ZACH Theatre Announces 2019-20 Season

ZACH Theatre, Central Texas' premier professional theatre, announces six Mainstage productions along with the Family Series and holiday add-ons as part of the 2019-20 season. The Mainstage Season includes: Steven Dietz's new work Dracula: Mina's Quest, a 21st century look at the Bram Stoker classic; A Night with Janis Joplin returns celebrating the legendary rock goddess; Every Brilliant Thing, Duncan MacMillan and Jonny Donahoe's touching and charming play; the timely and probing new work Roe by Lisa Loomer; the new immersive musical Reunion '85; and the quintessential family musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein's, The Sound of Music.

The cornerstone work of the upcoming season is the regional premiere of Lisa Loomer's new critically acclaimed play, Roe, a look at Roe v Wade from two different perspectives. ZACH Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley explains the importance of this piece to the season and in keeping with ZACH's mission of creating community conversations through the work produced," I have been in pursuit of Roe by Lisa Loomer for two years because the play is exceptional. The subject matter is very timely, and the Austin connection to this important story runs deep, with noted attorney and former State Representative Sarah Weddington at the center of it." He said, "The play has been optioned for Broadway and we are so fortunate to secure the rights to produce this significant work for our Austin audience. The 2019-20 season was literally built around this play. That's how important it is."

Commissioned for A Contemporary Theatre (ACT), Steven Dietz' Dracula: Mina's Quest will make its regional premiere at ZACH this October before it premieres at ACT this fall. Looking at Bram Stoker's work with a female-focused 21st Century lens, Dietz gives us a new look at this love story through Mina's perspective.

A Night with Janis Joplin will return to ZACH where its journey began; this time in the Topfer with Tony-nominated Mary Bridget Davies, who originated the title role on Broadway.

Making its Austin premiere, Every Brilliant Thing is an affirming story celebrating the simple things in life - like ice cream, water fights, and things with stripes - with humor and poignancy. Written by Duncan MacMillan with Jonny Donahoe, this one-man show will play the intimate stage of The Whisenhunt.

"The new season represents a few of our favorite things," Steakley enthuses. "Reuniting with one of our favorite Austin-based playwrights, Steven Dietz; the triumphant return of the hit musical Love Janis, which we helped launch to Broadway, coming back home with its Tony-nominated star; thrilling new work for kids, reinforcing ZACH's commitment to Central Texas families; the opportunity to engage our audience on a topical issue that incites meaningful debate; new ways to see our blessings every day; the premiere of a brand new musical experience in which the audience is engaged playfully as participants, and a new spin on a beloved classic musical that has been percolating in my head for the past decade. These ARE a few of my favorite things!"

Making its Texas premiere in The Topfer early next summer is the new immersive musical Reunion '85. Part concert, part comedy and fully interactive with on-stage table seating, this jukebox musical is a throwback to the 80s with big hair and big fun. Dust off your leg warmers as you head to a Class of '85 Reunion like no other.

The season will close with a reimagined look at the Rodgers and Hammerstein's Tony, Grammy, and Oscar-winning musical The Sound of Music. This beloved classic musical brings the Von Trapp Family to The Topfer for a summer of joyous music.

The 2019-20 ZACH Moody Foundation Family Series not only includes The Sound of Music, but also a retelling of Rudyard Kipling's Mowgli stories, Jungalbook by Edward Mast; The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, a menagerie of all Eric Carle's favorite books brought to life; and a world premiere, Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, with music and lyrics by Emmy-winner and ZACH Musical Director Allen Robertson.

Allen Robertson gives an inside look at his world premiere musical Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, "We live in a world where our devices often keep us more digitally connected and yet somehow more distanced from each other. I love that this story, told in a theatre, invites us to physically get in a room together and participate a communal experience that will lift our hearts and make us feel less alone through an uplifting, relatable tale of a character's transformation from social isolation (loneliness) into life-giving community. The pop-infused music is infectiously melodic - you'll be humming along with the entire show and may even find yourself singing out loud in the finale - it's Carole King meets Randy Newman meets Ben Folds - a catchy, heart-felt score full of rich vocal harmonies and infectious, dance-along rhythms."

Returning for the holidays: Dave Steakley's hit rockin' and family-friendly adaptation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens; J. Robert Moore returns in Joe Mantello's adaptation of David Sedaris' The Santaland Diaries, a wickedly funny tale of a somewhat-curmudgeonly department store elf named Crumpet, along with ZACH's beloved holiday family sing-along, Holiday Heroes.

MAINSTAGE SERIES:

DRACULA: MINA'S QUEST
September 25 - November 3, 2019, The Topfer

Written by Steven Dietz

Adapted from the novel by Bram Stoker

Austin's own Steven Dietz creates an all-new adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Exquisite and provocative, Dietz's new adaptation is a sensual fantasy with a surprising twist-a bold heroine who dares to defy the ruler of the night. Mina, the object of Dracula's desire, is in charge and with steadfast courage sleuths to uncover the mystery. Seductive, romantic, and empowering, Dietz has given us a new spin on the old tale to create a thoughtful and haunting interpretation of the story for a 21st century context.

A NIGHT WITH Janis Joplin

January 29 - March 8, 2020, The Topfer

Created, Written and Originally Directed by Randy Johnson

Original Choreography by Patricia Wilcox

Starring Mary Bridget Davies

Tony Award-nominated sensation Mary Bridget Davies stars as the legendary queen of rock-n-roll, Janis Joplin, who explodes onto the stage in a concert experience that celebrates the Texas musical marvel and shines a spotlight on the trailblazing female blues and soul vocalists who influenced her. A Night with Janis Joplin is packed with enduring hits like "Me and Bobby McGee," "Mercedes Benz," and "Summertime," plus hit songs by icons Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Etta James, and more. It's sure to take a little piece of your heart!

EVERY BRILLIANT THING
February 5 - March 29, 2020, The Whisenhunt

By Duncan MacMillan, with Jonny Donahoe

A boy sets out to count his blessings one-by-one and list every single special, ordinary thing about living to lift his mom's spirit. The love list flourishes as he matures to adulthood, and when life deals a bitter blow, it proves valuable in ways he could never have predicted. Hilarious and uplifting, Every Brilliant Thing is an interactive, improvisational play about life, loss, and the lengths we'll go to for the ones we love.

ROE

April 8 - May 3, 2020, The Topfer

Written by Lisa Loomer

At age 27, Austin attorney Sarah Weddington won the landmark 1973 case Roe v Wade that legalized abortion, making her the youngest person to ever successfully argue a case before the Supreme Court. A national debate ensued, and a divide in America endures over this controversial issue. What most people don't know is that after the case, Ms. Weddington and Norma McCorvey, "Jane Roe" the plaintiff, took divergent life paths that reflect this complicated polarization in our culture. Poignant, surprising, and with unexpected humor, Roe illuminates the difficult choices women make and the passion each side has for its cause.

REUNION '85
May 27 - June 28, 2020, The Topfer

Created by Susan Draus, David Larson and Cody Jamison Strand

In collaboration with Becca Anderson and Dan Marshall

We got the beat! It's YOUR 1985 class reunion. Party back to when we were living in a material world of scrunchies, shoulder pads, and parachute pants. Reunion '85 is a totally immersive concert experience that starts when the Reunion Committee welcomes you with your name tag and new identity. Whether Pretty in Pink or Risky Business, Preppy or New Wave, discover who you were back in the day. Grab a funky cold medina, cut footloose to the live band rocking the '80s hits, and party all night long with the class of 1985. It's the time of your life!

THE SOUND OF MUSIC
July 15 - September 6, 2020, The Topfer

Music by Richard Rodgers

Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein III

Book by Howard Lindsey and Russel Crouse

Suggested by "The Trapp Family Singers" by Maria Augusta Trapp

The hills are alive in this intimate, heartfelt reimagining of the beloved musical classic! Maria's sunny nature and passion for music brings joy and laughter back into the aching Von Trapp family, and melts the Captain's icy heart. Your spirits will soar to the Tony, Grammy, and Oscar-winning score, including "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "Climb Every Mountain," and, of course, the title song. Love triumphs, and light wins over the darkest of times.

MOODY FOUNDATION FAMILY SERIES:

JUNGALBOOK
September 7 - December 14, 2019, The Kleberg

Adapted by Edward Mast

Based on the Mowgli stories of Rudyard Kipling

Adventure awaits in a jungle where danger lurks in every tree and only the brave dare enter! This energetic and creative version of the classic tale ignites the imagination and propels the audience through a world ruled by the wild. When his parents are killed by Sherakhan, the young boy Mowgli is raised by wolves, under the protection of his friends Bagheera and Baloo. A tale of loyalty and betrayal, Mowgli must find the courage to face this challenge and choose his fate under consequences of jungle law.

