Performing Arts Picks of the Summer: The Best Theatre and Dance to See in Austin
From Broadway musicals to tap concerts and theater under the stars, here are the Austin performances to catch this summer
The heat never stops Austinites from enjoying summer to the fullest. This season’s performing arts lineup includes beloved musicals, sharp comedies, Broadway hits and high-energy dance performances around town. Below are our picks for the best theater and dance to see in Austin this summer.
“Annie”
June 24-August 2 at various times. Zach Theater, 201 S. Lamar. $28-$108.
Zach Theater presents “Annie,” the beloved story of hope, family and brighter days ahead with classic songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard-Knock Life.” The timeless musical follows little orphan Annie as she sets out to find the family she’s always dreamed of, winning over audiences with her spunky spirit, big heart and unwavering optimism.
“Seared”
June 5-28, Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. & Sunday at 2 p.m. Austin Playhouse West Campus, 405 W. 22nd St. $39-$42.
Austin Playhouse’s “Seared” brings audiences into the heat of a struggling New York City restaurant, where one brilliant dish suddenly changes everything. As the kitchen gets busier, tensions rise between a temperamental chef and the business side of success. The intimate production features live cooking on stage, putting audiences close to the humor, chaos and pressure of the kitchen.
“& Juliet”
July 14-19 at various times. Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive. $48-$150+.
What if Juliet’s story didn’t end with Romeo? Broadway in Austin brings “& Juliet” to Bass Concert Hall this summer, putting a pop-powered twist on Shakespeare’s most famous love story. Created by the Emmy-winning writer of “Schitt’s Creek,” the show mixes romance, comedy and hit songs like “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar” and “Baby One More Time.”
“Vincent”
June 4-21, Thursday-Sunday at various times. Penfold Theatre Company, 2120 N. Mays Street Suite 290. $5-$36.
Penfold Theatre Company revisits the life of Vincent van Gogh through a deeply personal lens in “Vincent,” a moving play told from the perspective of the artist’s brother, Theo. Drawing from real letters between the two, the production reflects on Van Gogh’s passion, pain and legacy.
“Singin’ in the Rain”
July 10-August 15, Thurs.-Sun at 8:15 p.m. Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, 2206 William Barton Drive. Free.
Zilker Theatre Productions returns to the Zilker Hillside Theater this summer for its 67th annual production with “Singin’ in the Rain.” The free, family-friendly musical brings the golden age of Hollywood to the stage with classic songs, lively dance numbers and the production’s famous onstage rainstorm. You can set your blanket down to save a spot as early as 6 p.m., take a dip in nearby Barton Springs, then head back to enjoy a picnic during the show.
25th Annual Soul 2 Sole Tap Festival Concerts
June 19-20 at 8 p.m. Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive. $27.40-$49.80.
Soul 2 Sole Tap Festival brings some of the world’s top tap artists to Austin for a night of rhythm, live jazz and improvisation. The concert features festival faculty, selected dancers, the Soul 2 Sole Jazz Trio and Austin poet laureate Zell Miller III in a lively showcase celebrating the tap tradition.