RAGTIME, HARVEY and More Set for ZACH's Premiere Season in New Topfer Theatre, 2012

The most exciting moment in ZACH's Theatre's history will happen this fall with the opening of the new Topfer Theatre. The once-in-a-lifetime first season will include a world premiere, an American musical with a full orchestra for the first time at ZACH, a beloved classic made new, an international concert guest star, and the biggest, snowiest holiday favorite of all time, all taking full advantage of the technological capabilities of the extraordinary new theatre.

"I'm thrilled to bring Austin so many firsts, filled with unforgettable moments, in our first spectacular season in the Topfer Theatre," says Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley. "From Ragtime-the largest and most extraordinary musical ZACH has ever produced, to the world premiere of a new play written especially for us by Steven Dietz, the most-produced playwright in America and an Austinite; from the dazzling holiday favorite White Christmas brimming with effervescent Irving Berlin hits, to a riveting drama starring Anton Nel, one of the greatest concert pianists in the world; and from a brand new Broadway-bound musical to a fresh revisioning of the beloved classic comedy Harvey, starring Martin Burke, the funniest man in Austin. For an artist like myself with a 20-plus year commitment to this city, it's a dream come true. There will be so many delicious moments for all of us who love this city to savor and inspire and celebrate!"

The spectacular lineup of productions will feature Austin's finest professional actors, musicians, designers and technicians, and extraordinary guests artists from around the county.

ZACH THEATRE'S 2012-13 SEASON

RAGTIME

Book by Terrence McNally, Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and Music by Stephen Flaherty • Based on the novel by E. L. Doctorow.

Directed by Dave Steakley, Musical Direction by Allen Robertson

October 17-November 18, 2012

ZACH welcomes in a new era with the grand opening of the Topfer Theatre, and no production is better suited to showcase the deep and inspired talents of our full company and new performance space than the uplifting Tony-winning musical RAGTIME. Over 40 of Austin's finest actors, supported by a glorious orchestra, tell the story of how we forged a nation that all people could call home. Bold anthems, Harlem ragtime, and delicate waltzes lift our aspirations for all that we can and will be. RAGTIME will set a new standard for musicals in our city, so intimate and immediate, that our discerning patrons will rejoice at the power of the experience.

WHITE CHRISTMAS

Based upon the Paramount Pictures film written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank • Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin Book by David Ives and Paul Blake.

December 5-December 30, 2012

What do Austinites dream of every December but never experience? A WHITE CHRISTMAS, of course, and this holiday your dreams come true when the beloved movie musical turns ZACH into a winter wonderland. In this delightful new stage adaptation former Army buddies turned famous song and dance men find love with two singing sisters in a snowy Vermont Inn, singing Irving Berlin classics like "Happy Holidays", "Count Your Blessings", "Blue Skies" and "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm." A must-see on your family's holiday wish list!

33 VARIATIONS

By Moises Kaufman

Directed by Dave Steakley

January 23-February 17, 2013

In a major coup for ZACH, Anton Nel, one of the world's greatest concert pianists, brings Beethoven's Diabelli Variations to brilliant life in this regional premiere. A mother, music scholar Katherine Brandt, is coming to terms with her daughter. Beethoven is coming to terms with his genius. And even though separated by 200 years, these two people share an obsession that makes time stand still in this extraordinary Broadway play about passion, ferocious tenacity and moments of beauty that transform our lives.

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