Harvey by Mary Chase, Zach Theatre, Topfer Theatre, May 15 - June 16, 2013

Martin Burke (image: Kirk R. Tuck)

by Christine Mendez


Harvey by Mary Chase at the Zach Theatre, directed by Dave Steakley, is a laughter-inducing good time. It centers around Elwood P. Dowd , a charming, generous and altogether very pleasant man who happens to have an invisible six-foot rabbit named Harvey as his best friend. 

 Martin Burke’s comic performance is flawless, once again. His subtle gestures and affably earnest conversations with Harvey have you almost seeing the giant white rabbit yourself! Burke portrays Elwood’s genuinely friendly without out a single false note.

Elwood’s sister (Lauren Lane) and her daughter Myrtle Mae (Erin Barlow) have spent years of hiding the invisible and unseemly Harvey from society, and they decide the time has come to commit Elwood to a sanitarium. A mix-up confines the wrong person, and a happily unaware Elwood continues on his pleasant way with a smile in place.

Lauren Lane (image: Kirk R. Tuck)

Lane and Barlow as mother and daughter duo have you feeling the shame and hilarity of the situation simultaneously. Lauren Lane’s predicaments had the audience laughing all evening long – so much so that at times one had to strain to hear the dialogue. A week of preview performances should have been sufficient to adjust the timing – but perhaps the audience for the official opening night was particularly exuberant. I wished the ladies would have another beat before delivering their lines, but they definitely succeeded in keeping us amused.

Liz Beckham, Martin Burke, Jacob Trussell (image: Kirk R.Tuck)

Elwood’s gentle courtesy makes Nurse Kelly (Liz Beckham) feel appreciated and cherished even when the man she has her eyes set on, Dr. Sanderson (Jacob Trussell), treats her poorly. Elwood’s unwavering chivalry is refreshing, disarming and disconcerting to the other characters.

The Pulitzer-Prize-winning play from 1945, familiar to many from the Jimmy Stewart movie, poses a still relevant question about delusions, social propriety and responsibility. Is it right to lock up a friendly, generous and good-natured man who is harmlessly out of contact with reality as we conceive it? What’s the danger to us if he imagines he has a giant invisible rabbit as companion and best friend? People reject behavior they do not understand, so they instinctively move to counter it and exclude Elwood, even though he’s charismatic and kind.

Harvey the rabbit remains invisible, but his presence is palpable and apparent in the set design by Michelle Ney. Rabbit figures are to be found littered throughout the set. I was pleasantly surprised to detect a few rabbits in portraits on the walls of the sets, and I spent much of the intermission trying to find them all. The revolving stage was a quick and fun way to change between the two sets. The contrast between the warm library and the cold, almost empty environment of the sanitarium was stark – but it had no effect on the effervescent Elwood.

I recommend that you hop over to Zach Theatre to catch this performance of Harvey before he disappears!

Ragtime, Zach Theatre, October 17 - November 18

by Michael Meigs

The Zach's Ragtime is a huge -- I mean HUGE -- and lavish production, inaugurating its state-of-the-art 425-seat Topfer theatre. The flair, finish and finesse of this production are simply breath-taking.


Ragtime is a fable of a faraway America, one that existed at the very opening of the twentieth century. In his 1975 novel E.L. Doctorow imagined a tangled story involving a prosperous bourgeois family in New Rochelle, an unmarried African-American couple and their child, and an impoverished Jewish immigrant peddler and his young daughter in the New York slums.


The story is told in an amusing faux-historical narrative with cameos by real figures notable and notorious, ranging from escape artist Harry Houdini to Henry Ford to polar explorer Robert Peary to Evelyn Nesbit, infamous in the love triangle that led to the murder of architect Stanford White.


Miloš Forman turned Ragtime into a 1981 film featuring Randy Newman's clever and gently nostalgic score. Although the story is set principally in a small town upstate and in New York City, somewhat ironically the 1996 musical was underwritten by Canadian empresario Garth Drabinsky and first produced in Toronto. The music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens sweep the audience away.


Ragtime is a dream epic, a late twentieth-century imagining of how it should have been possible to overcome the differences between races and ethnic groups. It's imbued with an optimism of America's possibilities, even as it depicts setbacks.


While the wealthy owner of a fireworks factory is away on a polar expedition, his wife discovers an abandoned black newborn child in the garden. She takes it in along with Sarah, its despondent mother; professional musician Coalhouse Walker, Jr., drives up from Harlem every week, trying to speak to Sarah, and the family accepts him. The courteous and well-dressed outsider even becomes a music tutor to Edgar, the son. In an unfortunate encounter, white thugs beat Coalhouse and trash his automobile. Police and courts deny him justice; police brutality causes a death; Coalhouse and his armed followers occupy the J.P. Morgan library in New York City. Conflicts are sharp; dilemmas are insoluble. The New Rochelle family becomes involved and members learn different, difficult lessons.

