January At Zach Theatre Brings Two Openings, One Closing, And New 'Pay–What–You–Will' Performances

ZACH Theatre kicks off 2019 with two show openings, one show closing, and a new "Pay-What-You-Will" program for all Mainstage productions. Hedwig returns to Texas in the Austin debut of the 2014 Tony Award-winning incarnation of John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask's Hedwig and the Angry Inch playing The Topfer at ZACH running January 23-March 3, 2019 with a new "Pay-What-You-Will" program to begin with this production. In collaboration with University of Texas at Austin's Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities (DTYC) MFA Program, This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing will now join the season lineup running January 13, 19, 20, and 26, 2019 in The Whisenhunt at ZACH, performed and devised by the ensemble. Allen Robertson's smash-hit musical for all ages, Tortoise and Hare will close in The Kleberg at ZACH on January 27.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch will star Daniel Rowan as Hedwig and Leslie McDonel as Yitzhak. The Angry Inch includes: Luke Linsteadt on Guitar/Keys, CHRIS TONDRE on Guitar, BEAU MOORE on Bass and HARRELL WILLIAMS, JR. on Drums.

This groundbreaking musical will feature an electrifying punk-fueled rock score, a live back-up band, and one of the most unique characters to ever hit the stage with direction by Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley, Musical Direction by Allen Robertson, Choreography by Associate Artistic Director Abe Reybold, Scenic and Projection Design by Stephanie Busing, Costume Design by Broadway designer Michael McDonald, and Lighting Design by Jason Amato with music and lyrics by Steven Trask and book by John Cameron Mitchell.

Returning to their roles, Aly Tufenkjian, Jada Cadena, Kriston Woodreaux, Lina Chambers, and Sam Provenzano, the cast of UT's This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing join ZACH Moody Foundation Theatre for Families 2018-19 Season. Harnessing the conventions and mythologies of classic fairytales and marrying them with an original journey accessible to modern audiences, Australian Finegan Kruckemeyer's epic tale, This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing takes on the search for happiness, self, and a place to call home.

In addition to new season offerings, ZACH's Moody Foundation Theatre for Families programming continues its mission with theatre for everyone off location in partnership with the Thinkery to present The Very Scared Caterpillar January 18-19, 2019. Geared for PreK-Grade 2, the Very Scared Caterpillar is a fun and interactive tour throughout the museum, using characters, theatre, and problem solving to connect to science TEKS. Tickets are available through the Thinkery at thinkeryaustin.org.

Family favorite Tortoise and Hare will close January 27. With a book by Allen Robertson and Damon Brown with Music by Allen Robertson, this new take on Aesop's fable delights all ages.

As part of ZACH Theatre's commitment to remain open and accessible to every member of the community, ZACH launches new program offering a select number of Pay-What-You-Will tickets to preview performances for all Mainstage productions, beginning with Hedwig and the Angry Inch. During the first week of the engagement, a total of 50 Pay-What-You-Will tickets (10 per performance) will be available for purchase on the same day as the performance. Tickets may be purchased online or in person. For more information please visit www.zachtheatre.org

When: January 23-March 3, 2019
Where: The Topfer at ZACH | 202 South Lamar | Austin, TX | 78704
Tickets: Start at $25 available at ZACH's box office - (512) 476-0541 x1, zachtheatre.org

Lift up your hands for the most groundbreaking, heart-stomping, gut-busting character ever to grace the stage! Created by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask, Hedwig and the Angry Inch is "the most exciting rock score written for the theatre since, oh, ever" says Time Magazine. Winner of two Obie Awards and four Tony Awards, Hedwig tells the story of "internationally ignored song stylist" Hedwig Schmidt, a fourth-wall-smashing East German rock 'n' roll goddess who also happens to be the victim of a botched sex-change operation, trying to find a place to belong in America. Join the outrageous and unexpectedly hilarious Hedwig as she shares her story backed by her rock-band "The Angry Inch" for an immersive rock gig, stand-up comedy event that will ultimately inspire anyone who has felt life has given them an inch when they deserve a mile.

Age Recommendation: Thirteen and up for strong language and adult themes

Run Time: One hour and 40 minutes.

This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing
When: January 13, 19, 20 and 26, 2019
Where: The Whisenhunt at ZACH | 1510 Toomey Rd. | Austin, TX | 78704
Tickets: $18 (Youth) and $24 (Adult) available at ZACH's box office - (512) 476-0541 x1
zachtheatre.org

(Family Friendly) In this modern-day fairy tale, three young sisters are left in the forest by their woodcutter father and three resolutions are made: One sister takes one path, one sister a different path, and the third decides to stay right where she is. After twenty years of wild adventure, heartbreak, and big victories, the three meet again as women. An imaginative blend of creative puppetry, live music, and fantastical storytelling, this is a story of family and friendship you won't want to miss!

Age Recommendation: 8 and up

Run Time: 55 minutes with a 10-minute intermission.

Tortoise and Hare
When: Now thru January 27, 2019
Where: The Kleberg at ZACH | 202 South Lamar | Austin, TX | 78704
Tickets: $18 (Youth) and $24 (Adult) available at ZACH's box office - (512) 476-0541 x1
zachtheatre.org

(Family Friendly) Ancient versus modern. Brain versus brawn. Peace versus war. Reptile versus mammal. The ultimate Culture Clash between two tribes and a fantastical race to decide the fate of them all. Written by the talented Allen Robertson and Damon Brown, with modern music and energetic re-imagining of the ancient fable that will delight turtles and hares of all ages!

Age recommendation: 5 and up
Run time: 55 minutes with no intermission

Tickets are available online at zachtheatre.org, by phone at 512-476-0541, or in person at the ZACH Theatre Box Office, in the Topfer Theatre, 202 South Lamar Boulevard (corner of Riverside Drive and South Lamar) Monday through Saturday, 12 - 5 p.m. ZACH's Box Office is located inside The Topfer, 202 S. Lamar Blvd. Free, short term and convenient parking available at the front entrance. ZACH Theatre is wheelchair accessible. Student Rush Tickets are $20 one hour before show time (with valid ID). A limited amount of Pay-What-You-Will tickets are available the day of for Mainstage preview performances only. Groups of 8 or more may request reservations by calling 512-476-0594 x.245 or by emailing groupsales@zachtheatre.org.

Sign Interpreted and Open Captioned Performances occur the second Wednesday of each Mainstage production.

Post-show Discussion Nights occur the second Wednesday of each Mainstage production.

Pride Night for Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Thursday, January 24th with catering and happy hour at 6:30 p.m.

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 250 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 128,000 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, 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.

ZACH Theatre's 2018-19 Season is sponsored in part by The Moody Foundation, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dell, and Holiday Inn-Lady Bird Lake; and by grants from The Shubert Foundation, Junior League of Austin, The National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, the Cultural Arts Division of The City of Austin Economic Development Department, and Applied Materials.

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