Austin offers an abundance of free, family-friendly events during the summertime, one of which has been around since 1959! That’s right, the Zilker Summer Musical is coming back for its 57th year of bringing free musical entertainment to some 40,000 Austinites and their guests annually—and if you haven’t had a chance to be in the audience for one of these high-quality, memorable productions, now’s your chance! Every Thursday-Sunday from July 10 through August 15, people will be flocking with blankets and picnics in hand to enjoy a performance of Hairspray – the Broadway Musical at the Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater in Zilker Park.
Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Hairspray is set in 1962 Baltimore and promises to be a high-energy, rollicking performance—the perfect production to showcase the talented actors, musicians, and production team who collaborate to create a fun evening under the stars for us lucky Austinites.
The Zilker Summer Musical was originally created in 1959 by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department with the goal of “providing the entire community access to exceptional performing arts experiences.” In 1987, Zilker Theatre Productions was formed to keep this gift alive. This non-profit organization has produced the longest running, free outdoor musical in the country and also sponsors a variety of community outreach and youth training.
So come down and support Zilker Theatre Productions, and have a great time while you do!
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