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Robert Faires Profiles the Zach's New Topfer Theatre, Austin Chronicle, October 4

Wheels of a Dream

With the long-awaited Topfer Theatre, Zach races full-throttle into the future

by Robert Faires, October 4, 2012

(image: Sandy Carson for the Austin Chronicle)

Yes, that's a car on the Karen Kuykendall Stage inside Zach Theatre's new Topfer Theatre: a full-size automobile (albeit one built from the scraps of early 20th century Model Ts). And in a town dominated by postage-stamp stages that'd be hard-pressed to accommodate a soap box derby racer, that might seem an impressive enough signifier for this $22 million addition to Austin's performing arts venues. But it isn't like Zach hasn't put a car onstage before – remember Aralyn Hughes' pink, pig-encrusted sedan rolling onto the Kleberg's thrust in Keepin' It Weird a few years back?

 

No, the remarkable thing here is not the machine, which is just the vehicle for understanding what this new facility means for Zach, but the space around it – the space between those 21-foot tall proscenium sides, expansive enough to hold four dozen actors, comfortably spread out, to ooh and aah over the auto; space beyond the proscenium's frame – 20 feet on either side – into which said auto may be moved and stored without crowding out cast, crew, or scenic pieces; space above it – 70 feet above – into which the car, were Zach mounting Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, could be flown out, and out of which all manner of set-pieces can be flown in; space below it, a basement's worth, into which parts of the stage may be lowered for the exits and entrances of actors (or cars) or for creating an orchestra pit; and, far from least important, the space in front of it, large enough that 420 people may peer at the auto from their seats in the auditorium yet with even those most distant from the stage's edge no more than 10 feet farther from it than the back-row patrons in the Kleberg. It's a theatre that allows Zach to do so much that it never could in that 40-year-old mainstage, or the Whisenhunt Arena Stage built 20 years ago, to produce shows of a size and technical complexity comparable to those in major resident theatres across the country and even in Broadway houses. The Topfer represents possibilities.


Read full profile at the Austin Chronicle . . . .

See also
Zach Unveils New $22 million Topfer Theatre by Jeanne Claire van Ryzin, Austin Statesman, September 29

Upcoming: Ragtime, the musical, Zach Theatre, October 17 - November 18

Austin’s Theatre and Texas’ longest running theatre, in the first ever production on the Karen Kuykendall Stage in its new Topfer Theatre, presents the premiere Austin production of

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
Music Direction by ALLEN ROBERTSON
Musical Staging by NICK DEMOS

ZACH’s new Topfer Theatre, 202 South Lamar Blvd., (corner of Riverside Drive and South Lamar Blvd.)
Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

RAGTIME Previews Oct. 17-24

Champagne Opening and Press Night is Thursday, Oct. 25, followed by a reception with the stars of show
GLBT Wilde Party pre-show mixer is Thursday, Oct. 18; performances continue through November 18, 2012

To order tickets call 512-476-0541 ext. 1 or visit www.zachtheatre.org. Tickets range from $35-$65. Student Rush Tickets: $18 one hour before showtime (with valid ID). ZACH’s new, full bar opens one hour before showtime and remains open for one hour post-show.

ZACH’s production of RAGTIME features an all-star cast including: Jill Blackwood, Jamie Goodwin, Andrew Cannata, Kia Dawn Fulton, David Jarrott, Meredith McCall, Roderick Sanford, Jennifer Young, & Janis Stinson, with New York guest artists Andrew Foote as Tateh and Kyle Scatliffe as Coalhouse Walker, Jr.

(image: Kirk R. Tuck)

ZACH welcomes a new era with the opening of the Topfer Theatre, and no production is better suited to showcase the deep and inspired talents of ZACH’s full company and new performance space than the uplifting Tony Award-winning musical RAGTIME. More than 50 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 Austin, so intimate and immediate, that discerning patrons will rejoice at the power of the experience.


ZACH’s Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley says: “In planning the first season at the new Topfer Theatre, I focused on plays and musicals which involve dreams of some kind—chasing the American dream, dreams to which one aspires, literal dreams while sleeping, and the theatre as a place where dreams are realized. I selected RAGTIME to inaugurate the theatre because it is of an epic scale befitting our grand opening, it allows us to use all the new technology we have invested in, it will involve large segments of our community with a cast of 50 actors, it has never been produced locally, it was written by native Texan Terrence McNally, it creates the opportunity to have a full orchestra for the first time in our history, it has roles for youth to perform, it has a multi-racial cast, and thematically it has much to say about this time in ZACH’s life and in our lives as Americans, as some characters welcome and embrace change, while others struggle with it.”


