Austin’s ZACH Theatre kicks off 2020 with two show openings, celebrating a legendary Texan and bringing Eric Carle’s books of children’s classics to life on the stage. A Night with Janis Joplin will return to ZACH where its journey began; this time in the Topfer with Tony-nominated Mary Bridget Davies, who originated the title role on Broadway, running January 29–March 8. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show wiggles the ZACH Moody Foundation Theatre for Families into the 2020 Season when this menagerie of Eric Carle’s favorite books is brought to life with puppetry for all ages.

A Night with Janis Joplin

When: January 29–March 8, 2020
Black Texas Night: February 8, 2020
Where: The Topfer at ZACH | 202 South Lamar | Austin, TX | 78704
Tickets: Start at $25 available at zachtheatre.org
Age Recommendation: 17 and up for strong language, political commentary, and adult themes

A Night with Janis Joplin will star Mary Bridget Davies as Janis Joplin and Leslie McDonel as Janis Joplin Alternate/Joplinaire Understudy. The Joplinaires include: Nattalyee Randall as Joplinaire 1, Tawny Dolley as Joplinaire 2, Tricky Jones on as Joplinaire 3, and Imani Ani as Joplinaire 4.

This electrifying musical will feature a rock-fueled score, a live band, and one of the most magnetic performers to ever hit the stage with direction by Randy Johnson, Musical Direction by Allen Robertson, and Choreography by Patti Wilcox. The legendary queen of rock-n-roll, Janis Joplin, explodes onto the stage in a concert experience that celebrates the Texas musical marvel, and shines a spotlight on the trailblazing female blues and soul vocalists who influenced her. A Night with Janis Joplin is packed with enduring hits like “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Mercedes Benz,” and “Summertime,” plus hit songs by icons Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Etta James, and more. It’s sure to take a little piece of your heart!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

When: January 18–March 8, 2020
Black Texas Night: January 26, 2020
Where: The Kleberg at ZACH | 1421 W Riverside Drive | Austin, TX | 78704
Tickets: $19 (Youth) and $27 (Adult) available at zachtheatre.org
Age Recommendation: 12 months and up

ZACH Moody Foundation Theatre for Families brings family favorites to life with The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show. Created by Jonathan Rockefeller and based on Eric Carle’s books, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and his menagerie of animal friends have arrived at ZACH! Little ones will go wide-eyed with excitement as they recite along to their favorite Eric Carle classics like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, and The Very Lonely Firefly. Each story is brought to life by an array of faithfully recreated puppets that will enchant and engage both adults and children as they leap off the page and onto the stage. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show will star both an adult and student cast of puppeteers.