{"id":43613,"date":"2023-01-12T17:40:45","date_gmt":"2023-01-12T23:40:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/?p=43613"},"modified":"2023-01-12T18:11:20","modified_gmt":"2023-01-13T00:11:20","slug":"press-invite-rodgers-hammersteins-cinderella-zach-theatre-deaf-austin-theatre","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/2023\/01\/12\/press-invite-rodgers-hammersteins-cinderella-zach-theatre-deaf-austin-theatre\/","title":{"rendered":"Zach Theatre & Deaf Austin Theatre Announces Cast of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/strong><\/p>\n

PRESS CONTACTS: Motley Crew Media for ZACH Theatre<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nicole Shiro | nicole.shiro@motleycrewmedia.com | (C) 512-740-6665<\/strong><\/p>\n

ZACH THEATRE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DEAF AUSTIN THEATRE ANNOUNCES THE CAST OF RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN\u2019S CINDERELLA<\/strong><\/p>\n

January 25 \u2013 March 5, 2023 | The Topfer at ZACH<\/strong><\/p>\n

(AUSTIN, TX) \u2013 ZACH Theatre in partnership with Deaf Austin Theatre (DAT)<\/strong> announces the cast of Rodgers + Hammerstein\u2019s Cinderella playing January 25 \u2013 March 5 at The Topfer at ZACH with a cast and crew of deaf and hearing actors. Co-Directed by Producing Artistic Director of the Lyric Theatre Michael Baron and DAT Artistic Director, Dr. Brian Cheslik, The Tony\u00ae-nominated musical fairytale Rodgers + Hammerstein\u2019s Cinderella will come to life in The Topfer to start the New Year for 2023.<\/p>\n

This fresh new musical and family favorite will be performed in both American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English with supertitle artistically incorporated into the scenic design and fully inclusive experience from the time patrons arrive at the theatre. Broadway veteran SANDRA MAE FRANK (Deaf West\u2019s Spring Awakening) will play the title role of Ella. Sandra recently was Co-Director (with Michael Baron) of the critically acclaimed production of The Music Man at Olney Theatre in Maryland and can currently be seen as Dr. Elizabeth Wilder on \u201cNew Amsterdam\u201d on NBC.<\/p>\n

\u201cSince beginning pre-production work, I immediately found that we share theatrical mindset. It\u2019s been an amazing collaborative and directing partnership that I hope leads to future endeavors between Deaf Austin Theatre and ZACH as well as Deaf Austin Theatre and Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, which is where Michael is based as artistic director,\u201d expressed director Dr. Brian Cheslik. \u201cThis production is so important because it provides a space for deaf performers who have long been ignored in this industry. It will help people to realize that yes, deaf people can enjoy music and perform in musicals too. We can do anything hearing people can do\u2026even here! We just do it a different way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCollaborating with both deaf and hearing artists on musicals has been a rewarding and constantly creative process. Sandra Mae Frank and I recently co-directed a deaf\/hearing production of The Music Man in Washington, DC.,\u201d said director Michael Baron. The process of working on that show was revolutionary in that for the first time the deaf perspective was of equal or of greater importance to the interpretation of the material. Many of the deaf artists who worked on The Music Man are a part of this company of Cinderella – including my co-director, Sandra Mae Frank. She is returning to the stage in the lead role of Cinderella. Creating this production will be challenging, joyous, heartfelt, and full of discoveries – but one, I promise, you love and remember for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

The cast of deaf and hearing actors will also include TREY HARRINGTON as Topher; MEREDITH MCCALL as Madam; KENNY WILLIAMS as Sebastian; MERVIN PRIMEAUX-O\u2019BRYANT as Marie\/Fairy Godmother, KRISSY LEMON as Gabrielle; SARA BURKE as Charlotte; GREGOR LOPES as Jean-Michel; CHRISTOPHER TESTER as Lord Pinkleton; HEBA TOULAN as Ensemble; EMILY CATALFAMO as Ensemble\/Ella Swing; LEE WALTER as Ensemble\/Singing Voice for Marie, MARIEL ARDILA as Ensemble\/Singing Voice for Ella; TAYLOR FLANAGAN as Ensemble\/Singing Voice for Gabrielle; and JORDAN BARRON as Ensemble\/Singing Voice for Jean-Michel.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Directed by MICHAEL BARON and DR. BRIAN CHESLIK. Additional production team includes ALLEN ROBERTSON as musical director, CASSIE ABATE as choreographer, MERVIN PRIMEAUX-O\u2019BRYANT as assistant choreographer; STEPHANIE BUSING as scenic, properties and projections designer, CHRIS EVANS as assistant projections designer, JEFFREY MEEK as costume designer, SERRET JENSEN as hair and makeup designer, ANNIE WIEGAND as lighting designer, FABIAN GARCIA as assistant lighting designer, ANNA ALEX as sound designer, SHANNON RICHEY as stage manager, KAILYN AARON-LOZANO as Lead Director of ASL, and LAILA HANAUMI as Director of ASL.<\/p>\n

On why bringing Cinderella to the stage was important, ZACH Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley said, \u201cWith over 50,000 deaf and hard of hearing residents in Austin, I want to make sure ZACH is serving the members of our community, especially the students at Texas School for the Deaf. It occurred to me that Rodgers + Hammerstein\u2019s newer Broadway adaptation of Cinderella would be a good story because this version puts her in the driver\u2019s seat of her life\u2019s journey. Likewise, I want us to produce a work that puts our deaf director, choreographer, actors and production team in control. It has been a very exciting process so far, and I know the result will be a highly original interpretation of this classic tale that is joyous and moving in its inclusivity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Steakley continued, \u201cBrian Cheslik is the leading deaf director in our state and he knows ZACH well as he has signed many of our performances over the years. It made sense to pair him with Michael Baron, who is at the forefront of productions which collaborate between ASL and English, having helmed several productions across the country as the hearing director. The creativity is sparking between these two great artists.\u201d<\/p>\n

Special Events in celebration of Rodgers + Hammerstein\u2019s Cinderella:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Pride Night on Thursday, January 26, 2023
\n\u2022 Press and Champagne Opening Night \u2013 Saturday, January 28, 2023; Press may RSVP to nicole.shiro@motleycrewmedia.com<\/p>\n

Rodgers + Hammerstein\u2019s Cinderella<\/strong><\/p>\n

When: January 25\u2013March 5, 2023 Where: The Topfer at ZACH | 202 South Lamar | Austin, TX | 78704 Tickets: Start at $25 available at ZACH\u2019s box office \u2013 512-476-0541 x1, zachtheatre.org<\/p>\n

Image Link: https:\/\/drive.google.com\/drive\/folders\/1U4arvvzpZsDhiChz6h_bON8ZuCA5PMw8<\/a><\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong> zachtheatre.org\/cinderella<\/a><\/p>\n

This enchanting Tony\u00ae-nominated musical fairytale will put a spell on audiences of all ages. In partnership with Deaf Austin Theatre and performed simultaneously in English and American Sign Language, Rodgers + Hammerstein\u2019s Cinderella showcases some of your favorite tunes including \u201cIn My Own Little Corner,\u201d \u201cImpossible,\u201d and \u201cTen Minutes Ago,\u201d in this funny, modern adaptation from the delightful Broadway revival. Add a dash of romance, a splash of stage magic\u2013and POOF!\u2013you\u2019re guaranteed to have a ball!<\/p>\n

Age recommendation: Six and up<\/p>\n

Run time:<\/strong> Approximately two hours with a 20-minute intermission.<\/p>\n

PRESS:<\/strong> For press seats, interviews, and all other inquiries, please contact nicole.shiro@motelycrewmedia.com.<\/p>\n