In support of its landmark production of RAGTIME, the National Endowment for the Arts awarded ZACH a $70,000 grant, making this ZACH’s sixth consecutive year of funding from NEA with awards totaling $240,000. ZACH’s grant was one of only three Art Works grants awarded in Texas in the theatre category this year. Additional support for RAGTIME was provided by Gary and Karen Goldstein, and Eric and Maria Groten.

For real-time updates on ZACH Theatre news, events and happenings, visit http://www.zachtheatre.org/blog, be a fan of ZACH Theatre on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/zachtheatre, and follow ZACH on Twitter @zachtheatre http://www.twitter.com/zachtheatre.

About ZACH Theatre   ZACH Theatre is Austin’s leading professional producing theatre, employing more than 600 actors, musicians, and designers annually. Founded in 1932, ZACH is the longest running theatre company in Texas, serving 95,000 adults and youth annually. ZACH creates its own nationally recognized plays and musicals that ignite the imagination, lift the spirit, and engage the community under the proven leadership of Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley and Managing Director Elisbeth Challener. Launching its 80th season in 2012, ZACH continues to expand and engage with Austin, adding the new 420-seat, 32,000-square-foot Topfer Theatre to its performing arts campus, nearly doubling ZACH’s capacity while retaining its hallmark intimate theatre-going experience. Visit www.zachtheatre.org for more information.
 
ZACH Theatre is sponsored in part, by Applied Materials, Austin Catering, Four Hands Home, Holiday Inn-Lady Bird Lake, Kirk Tuck Photography, Marquee Event Group, OnRamp, Austin American-Statesman, KXAN TV 36, and Time Warner Cable; and by grants from Junior League of Austin, The Shubert Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, and the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division, which believes an investment in the arts is an investment in Austin’s future. Visit Austin at NowPlayingAustin.com.

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

 

H-E-B Donates $150,000 to Fund Zach's Rain Garden and Children's Program

H-E-B Grants $150,000 to Topfer Theatre Children’s Rain Garden and Theatre for Youth summer camps

H-E-B Corporation is supporting ZACH Theatre with a $150,000 leadership gift, theatre officials announced today. The Children’s Rain Garden at the new Topfer Theatre will bear the company’s name, and H-E-B will also be the title sponsor of ZACH’s Summer Camp and Scholarship Program for youth.

“We are excited to continue our support of ZACH because of the great work they do to open the minds and creative energy of our future leaders, as well as what they do to support our local economy, including employing local artists in and around Austin,” says Jeff Thomas, Senior Vice President and General Manager of H-E-B Central Texas.

The H-E-B Children’s Rain Garden, being constructed on the grounds of the new Topfer Theatre, celebrates the natural surroundings of the theatre on Lady Bird Lake, and will be an outdoor hub for child-centered family fun including special events associated with ZACH’s productions for youth. Pervious paving will allow rain water to filter into the soil, while native grasses and flowers like Prairie Blazing Stars, Tall Asters, Little Bluestems, Big and Gulf Muhlys and Chile Pequins will help filter out pollutants and provide habitat for birds, bats, and bees.

“We are thrilled to partner with H-E-B, one of our community’s most dedicated corporate citizens,” says ZACH’s Managing Director Elisbeth Challener. “Their major gift supporting ZACH demonstrates their vision and leadership for the future of our region.”

H-E-B will be the title sponsor of ZACH’s Summer Camp and Scholarship program, an 11-week summer camp in the performing arts that provides scholarships for children who otherwise could not afford to participate. The camps offer process-oriented, production-based instruction and provide opportunities to explore, develop, apply, and refine expression through performance in a supportive environment with instructors who are professional theatre artists and experienced drama teachers. ZACH’s youth programs help young people build life skills and character. For more information, go to www.zachtheatre.org.

About ZACH Theatre Founded in 1933, ZACH is the longest running theatre company in Texas, serving more than 170,000 adults and youth annually. ZACH creates its own nationally recognized dramatic, musical and comedic productions that elevate, motivate and stimulate the human spirit under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley and Managing Director Elisbeth Challener. Now in its 78th season, ZACH continues to expand and engage with Austin, adding a third theatre to its Central Austin performance campus. The 420-seat, 26,000-square-foot Topfer Theatre will nearly double ZACH’s capacity while retaining its hallmark intimate theatre-going experience upon its completion in the fall of 2012 following a $22 million campaign. Visit www.zachtheatre.org for more information.

ZACH Theatre is sponsored, in part, by Applied Materials, Austin American-Statesman, Time Warner Cable, Austin News TV 36, The Dell Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Strong Events, OnRamp, The Mitchell Group Consulting, Kirk Tuck Photography and Holiday Inn, Lady Bird Lake. Also, by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division, which believes an investment in the arts is an investment in Austin’s future.