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW
January 18 - April 26, 2020, The Kleberg

Created by Johnathan Rockefeller

Based on Eric Carle's books

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and his menagerie of animal friends have arrived at ZACH! Little ones will go wide-eyed with excitement as they recite along to their favorite Eric Carle classics like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, and The Very Lonely Firefly. Each story is brought to life by an array of faithfully recreated puppets that will enchant and engage both adults and children as they leap off the page and onto the stage.

SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, MR. HATCH
World Premiere

February 29 - April 4, 2020, The Whisenhunt

Book and Music by Allen Robertson

Based on the book by Eileen Spinelli

From the Emmy Award-winning creator of the PBS hit "The Biscuit Brothers" and Tortoise and Hare comes a new musical based on the beloved children's book. Mr. Hatch is a lonely man leading a ho-hum life, until one Valentine's Day he receives a note that reads "Somebody loves you"...and everything changes. With a contemporary score and playful audience interaction, Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch is a funny, heartwarming story celebrating friendship, acceptance, and self-esteem that will delight all ages.

HOLIDAY ADD-ONS:

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
November 20 - December 29, 2019, The Topfer

By Charles Dickens

Conceived and Adapted by Dave Steakley

Directed by Dave Steakley

Musical Direction by Allen Robertson

Austin's most rockin' holiday tradition returns to make merry with new music and surprises to get the party started. ZACH's inspired adaptation of the Dickens' classic is a musical sleigh ride through rhythm and time, infusing the traditional Victorian story with a score that spans all genres and eras. This family-friendly spectacular creates an infectious spirit that has everyone dancing in the aisles. Celebrate the season with the loving Cratchit family and three soulful ghosts as they take Ebenezer Scrooge on a joyride to rediscover his heart and love for human kindness.

THE SANTALAND DIARIES
November 29 - December 29, 2019, The Whisenhunt

By David Sedaris

Adapted to the stage by Joe Mantello

Directed by Nat Miller

Starring J. Robert Moore

David Sedaris' ever-irreverent and cynical Crumpet returns! The outlandish tale of a Macy's elf merrily jingles to life in this holiday cult-classic. Crumpet sarcastically expounds on the talent it takes to juggle tinsel, tearful tots, and eccentric Santas during what is hailed as the most wonderful time of the year. With a pre-show cabaret on weeknights, and 75 minutes of rollicking (and not so politically-correct) fun, this laugh-'til-you-spill-your-cocktail evening will delight adult elves who like it more naughty than nice!

HOLIDAY HEROES
December 7 and 14, 2019, The Topfer

Written by Allen Robertson, Shaun Wainwright Branigan and Jerome Schoolar

Kids of all ages can't get enough of this hilarious sing-along. In this ZACH holiday tradition, Rufus and Ernie get caught up in their usual musical shenanigans and celebrate seasonal traditions from around the world. A joyous, toe-tapping good time, Holiday Heroes gives a glimpse of how other cultures share good tidings, including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and more.

The six-show 2019-20 Mainstage Series Subscription package, including Dracula: Mina's Quest, A Night with Janis Joplin, Every Brilliant Thing, Roe, Reunion '85, and The Sound of Music, is currently on sale to renewing subscribers only. Six-show season subscriptions start at $243 or ZACH Pass (ten pack) is $675. Family Series and Total Access (Mainstage + Family Series) packages will also be available. The deadline for current Season Subscribers to renew their seats is April 26. Visit zachtheatre.org/renew to renew your subscription today. New subscriptions will go on sale in June. For more information, call 512-476-0541 x1 or go to zachtheatre.org. ZACH's Box Office is located inside The Topfer, 202 S. Lamar Blvd. Free, short term and convenient parking available at the front entrance. Groups of 8 or more may request reservations by calling 512-476-0594 x.245 or by emailing groupsales@zachtheatre.org.

• ACT ONE Young Professional pre-show parties occur the first Wednesday of the run for select Mainstage productions.
• Pride Night pre-show parties occur the first Thursday for each subscription Mainstage production.
• 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.

Dates for Sensory Friendly performances have yet to be announced.

About ZACH Theatre

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 140,000 Central Texans - 57,000 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.