For more information, please contact:
Brenda Thompson, 512-461-5644
brenda@brendathompson.com
July 20, 2012
Headshots of Bernadette Peters with photo credits are available for download at
http://zachtheatre.org/content/zach-theatre-production-photos
Bernadette Peters to headline
ZACH’s Topfer Theatre first opening gala
Two unforgettable events will launch the Topfer in September
AUSTIN—Bernadette Peters, one of the greatest living Broadway superstars, will
headline the first opening gala, Once Upon a Dream, at ZACH’s new Topfer Theatre
Sept. 27. The illustrious actress, winner of two Tony Awards, three Drama Desk
Awards, and a Golden Globe Award, is known for iconic stage roles in Gypsy, Song and
Dance, and Annie Get Your Gun among many others. Her performance at ZACH’s gala
will include a 30-piece orchestra of Austin musicians.
Peters was selected in place of Johnny Mathis, who is being forced to postpone more
than two months of performances due to emergency hip replacement surgery.
Peters’ career has spanned five decades in musical theatre, films, television, and solo
concerts. She has appeared in 17 films and received a Golden Globe Award for her
performance in Pennies From Heaven. Television audiences have seen her most
recently this season in the series Smash.
Peters is considered by many the foremost interpreter of the works of Stephen
Sondheim. Sondheim said of Peters, “Like very few others, she sings and acts at the
same time. Most performers act and then sing, act and then sing ... Bernadette is
flawless as far as I'm concerned. I can’t think of anything negative.” Frank Rich said in
the New York Times, “As an actress, singer, comedienne and all-around warming
presence, Bernadette Peters has no peer in the musical theatre.”
“It is truly perfect that one of the most iconic Broadway performers in American history
will open our spectacular new Topfer Theatre,” says ZACH’s Managing Director Elisbeth
Challener. “From her role as Dot in Sunday in the Park with George, to the role of the
Witch she originated in the Broadway production of Into The Woods, not to mention her
recent work starring on Broadway in Follies and guest appearance on television’s
Smash, Bernadette Peters has dazzled audiences and critics alike,” Challener says.
“It could not be more ideal than to have Austin’s newest theatrical jewel christened by
the incomparable, versatile, electrifying, dynamic performer Bernadette Peters,” says
Gala Chair Bobbi Topfer. “Mort and I are so honored to have her perform at the grand
opening of ZACH’s new Topfer Theatre.”
Video samples of Peters’ work can be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gl40NIfA_I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gey1PtXYwLI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Azq46m46UfA
This September, the most exciting moment in ZACH Theatre’s history will take place
with the grand opening of the Topfer, the new state-of-the-art, 420-seat venue
anchoring the three-theatre campus on the shores of Lady Bird Lake. Once Upon A
Dream and Deep in the Heart of ZACH, Sept. 27 and Sept. 29, will welcome this new
era of theatre for Austin and Central Texas.
Once Upon a Dream
Once Upon a Dream will be a spectacular black-tie gala held on Thursday, Sept. 27,
showcasing the technical capabilities and amenities of the new Topfer Theatre. A
cocktail reception in the theatre will be followed by a seated dinner on the People’s
Plaza under ZACH’s spectacular new custom tent. Then, Broadway superstar
Bernadette Peters will christen the Karen Kuykendall Stage with a concert of songs from
her many award-winning performances. Once Upon A Dream is chaired by Bobbi
Topfer, Kelly Topfer, and Wendy Topfer.
Tickets and some tables are still available for Once upon a Dream. Individual tickets are
$1,000. Table prices and benefits vary: $25,000 table for 12; $15,000 table for 10;
$10,000 table for 10; and a $5,000 couples package for two. For tickets and information,
call Senior Development Manager of Special Events Eric Scott at 512-476-0594 x260,
or email escott@zachtheatre.org.
Deep in the Heart of ZACH
The Topfer Theatre and entire ZACH campus will be party central for the Deep in the
Heart of ZACH opening gala event on Saturday, Sept. 29. The event will feature Brian
Stokes Mitchell, Broadway star of Ragtime and Tony Award winner for Kiss Me, Kate.
ZACH’s artists will be featured on the Kleberg stage, while area bands will perform on
the People’s Plaza. Guests can attend Mitchell’s first or second concert in the Topfer,
then partake in all the campus-wide festivities, concluding with an exclusive postconcert reception. All attendees will enjoy the opening ceremonies, food, drink, bands,
and ZACH performances. This progressive party will offer Austin’s finest food vendors in
a variety of stations throughout ZACH’s campus. Deep in the Heart of ZACH is chaired
by Bobbi Topfer, Christine Messina, and Deanna Serra.
Ticket prices for Deep in the Heart of ZACH are $300, $200, or $125, and benefits
included vary depending upon price. For tickets and information, call Senior
Development Manager of Special Events Eric Scott at 512-476-0594 x260, or email
escott@zachtheatre.org.
The Topfer Theatre
With the opening of the Topfer Theatre, ZACH patrons will enjoy new experiences and
amenities, including:
• An intimate theatre with exceptional sightlines to the expanded stage;
• Increased parking and valet service;
• Comfortable new seating with generous leg room;
 A soaring grand lobby with breathtaking views of Lady Bird Lake, the Capitol, and
the downtown Austin skyline;
• Full service bars and expanded concessions on both levels;
• Adjustable acoustics, a 72-foot fly tower for scenery and an orchestra pit;
• Expanded restrooms and patron amenities;
• An outdoor plaza to gather with friends for a drink before and after performances.
A free community event to christen ZACH’s Topfer Theatre will be held Saturday, Nov.
3. More details will be announced soon. For more information about ZACH and the
campaign for the new Topfer Theatre, please visit www.zachtheatre.org.
The uplifting Tony-award winning musical Ragtime will be the first 2012-13 season
production on the Topfer stage – previews begin Oct. 17. With more than 40 actors,
supported by a full orchestra for the first time in ZACH’s history, Ragtime will showcase
the capabilities of the new performance space, as well as the deep and inspired talent
of ZACH’s company of actors and theatre artists.
About ZACH Theatre
ZACH Theatre is Austin’s leading professional producing theatre. Founded in 1932,
ZACH is the longest running theatre company in Texas, serving 85,000 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 79th season, ZACH continues to expand and engage with
Austin, adding a third theatre to its Central Austin performance campus. The 420-seat,
32,000-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. The
Topfer Theatre Campaign has currently raised more than $20 million of its $22 million
goal. Visit www.zachtheatre.org for more information.
ZACH Theatre is sponsored, in part, by Applied Materials, Austin Catering, Holiday InnLady Bird Lake, Kirk Tuck Photography, OnRamp, Austin American-Statesman, Austin
News TV 36, and Time Warner Cable; and by grants from 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.