[photo by Eric Scott: Jeff Thomas, H-E-B; Sylvia Cardiel, Austin Community College; Bobbi and Mort Topfer. )

Video: Dave Steakley Introduces the Topfer Theatre and Capital Campaign

Posted at the Zach website on February 17:

[Apple users: can't see the video? Click to go to YouTube]

Construction in Progress: Zach's Topfer Theatre, November 9

Zach Theatre Management Invites the Press and Media into the Topfer Theatre

November 10, 2011

by Michael Meigs

Building crews continue hard at work within the Zach Theatre's $22 million venture at Lamar and Riverside. Zach's producing artistic director Dave Steakley and managing director Elisbeth Challener invited press for a tour of the locale yesterday, in company of the architects Arthur W. Andersson and F. Christian Wise. Mort Topfer was there for part of the walk-though.

Andersson drew word pictures of the rain garden and plaza that would link the Zach's three theatres as of the formal black-tie opening of the plaza and the new Topfer Theatre on September 27 . The Topfer's western façade will feature thick glass panels evoking curtains and the "Juliet balcony" for which Zach is commissioning short drama pieces from Suzan-Lori Parks, Steven Dietz and others. Once the inaugural production of the full-orchestra musical Ragtime gets going, the Zach will provide free pre-show performances featuring the balcony, running from 6:30 p.m. and available to all passers-by. Steakley expects to announce the 2012-2013 theatre schedule for Zach in February, 2012.

The Topfer will feature all-LED lighting, an innovation pioneered by one other theatre to date, in London. Heating and air conditioning machinery is located in an immediately contiguous building, well insulated from the audience space and will feed the airflow into a large space beneath the seating area. Air will rise through the auditorium floor via vents located beneath seats.

The main stage is named for Zach legend Karen Kuykendal, whose ashes have been interred in its foundation. It features a full orchestra pit. The audience space will accommodate 427 spectators.

The management is undertaking a final push to complete funding of construction and set-up costs. To date $18.3 million of the $22 million needed has been raised. A mail-out just made to regular subscribers is asking for a commitment of $60 per year; the Zach is asking potential donors, both individuals and corporations, to pledge to the project, offering 'naming' opportunities for building features, down to the individual seats.

Click to view AustinLiveTheatre.com images from yesterday's walk-through of the project and links to other media reporting of the event. . . .

Arts Reporting: Zach Theatre Publicizes Half-Million Dollar Donation to Topfer Theatre

Received directly:

Zach Theatre announces $500,000 Challenge Grant for new Topfer Theatre
Topfer’s Juliet Balcony Named in Honor of Deanna and Jeff Serra’s New Challenge Grant to ZACH Theatre

May 9, 2011 — The Juliet Balcony of the new Topfer Theatre, now under construction on the ZACH Theatre campus, is the latest scene for Austin’s love affair with the performing arts. The balcony, which will host a series of free community performances when the Topfer Theatre opens in the fall of 2012, will be named “The Serra Family Juliet Balcony.” ZACH Theatre Board Member and ABE Charitable Foundation, Inc. President Deanna Serra and her husband Vida Capital, Inc. President and CEO Jeff Serra are contributing $500,000 as a challenge grant to continue fueling ZACH’s fundraising efforts.

Click to view full text of the Zach press release

Arts Reporting: Zach Theatre On Planned 420-seat Topfer Theatre

Received directly from Zach Theatre:

ZACH Theatre today announces the design plans for a sleek, new 420-seat theater that will be surrounded by a tree-filled plaza and grounds. The 29,700 square foot theatre, designed by Austin's Andersson-Wise Architects, will be built adjacent to ZACH's two existing theatres: the 200-seat Kleberg Stage and the 130-seat Whisenhunt Stage located at South Lamar Boulevard and West Riverside Drive. The addition to ZACH's campus will further develop an arts district on the shores of scenic Lady Bird Lake.

[Click image to view full-size rendering]

ZACH's new theater will be named The Topfer Theatre, honoring the Topfer family’s extraordinary contributions to Austin and the arts community. "This project and collaboration is, in our eyes, the arts story in Austin over the past year," said the Topfers, "We are so proud to have our name associated with the ZACH brand and artistic integrity."

The theatre's architect, Arthur Andersson of Andersson-Wise Architects, is the designer of the Block 21 mixed-use project in downtown Austin, which includes a hotel and a new venue for KLRU's "Austin City Limits."

Andersson's design for ZACH calls for a clean, modern form clad in a combination of bluish-gray brick - known as Swiss Pearl - and cement composite panels. A two-story glass lobby will front the building, facing west onto a tree-filled plaza that can accommodate gatherings of up to 600 people. Andersson said landscape plans call for dozens of new trees and a “rain garden” to be added to the site.

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .