IN THE HEIGHTS, 'LADY DAY' and More Set for ZACH Theatre's 2016-17 Season
By: BWW
News Desk Sep. 28, 2016
Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley recently announced the 2016-17 ZACH Theatre Season at an event for ZACH's Trustees, annual donors, and Season Sponsors. ZACH is thrilled to produce Hamilton composer/playwright Lin Manuel Miranda's extraordinary, Tony award winning, Broadway musical In The Heights. San Antonio native Michael Balderrama will be directing and choreographing ZACH's production; he is an original cast member and dance captain of In The Heights, and has been with the show from its inception at the workshop production to Off-Broadway to Broadway, and directing the First and Second National Tours.
The season kicks off with high heels in the deliciously outrageous Priscilla Queen of the Desert, the Musical, directed by ZACH Associate Artistic Director Abe Reybold, and featuring fabulous scenic and costume design in collaboration with Ogunquit Playhouse. Jazz siren Billie Holiday takes center stage in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill. Million Dollar Quartet is based on an historic night in rock history when Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins joined together in an epic jam session at Sun Records. The production is directed by Dave Steakley and is a collaboration with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, where it will play in addition to ZACH in the summer of 2017.
Returning for the holidays is Steakley's popular family adaptation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, and David Sedaris' irreverent story of a Macy's elf, The Santaland Diaries. One play is yet to be announced, and in past seasons, popular plays like All The Way and ANN have been secured for this Director's Surprise slot.
"In The Heights is such an incredible experience in the theatre, from the pulse of the music to the Bboy dancing to the heartwarming story of family and community, and I'm so happy that Michael Balderrama will be helming our production, as you rarely have the opportunity to work with an artist who was with a show at every step in its development," says ZACH Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley. "Priscilla will be the kind of party that Austin loves to revel in, and we will all deserve a good celebration for surviving the fall's election season. ZACH's growing national profile has facilitated new artistic collaborations for us in the coming season with the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine and Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City; we look forward to working with our outstanding colleagues, and building deeper relationships for future productions. It's an ambitious season and we look so forward to sharing each dynamic experience with our great Central Texas audience."
Also announced are the 2016-17 ZACH Theatre For Families Series show titles including classics like Charlotte's Web and the sing-along Holiday Heroes, Elephant And Piggie: We Are In A Play!, and a brand new bi-lingual work in development for the Kennedy Center's New Visions/ New Voices festival and workshop, JJ's Arcade.
ZACH's 2016-17 SEASON:
PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL
September 28-October 30, 2016
Book by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott
Based on the Latent Image/Specific Films Motion Picture Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
Directed by Abe Reybold
Musical Direction by Allen Robertson
Shake your groove thing and climb aboard the most fun party bus in Austin - Priscilla Queen of the Desert! Based on the smash-hit movie, this Olivier and Tony Award-winning musical tells the heartwarming, uplifting adventure of three friends from Down Under who journey into the Outback searching for love, friendship, and family. They find more than they had ever dreamed. With hundreds of outrageous costumes and headdresses, and a playlist of dance floor hits including I Will Survive, Hot Stuff, I Say A Little Prayer For You, and I Love The Nightlife, this fresh and funny musical is a journey to the heart of FABULOUS!
Recommendation: Thirteen and older, includes adult language
Run Time: Approximate two hours and 20 minutes including one intermission
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
November 23-December 31, 2016
By Charles Dickens
Adapted and Directed by Dave Steakley
Musical Direction by Allen Robertson
Austin's newest and most rockin' holiday tradition! Each year, ZACH's A Christmas Carol features new hit songs and reimagined carols that create an infectious spirit that will have everyone dancing in the aisles. ZACH's fresh and inspired adaptation of Charles Dickens' beloved classic juxtaposes the traditional Victorian setting and costumes with a modern musical score that spans all genres. Come celebrate the season with three soulful ghosts, the Cratchit family's boundless love, and Ebenezer Scrooge's miraculous and joyous transformation.
Recommendation: Six and older
Run Time: Approximate two hours and 20 minutes including one intermission
LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL
April 5-30, 2017
A musical play by Lanie Robertson
Musical Direction by Allen Robertson
Pull up a chair, order a delicious cocktail, and turn back the hands of time in our swanky nightclub for an intimate evening with legendary jazz songstress Billie Holiday. "God Bless The Child," "Strange Fruit," "Don't Explain," and "My Man" are among the unforgettable hits you will savor from the lady who sings the blues. She's got a life to sing.
Recommendation: High school and older, includes adult language? and situations
Run Time: Approximately 2 hours including one intermission
IN THE HEIGHTS
May 31-July 2, 2017
Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Book by Quiara Alegría Hudes
Conceived By Lin-Manuel Miranda
Directed by Michael Balderrama
Musical Direction by Allen Robertson
This groundbreaking, vibrant musical won the Tony Award for Best Musical for Lin-Manuel Miranda and his dynamic creative team behind Broadway's most talked about breakout hit Hamilton. Set in NYC's Washington Heights, this "Upper West Side Story" dazzles with sizzling song and dance, as the hopes, romances, and dreams of a community ignite over the July 4th weekend. Joyous, infectious, and moving!
