Family Classic and Timely New Productions for Zach’s 2024-25 Season
List includes latest from Austin’s Tony winner Robert Schenkkan
By Richard Whittaker, 6:00PM, Wed. May 8, 2024
Zach Theatre has become one of Austin’s most significant stages for both crowd-pleasing popular productions and challenging works that intrigue and enthrall. With the 2024-25 season, announced today, both are represented in both returning favorites and brand-new productions.
The season opens for adults, as one could expect, with the return of A Christmas Carol, artistic director Dave Steakley’s jukebox gem that re-envisions Dickens' classic in a musical setting. For those of you of a musical mind, that will be followed by a new production of rock & roll history lesson Jersey Boys. But don't worry, lovers of drama: Mid-season, there’s the regional premiere of historical romance Bob & Jean by Pulitzer-winning Austinite Robert Schenkkan.
Those are just three of the titles announced as part of a packed schedule for adults and kids, plus productions for both, such as the return of Zach’s other annual favorite, Holiday Heores. However, there’s one addition still to come: A director’s choice production for the summer of 2025 is still to be announced.
For more info, visit zachtheatre.org Now here’s the full list of plays, musicals, and fun nights out for the 2024-25 season.
MAIN STAGE SERIES
Jersey Boys
Jan. 29-March 2, 2025, the Topfer at Zach
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Music by Bob Gaudio
Lyrics by Bob Crewe
The best jukebox musical ever? Maybe. The Tony-winning retelling of the rise and fall of the Four Seasons marks the 20th anniversary of its Broadway run, showing its incredible staying power with this new production. Plus, what a soundtrack! “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” and so many more. Steakley said, “We look forward to entertaining audiences with one of the most fun nights to be had with Jersey Boys.”
Age Recommendation: Ages 12+. This production includes strong adult language and sexual references.
Bob & Jean: A Love Story
March 19-April 13, 2025, the Kleberg at Zach
Written by Robert Schenkkan
Directed by Dave Steakley
What the Constitution Means to Me
April 9-May 4, 2025, the Topfer at Zach
Written by Heidi Schreck
A remarkable one-woman show, Shreck’s Pulitzer Prize finalist has personalized that driest of documents, looking back at its impact on four generations of the women in her family. Steakley called the play “timely ... funny, thoughtful and extremely inspiring.”
Age Recommendation: Ages 12+. This production contains mentions of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and discussions of abortion and stigmatization.
The Wizard of Oz
June 11-July 20, 2025, ZACH360 on the Topfer at Zach
Book by Jim Eiler
Music by Jeanne Bargy and Jim Eiler
Lyrics by Jim Eiler
Adapted from the book by L. Frank Baum
Directed by Dave Steakley
The latest in Zach’s immersive in-the-round productions takes you down the Yellow Brick Road in this production of the musical adaptation by Jim Eiler and the children’s stock theatre geniuses of the Prince Street Players. Steakley explains, “Once we cross over into Oz, the musical palette opens up in surprising and magical ways. I invite you to sit in the cornfield, or in the forest, or maybe you’d prefer the poppy field. I have a feeling some of you are down for a Munchkinland kind of adventure. Or maybe you like being at the very heart of the action in the Emerald City. Well, slip on those ruby red boots and join us on the yellow brick road, ’cause we ain’t in Kansas anymore, cowboy.”
Age Recommendation: 5 & up
HOLIDAY ADD-ON
A Christmas Carol
Nov. 20, 2024-Jan. 1, 2025, the Topfer at Zach
By Charles Dickens
Adapted and directed by Dave Steakley
Musical direction by Allen Robertson
The jukebox revival of Dickens’ classic is back for its 10th year, with tunes, chains, and ghosts to remind you what the season is all about.
FAMILY SERIES
Luna
Sept. 27-Nov. 17, 2024, the Whisenhunt at Zach
Written by Ramón Esquivel
Directed by Mateo Hernandez
A delightful tale of friendship following Soledad, the daughter of migrant farm workers, as she tries to make friends moving from town to town, only to find that she has had one friend all along: the moon.
Age Recommendation: 5 & up
Holiday Heroes
Dec. 7-21, 2024, the Topfer at Zach
Written by Shawn Wainwright-Branigan and Jerome Schoolar
Austin has its own spirits of Christmas in Ernie and Rufus, who return for this beloved holiday sing-along filled with laughs and love. And because this is for the kids, just remember: We’re all kids at heart at Christmas.
Age Recommendation: 3 & up
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!
Feb. 18-May 18, 2025, the Kleberg at Zach
Script by Mo Willems and Mr. Warburton
Lyrics by Mo Willems
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Based on the book by Mo Willems
Age Recommendation: 3 & up
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ZACH Theatre, The Wizard of Oz, Robert Schenkkan, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Bob & Jean: A Love Story, A Christmas Carol, Holdiay Heroes
