comes the world premiere of Steven Dietz’s new romantic-comedy Shooting Star. Two ex-lovers – one from Austin and one from Boston – unexpectedly reunite after 20 years while snowed in at a Midwestern airport. In time for Valentine’s Day, this delicious, bittersweet comedy has great heart with an appeal to the romantic in all of us.

"Dietz’s writing supplies what’s missing from most modern comedy:  character, setting, worship of language, respect for the audience, and distinctive authorial intelligence!"  – Seattle Weekly

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Tony Award Winner!

CAROLINE, OR CHANGE

September 18-November 9, 2008
Kleberg Stage

Book by Tony Kushner
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Directed by Dave Steakley

Starring JANIS STINSON from ZACH's productions of It Ain't Nothin' But the Blues and the hit musical Crowns!

Caroline works as a maid for a Jewish family in Louisiana. When her employers tell her she can keep the change she finds in their eight-year-old son’s pockets, they set in motion an emotional series of events that will alter both Caroline and their family forever. Filled with lush, stirring music, this groundbreaking musical from the author of Angels in America and the composer of Thoroughly Modern Millie has been hailed as a major milestone in American musical theatre.

“The first great piece of musical theatre of the 21st century... every bit as smart as Sondheim and every bit as emotionally compelling as Rodgers and Hammerstein.” – Boston Globe

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

ZACH 75th Anniversary Concert

Saturday, November 1st, 2008

An electrifying production starring some of ZACH's most
amazing performers and their songs that stopped the show!

Starring ZACH's favorite performers:
Jamie Goodwin • Meredith McCall • Jill Blackwood
Judy Arnold • Andra Mitrovich • Cedric Neal • Felicia Dinwiddie
Kenny Williams • Janis Stinson • Barbara Chisholm

Live! On ZACH's intimiate Whisenhunt Stage

Extreme Voyage:
Richard Garriott's 12 Days on the International Space Station

Saturday, January 24th
Two Presentations Only! 2:30pm & 8pm

Richard Garriott, famed video game developer, former ZACH Board Member and Austinite, recently followed in his father Owen Garriott's footsteps into space as he boarded a Russian Soyuz spacecraft and spent 12 historic days at the International Space Station. Garriott is the first second-generation American in space, and the sixth private astronaut client of Space Adventures. You are invited to a special presentation by Garriott himself as he shares his amazing experiences in space, including artifacts and photos from his private collection, plus videos of aspects of space travel never seen before! There will be a Q&A with the audience as part of his presentation. This is a rare opportunity to hear the first-hand accounts of space travel by a masterful storyteller.

Great fun for all ages. Special youth discounts available.

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Holiday Extras

11th Hit Year At ZACH!

THE SANTALAND DIARIES

November 28, 2008-January 10, 2009
Whisenhunt Stage

Written by David Sedaris
Adapted for the Stage by Joe Mantello
Directed by Dave Steakley

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. Sedaris’ 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.

“Sardonic tonic for the holidays!” – Austin American-Statesman

Austin's Holiday Family Musical!

ROCKIN' CHRISTMAS PARTY

November 28, 2008-January 2, 2009
Kleberg Stage

Created and Directed by Dave Steakley
Musical Direction by Lyn Koening

Rockin’ Christmas Party reigns as one of Austin’s longest-running traditions. 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!

Winner! “Best Musical!” – Austin Critics’ Table Awards

Beehive: Farewell Performances

January 16, 2009 - February 22, 2009

Come celebrate the most popular musical in ZACH's history! All your favorite songs and all your favorite performers - featuring ANDRA MITROVICH as Janis Joplin, JUDY ARNOLD as Tina Turner, REBECCA SCHOOLAR as Connie Francis and LAURA BENEDICT who last played the beloved Patsy Cline at ZACH. Also starring Noellia Hernandez and Amani Dorn who have become pillars in the ZACH acting community.

Boogie your blues away, and relive some of the most exciting moments in music history!

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