Recommendation: Ten and older
Run Time: Approximately two hours and 45 minutes including intermission
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
July 26-September 3, 2017
Book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux
Original Concept and Direction by Floyd Mutrux
Inspired by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins
Directed by Dave Steakley
Musical Direction by Allen Robertson
They came together to make music. And together they made history. Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins join forces for one night only on December 4, 1956 at Sun Records Studio in Memphis for the greatest jam-session ever. Relive this legendary night as you rock along to such classics as "Blue Suede Shoes," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "Great Balls of Fire." There will surely be a "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" in the Topfer Theatre for this epic night of music from rock n' roll's greatest icons.
Recommendation: Six and older
Run Time: Approximately one hour and 40 minutes with no intermission
DIRECTOR'S SURPRISE
This slot will feature an inspiring new work selected by Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley and will be announced at a later date.
HOLIDAY EXTRA:
THE SANTALAND DIARIES
November 23-December 25, 2016
By David Sedaris
Adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello
Directed by Abe Reybold
David Sedaris' ever-irreverent and giddily-cynical Macy's elf Crumpet is back. This outlandish, true tale jingles to life on the intimate Whisenhunt stage as Crumpet exposes what it takes to juggle tiny tots and staggering Santas during the most festive time of the year. This merrily subversive and laugh 'til you cry evening will delight all adult elves who like it more naughty than nice!
Recommendation: High school and older. Adult language?.
Run Time: Approximately two hours including one intermission.
THEATER FOR FAMILIES:
CHARLOTTE'S WEB
October 14-December 3, 2016, Kleberg Stage
Based on the Story by E.B. White
Adapted by Joseph Robinette
Opening: Friday, October 14, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday Public Shows: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Sunday Public Shows: at 2 p.m.
When Fern saves Wilbur, the smallest pig in the litter, Wilbur's fate falls in the hand of a seemingly fragile web of Charlotte the spider. Charlotte weaves a path to freedom for Wilbur in this heartwarming tale of friendship and devotion featuring bluegrass music and aerial artists from partner Sky Candy.
Recommendation: Ages three and older
Run Time: Approximately one hour
HOLIDAY HEROES
December 17, 2016, Topfer Stage
Written by Shaun Wainwright Branigan and Jerome Schoolar
Saturday Public Show: December 17, 2016 at 11 a.m.
Run Time: Approximately one hour
ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE: WE ARE IN A PLAY!
February 17- April 29, 2017 Kleberg Stage
Book lyrics by Mo Willems
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Opening: Friday, February 17, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday Public Shows: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Sunday Public Shows: at 2 p.m.
When Gerald and Piggie get together, anything is possible. They might wear silly hats, get invited to a fancy pool costume party, or learn a crazy new dance. Based on the wildly popular, beloved book series, this lively musical features Gerald and Piggie and the delightful back-up singers, the Squirrelles, who together discover the fun of being in a play and the joy of friendship. Bring your "bestus" friend and share the laughter.
Recommendation: Ages three and older
Run Time: Approximately one hour
JJ'S ARCADE
April 14-May 7, 2017, Mexican American Cultural Center
Written by José Casas
Opening: Friday, April 14, 2017 at 7 p.m.
Friday Public Shows at 7 p.m.
Saturday Public Shows: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday Public Shows: at 2 p.m.
Mario is a hard working auto mechanic in east LA who is left to raise his son, JJ, after the passing of his mother. In order to honor her memory and cope with his lack of connection with his father, JJ begins to build an arcade out of leftover cardboard from his dad's garage. It is through JJ's imagination and ingenuity that he is able to connect to himself and his family. Inspired by the YouTube sensation, Caine's Arcade, this bilingual play celebrates culture, imagination, perseverance, and family. JJ's Arcade will be co-produced with Teatro Vivo and presented at the Mexican American Cultural Center.
Recommendation: Ages seven and older
Run Time: Approximately one hour
For Season Subscription information call ZACH's Box Office at 512-476-0541 x1 or go to zachtheatre.org. ZACH's Box Office is located inside The Topfer Theater, 202 S. Lamar Blvd. Subscriptions are currently on sale to renewing subscribers only. New subscriptions will go on sale in mid-June.
ZACH Theatre Family Series season ticket holders get the best seats at the best price all season long. For Family Series Subscription information call ZACH's Box Office at 512-476-0541, x1, go to zachtheatre.org or visit ZACH's Box Office located inside The Topfer Theater at 202 S. Lamar Blvd. Free and convenient parking available at the front entrance. Dates for Sensory Friendly performances have yet to be announced.
A non-profit organization, ZACH creates intimate theatre experiences that ignite the imagination, inspire the spirit, and engage the community. As Austin's leading professional producing theatre, ZACH employs more than 300 actors, musicians, and designers annually to create its own diverse array of nationally recognized plays and musicals under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley and Managing Director Elisbeth Challener. Each year, ZACH serves nearly 115,000 Central Texans - 55,000 of which are children and youth who participate in our education and outreach programs, as well as inspiring camps and classes. ZACH Theatre is honored to host private and community events across the beautiful rental-ready spaces on our three-stage campus located in the heart of Austin. Founded in 1932 and in its 83nd season, ZACH is the longest continuously running theatre company in the state of Texas, and one of the ten oldest in the country. Visit www.zachtheatre.org for more information.
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