TICKETING AND MEMBERSHIPS:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tickets are available online at zachtheatre.org, by phone at 512-476-0541 Tuesday through Friday, 12\u20135 p.m. Free, short term and convenient parking available at the front entrance. ZACH Theatre is wheelchair accessible. Student Rush Tickets are $17 one hour before show time (with valid ID). A limited amount of Pay\u2013What\u2013You\u2013Will tickets are available the day of for Mainstage preview performances November 16\u201320
\nonly. Groups of 8 or more may request reservations by calling 512-476-0594 x245 or by emailing
\ngroupsales@zachtheatre.org.
\nZACH XP memberships are $39 per month and give access to all 2022-23 season Mainstage and Family series shows. ZACH XP Members get early-access to reserve seats. Visit zachtheatre.org\/zachxp<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n

CAST<\/strong>
\nSandra Mae Frank \u2013 Ella
\nTrey Harrington \u2013 Topher
\nMeredith McCall \u2013 Madame
\nKenny Williams \u2013 Sebastian
\nMervin Primeaux-O\u2019Bryant \u2013 Marie\/Fairy Godmother
\nKrissy Lemon \u2013 Gabrielle
\nSara Burke \u2013 Charlotte
\nGregor Lopes \u2013 John-Michel
\nChristopher Tester \u2013 Lord Pinkleton
\nHeba Toulan \u2013 Ensemble
\nEmily Catalfamo \u2013 Ensemble\/Ella Swing
\nLee Walter \u2013 Ensemble\/Singing Voice for Marie
\nMariel Ardila \u2013 Ensemble\/Singing Voice for Ella
\nTaylor Flanagan \u2013 Ensemble\/Singing Voice for Gabrielle
\nJordan Barron \u2013 Ensemble\/Singing Voice for Jean-Michel<\/p>\n

PRODUCTION TEAM<\/strong>
\nMichael Baron \u2013 Co-Director
\nDr. Brian Cheslik \u2013 Co-Director
\nAllen Robertson \u2013 Musical Director
\nCassie Abate \u2013 Choreographer
\nMervin Primeaux-O\u2019Bryant \u2013 Assistant Choreographer
\nStephanie Busing \u2013 Scenic, Properties & Projections Designer
\nChris Evans \u2013 Projections Assistant
\nJeffrey Meek \u2013 Costume Designer
\nSerret Jensen \u2013 Hair and Makeup Designer
\nAnnie Wiegand \u2013 Lighting Designer
\nFabian Garcia \u2013 Assistant Lighting Designer
\nAnna Alex \u2013 Sound Designer
\nShannon Richey \u2013 Stage Manager
\nDanielle Grisko \u2013 Assistant Stage Manager
\nCasey Boriskie \u2013 Assistant Stage Manager
\nKailyn Aaron-Lozano \u2013 Lead Director of ASL
\nLaila Hanaumi \u2013 Director of ASL
\nShannon Ploeger \u2013 ASL Interpreter Coordinator<\/p>\n

COVID PROTOCOLS AND HEALTH AND SAFETY:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Though masks are optional at ZACH Theatre at this time, wearing a high-quality mask (KF94, KN95, or better) is encouraged as it can provide individuals with additional protection.<\/p>\n

The health and safety of our ZACH family has always been our first priority, and we will continue to monitor risk levels in Austin and update our policies in accordance with CDC and Austin Public Health guidelines.<\/p>\n

Find a complete list of ZACH\u2019s Health & Safety commitments, please visit zachtheatre.org\/healthandsafety.<\/p>\n

About ZACH Theatre<\/strong><\/p>\n

A non-profit organization, ZACH creates intimate theatre experiences that ignite the imagination, inspire the spirit, and engage the community. As Austin\u2019s 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 Jamie Herlich Mclalwain. Each year, ZACH serves nearly 140,000 Central Texans \u2013 57,000 of which are children and youth who participate in our education and outreach programs, as well as inspiring camps and classes. 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 https:\/\/www.zachtheatre.org for more information.<\/p>\n

ZACH Theatre\u2019s 2022\u201323 Season is sponsored in part by Baylor Scott & White Health, Holiday Inn-Town Lake, Betty Nowlin, and Carolyn and Marc Seriff; and by grants from The Shubert Foundation, Junior League of Austin, The National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, and the Cultural Arts Division of The City of Austin Economic Development Department.<\/p>\n

