Leslie McDonel News

The 2025–2026 Austin theatre season was bold, adventurous, thought-provoking, and funny as heck. I haven’t cried in public as much as I did this past season!

​​​​​​​BroadwayWorld recently spoke with the dynamic Leslie McDonel and Tracey Edwards about the not-so-upbeat themes at the heart of ZACH Theatre’s current production of DEAR EVAN HANSEN.

Dear Evan Hansen at ZACH explores mental illness, grief, and the aftermath of a teenage tragedy in a hyperconnected world. Strong cast led by Evan Jennings, emotional music, and urgent themes left me moved, reflective, and deeply affected.

Zach Theater will present a two-week extension of Dear Evan Hansen. As one of the first regional theaters to produce the show, Zach’s production will now run through late May.

Zach Theater has revealed the cast and creatives for Dear Evan Hansen, the modern musical phenomenon with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and a book by Steven Levenson.

The secret of The Skivvies' longevity is, in fact, NOT the underwear.

Zach Theater favorite Leslie McDonel will return to the stage in LESLIE MCDONEL LIVE joined by surprise guests for one night only this fall. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

WAITRESS was originally a small indie film with a big heart. Written and directed by Adrienne Shelly, the 2007 movie told the story of Jenna, a Southern diner waitress with a knack for pie-making and a longing for a better life. The film quietly built a loyal following, beloved for its quirky charm, honest emotion, and bittersweet tone.

Zach Theater, the longest-running professional theater in Texas, announced the start of a national search for an Associate Director of Advanced Training for its conservatory-style youth training programs.

 Zach Theater has extended its run of the Tony-nominated musical Waitress, with a book by Jessie Nelson and music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles. Learn more here!

We're celebrating the 2024–2025 live theatre season AND the return of the Austin Theatre Critics Awards! For a complete list of nominations, read our article in BroadwayWorld! #ATXTheatre #BWW Get your free tickets for the event on June 9th, 2025!

ZACH Theatre has revealed the cast and creatives for the Tony-nominated musical Waitress, with a book by Jessie Nelson and music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles. Learn more!

Join the B. Iden Payne Awards Council at the Austin Scottish Rite Theatre to honor excellence in Austin theatre, recognizing achievements across various genres. Learn how to attend.

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL extended its run at ZACH Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets.

ZACH Theatre has revealed the cast and creatives for the Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway hit Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. See who is staring and learn how to purchase tickets.

CHELSEA TABLE + STAGE – New York’s newest hotspot for intimate dining and extraordinary music – will present the solo concert debut of Andrea Macasaet, one of the original Broadway stars of SIX the Musical, on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 7:00 PM.

CHELSEA TABLE + STAGE will present The Skivvies to ring in the holidays with their album release shows “Sleigh My Name,” for two performances, Saturday December 17 and Sunday, December 18, both at 7:00 PM.

Declan Bennett presents My Mates Sing My Songs a benefit for The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund), Monday, November 21st at Rockwood Music Hall.

A lively group of interesting artists were on the roster for Susie Mosher's show last week, and Matt Baker's photos show just how lively.

The Skivvies are turning ten and employing the help of some special guests to celebrate. Get ready for the star studded lineup of Nick Adams, Tovah Feldshuh, Beth Malone, Lesli Margherita, Nathan Lee Graham, Aaron Marcellus, Marissa Rosen, Diana Huey , Leslie McDonel, and Jordan Kai Burnett. The performance will be 7pm on July 19th at Joe's Pub.