One of our absolute favorite summertime traditions is spreading out a blanket and curling up with the family for a night of outdoor theatre under the stars during the free, annual Zilker Summer Musical. Due to COVID and the uncertainty of most events this year, we were thrilled to hear the news that Zilker Theatre Productions announced that “the show must go on” this summer with a Broadway-style production of Little Shop of Horrors!
New Location for 2021: Hill Country Galleria
With the health and safety of the community in mind, Zilker Theatre Productions has moved this year’s show to the Central Plaza Great Lawn at the Hill Country Galleria. Because it’s a smaller venue than Zilker Park with fewer entrance points, this location can better allow for compliance with COVID-19 protocols, social distancing and other safety guidelines. This summer’s production marks the first time in more than 60 years that the musical will be held in a location other than the Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater. While that was a very big decision for Austin’s nonprofit theatre organization, ZTP didn’t want another summer to pass without a show. As stated by ZTP Executive Director Andrew Cannata, “we are thrilled to continue to bring free theater to Austin and the surrounding communities, just like we have for the last 62 years!”
The Hill Country Galleria’s lawn offers a great park-like space for spreading out a blanket in the grass to sit and watch the outdoor show. There are also tons of dining and shopping options right there surrounding the stage, providing plenty of great spots to pick up dinner, drinks and snacks to picnic while you’re there.
Check out this helpful FAQ before you go that clearly spells out what you can and cannot bring (no chairs this year) along with suggested places to grab a bite before the show, and info about parking, pets, ADA seating, and more.
Cheers to the new temporary venue for 2021! A great spot for a picnic before the show, the Hill Country Galleria provides plenty of options for dinner and drinks.
Show Schedule & Tickets: Zilker Theatre Productions, along with Hill Country Galleria and the City of Bee Cave will present Little Shop of Horrors every Thursday through Sunday from July 9 through August 14 at 8:15 p.m.
As always, admission to the family-friendly shows is free! While advanced reservations have completely sold, out, Zilker Theatre Productions notes that there will be free first-come, first-serve walk-up tickets nightly. You can also keep an eye on their Facebook page for notes about any cancellations or other available reserved seats.
About the Production: Little Shop of Horrors features music and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken. The show is being directed by ZTP alumnus Joey Banks (“All Shook Up”). The cast includes many faces that will be familiar to fans of recent summer musical productions, including Coty Ross (“The Little Mermaid”), Scott Shipman (“Beauty and the Beast”, dir. “Shrek the Musical”), and Helena Laing (“Hairspray”). Longtime ZTP music director Lyn Koenning is returning for this year’s show, as is ZTP sound designer Rodd Simonsen and lighting director Chris Conard. Click here to read all about the cast and crew.
Stay tuned for more info! You can keep up with Zilker Theatre Productions announcements and learn about volunteer and donation opportunities by visiting zilker.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram. For more information about Hill Country Galleria, you can visit HillCountryGalleria.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
