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With the clock counting down to Christmas, you’re probably rushing to holiday markets, searching for presents, and fitting holiday parties into your (sparse) free time. Let’s be real. The holidays tend to be more stressful than fun sometimes.
If you need to take a step back and enjoy a fun activity with the family, then the Austin area has multiple classic and original Christmas shows that can transport you to another place. Here are my nine recommendations for 2019.
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The whirlwind of a child’s nightmare, with a dim flashlight of hope under the canopy of childlike imagination, set the tone for “Matilda The Musical”—now playing at ZACH Theatre.
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A look at the signature crazy costumes worn by the cast of “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” (Credit: Kirk Tuck)
When ZACH opened up the Topfer Theatre in 2012, the Austin theater scene jumped up a few notches. ZACH has presented quality musicals and plays since 1932, but once they built a beautiful contemporary theater to house their productions, the whole experience was elevated.
A perfect example of this creative boost is the newly opened “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” With booty shaking music and enough costume changes to boggle the mind, this musical will have audiences grinning from ear to ear for over two hours. [Read more…]
See Sophisticated Ladies at Zach Theatre through August 23, 2015 (Credit: Kirk Tuck)
If you’ve daydreamed of stepping back into the roaring 20’s without the assistance of a time machine, head to Zach Theatre to see their production of Sophisticated Ladies.
Upon taking your seat, you’re greeted by a striking image of a gentleman’s face that consumes the stage. His head is tilted downward, warm expressive eyes gaze upward, with skin smooth as silk and a chin resting on a crisp white bow tie. The rim of his top hat casts a slight shadow, leaving an air of mystery. But there was no doubt who was watching over the crowd: jazz composer Duke Ellington, also known as The Duke for his signature dapper attire.
Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies offers a night of indulgence sprinkled with glitz and glamour. Scenes unfold on a stage that mimics Harlem’s notorious jazz venue where Mr. Ellington’s fame blossomed, the Cotton Club. [Read more…]
Steve Vinovich gives an impassioned speech as LBJ in All the Way at Zach Theatre
Imagine if you had eleven months to be president. What would you do? Would you seize the opportunity and make sweeping changes or lay back in the hopes of nabbing another four years?
That’s the problem Lyndon B. Johnson faced when he was thrust into the presidency in the wake of JFK’s assassination. All the Way, a Tony award winning play opening at Zach Theatre on April 16, 2015, examines LBJ’s early career with a dynamite cast and spot on direction. A definite must-see.
All The Way is the story of LBJ’s first eleven months in the Oval Office. If following in the tragic footsteps of the most popular president since Roosevelt isn’t enough, the Texas Hill Country native finds himself at the helm of a country ready to tear itself apart. [Read more…]
Jacqui Cross as The Ghost of Christmas Present and Harvey Guion as Mr. Scrooge
(Credit: Kirk Tuck via Zach Theatre)
I was first introduced to A Christmas Carol in 6th grade. I wish I could say I enjoyed reading the book, but the exact opposite was true. I was more concerned with the response to my “Will You Go Out With Me?” note than with Ebeneezer Scrooge’s epiphany.
Fast forward 15 years to A Christmas Carol at Zach Theatre. I left the show wishing it had been my first introduction to Dickens. The musical adaptation, playing until December 28, 2014, was captivating and full of energy.
This holiday season, I urge everyone in Austin to personally experience A Christmas Carol – A Rockin’ New Musical. The music, cast and adaptation of the story are the reasons you and everyone you know should see the show. [Read more…]
Chase Brewer (Toad) and Nicholas Kier (Frog) in Zach Theatre’s A Year with Frog and Toad
Frog and Toad are your friends. They’ve been your friends for more than 40 years, since the two leap-frogged from Arnold Lobel’s head into the now classic children’s books.
A Year with Frog and Toad, playing at Zach Theatre through November 29, 2014, cleverly delivers the favorite stories of Lobel onto the stage with catchy tunes you will hum long after you leave the theatre. Director Nat Miller has crafted the latest version of the Tony-nominated show, which will take you back to the imaginary world of childhood. [Read more…]
Credit: Zach Theatre by Kirk Tuck
Austin is a music city. But do you want to know its best kept secret? The theater.
Yes, we live in “The Live Music Capital of the World,” but many only include traditional concerts in this category. I want to open your eyes to the amazing artists and musicians in local theater.
The best time to start your exploration into Austin’s theater world? Now. At Zach Theatre. With The Who’s TOMMY.
I’m guessing you’re not quite seeing what I’m seeing. So let me [Read more…]