Timeless Classic

ZACH Theatre transforms Austin into a winter wonderland with White Christmas

ZACH Theatre’s production of WHITE CHRISTMAS.
Photo by Kirk Tuck
Photo by Kirk Tuck
Photo by Kirk Tuck
Photo by Kirk Tuck

Since 1954, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas has charmed holiday audiences with its festive costumes, dance numbers, and classic holiday songs, crooned by Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney.

The timeless film and its music have brought holiday cheer to families for more than half a century, cementing its status as a Christmas classic year after year.

“It beckons us to a time before cynicism and the social revolution of the 1960s, is a tribute to the great veterans of the second World War, and is a love letter to Broadway show folk,” - Nick Demos

In its first season, ZACH's new Topfer Theatre is bringing that longstanding holiday tradition to new heights on stage, with a new spin on White Christmas, directed and choreographed by Nick Demos.

Fans of the film will notice new songs peppered in among the classics, like "Happy Holidays," "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm," and “Counting My Blessings,” performed by an all-star cast of 30 actors and a live orchestra.

Running through December 30, ZACH presents a new stage adaptation that transforms the theater into a winter wonderland, right before audience’s eyes. While honoring the great cinematic work of Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank, the stage show takes on a life of its own.

As Bob Wallace, returning ZACH performer Matt Redden shines, bringing his own talent to the role originated by Bing Crosby. New York guest artist Matt Gibson proves to be Redden’s perfect comedic counterpart, taking on the Danny Kaye-originated role of Phil Davis.

As Betty and Judy Haynes, Meredith McCall and Beth Koepp are lovely, singing, dancing and providing more than a few show-stopping moments. And in a role somewhat glazed over in the film adaptation, Barbara A. Schoenhofer is hilarious as Martha Watson, keeper of the Columbia Inn.

This holiday classic is a must-see on your family’s holiday wish list.

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Irving Berlin’s White Christmas runs December 5-30 at ZACH’s Topfer Theatre.

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Interactive art space Meow Wolf broadcasts Texas opening, radio theme

Photo by Tarick Foteh

Travel to another dimension at Meow Wolf.

Art-loving Texans will soon have a new venue to explore. Houston’s Meow Wolf has set its opening date and revealed the theme that governs its interactive installations.

Set to open on October 31, Houston’s Meow Wolf will be called Radio Tave — a riff on “radio wave.” Described in press materials as a radio station that’s been transported to another dimension, Meow Wolf visitors will be able to explore dozens of rooms filled with interactive elements such as hidden doors, paths, and portals.

For those unfamiliar, Meow Wolf is a Santa Fe, New Mexico-based art collective that’s opening its fifth installation in Houston’s Fifth Ward. Think of it as a choose your own adventure contemporary art museum loaded with sculptures, murals, video, and light and sound artworks that each contribute a small piece of the overall theme.

Towards that end, Radio Tave will be stocked with a mix of characters — some created for the venue and others that nod to Meow Wolf’s installations in four other U.S. cities, including the Dallas suburb of Grapevine. That includes a radio station with the call letters ETNL and its own slogan, “Big Sounds From Little Thicket.” As seen in the photos above, the radio station already has a website with a placeholder page.

“Houston is a powerhouse of creativity, and our artists and collaborators have been channeling that electric energy into this exhibition for years,” Meow Wolf CEO Jose Tolosa said in a statement. “They've taken it to the next level, capturing the city's vibrancy in every corner of the experience. We can't wait for you to step inside and explore it for yourself.”

As CultureMap has previously reported, a diverse ensemble of more than 50 contributing artists from Texas has collaborated with Meow Wolf’s in-house artist team to bring the facility to life. The list of local creative superstars included such well know artists as innovative theatrical set and puppet designer Afsaneh Aayani, art activist Kill Joy, and two longtime pillars of Houston’s installation and immersive art community in Dan Havel and Dean Ruck of Havel Ruck Projects.

"The visuals and soundscapes of Radio Tave are on another level,” senior creative producer Susie Cowan added. “Visitors will be immersed in a rich, multi-sensory experience that invites them to explore a world that feels both vast and deeply personal."

Meow Wolf Cowboix Hevvven jukebox Cowboix Hevvven's jukebox will feature 30 tracks recorded by Texas artists. Photo by Kate Russell

Meow Wolf will feature a venue space, a gift shop, and Cowboix Hevvven, a dive bar-inspired bar and restaurant that will offer “otherworldly Texan hospitality and comfort food.” Cole Bee Wilson, a fifth generation Texan and Meow Wolf’s lead artist, took the lead in creating Cowboix Hevvven. True to the venue’s theme, it will feature a jukebox with 30 songs created by Texas artists for Meow Wolf.

Annual season passes are currently on sale for $84. They include unlimited visits to the venue and perks such as a 10-percent discount at both the gift shop and Cowboix Hevvven.

Subscribers to Meow Wolf’s email list may purchase single-day passes beginning September 24. General tickets will go on sale October 1.

Photo by Tarick Foteh

Travel to another dimension at Meow Wolf.

meow wolf openings visual-art