Connect with ZACH: Facebook facebook.com\/zachtheatre Twitter @ZACHtheatre twitter.com\/zachtheatre Instagram instagram.com\/zachtheatre
\n###<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACTS: Motley Crew Media for ZACH Theatre Nicole Shiro | nicole.shiro@motleycrewmedia.com | (C) 512-740-6665 ZACH THEATRE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DEAF AUSTIN THEATRE ANNOUNCES THE CAST OF RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN\u2019S CINDERELLA January 25 \u2013 March 5, 2023…<\/p>\n

Read more →<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[2],"tags":[21,9676,27112,27483,27482,1098,24383],"class_list":["post-43613","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-deaf-news","tag-austin","tag-cinderella","tag-deaf-austin-theatre","tag-dr-brian-cheslik","tag-michael-baron","tag-theatre","tag-zach-theatre"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p752R-blr","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":44258,"url":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/2023\/07\/27\/for-immediate-release-casting-complete-for-deaf-austin-theatres-the-laramie-project\/","url_meta":{"origin":43613,"position":0},"title":"For Immediate Release: Casting Complete for Deaf Austin Theatre’s The Laramie Project","author":"Grant Laird Jr","date":"July 27, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Press Contact: Dr. Brian A. 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Deaf Austin Theatre Presents: Tiny Beautiful Things","author":"Grant Laird Jr","date":"April 11, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"CORRECTED: Press Contact: Dr. Brian A. Cheslik, Artistic Director of Deaf Austin Theatre artisticdirector@deafaustintheatre.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. DEAF AUSTIN THEATRE PRESENTS: TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS AUSTIN (April 8, 2024) \u2013 Deaf Austin Theatre (DAT) announces the cast and creative team for Tiny Beautiful Things, based on the best-selling book by Cheryl\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General"","block_context":{"text":"General","link":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/category\/deaf-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Brian A. 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A PERFORMANCE AND FUNDRAISER IN SUPPORT OF OFF-THE-GRID MISSIONS CHARITY February 25, 2024 Austin, Texas \u2013 February 6, 2024 \u2013 Deaf Austin Theatre (DAT) will be hosting\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General"","block_context":{"text":"General","link":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/category\/deaf-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":32393,"url":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/2015\/11\/25\/sign-interpreted-a-christmas-carol-at-zach-theatre-austin\/","url_meta":{"origin":43613,"position":3},"title":"Sign Interpreted: A Christmas Carol at ZACH Theatre – Austin","author":"Grant Laird Jr","date":"November 25, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Sign Interpreted performance of A Christmas Carol at ZACH Theatre - Austin Thanks for helping us spread word of our sign interpreted performance of A Christmas Carol! A Christmas Carol: A Rockin New Musical (musical theatre) November 25- December 28th - Sign Interpreted Performance December 6, 2015 at 2:30pm ZACH's\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General"","block_context":{"text":"General","link":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/category\/deaf-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"ChristmasCarolLogoPress","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/ChristmasCarolLogoPress-1024x522.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":32738,"url":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/2016\/01\/19\/zach-scott-theatre-showing-tribes-austin\/","url_meta":{"origin":43613,"position":4},"title":"Zach Scott Theatre showing “Tribes” – Austin","author":"Chrissy Snider","date":"January 19, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Zach Scott Theatre in Austin Texas will be showing Tribes.\u00a0 A show About a deaf man from a hearing family finding his Deaf identity.\u00a0The show will be interpreted and open captioned on February 3rd\u00a0at 7:30 P.M. &\u00a0February 20th at\u00a02:30 P.M.\u00a0Zach Theatre is trying to become a open Accessible theatre for\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General"","block_context":{"text":"General","link":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/category\/deaf-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":45080,"url":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/2024\/05\/10\/press-release-film-stage-actors-homecoming-performance-in-tiny-beautiful-things-with-austin-theatre\/","url_meta":{"origin":43613,"position":5},"title":"Press Release: Film & Stage Actor’s Homecoming Performance in Tiny Beautiful Things with Austin Theatre","author":"Grant Laird Jr","date":"May 10, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Press Contact: Dr. Brian A. 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