Went with Miss Hanan H last Friday night to check out the US premier of The Wild Bride. Highly recommend checking this out. Every seat at the BART is a great one, yet I favor front row of the Mezz, which we were so generously treated to (thank you Kyle) With it's convenience to Bart, I'd definitely return. The staff, the talent, the overall energy at the Berkeley Rep deserve encore. The VIP Wild reception was very generous, the caterers were awesome, not so wild though. ;) read more

Watched Anna Deavere Smith's "Let Me Down Easy" the other day at this venue. Was not really sure what to expect since all the theaters I've been to were for musical shows. Compared to the Golden Gate or Oprheum, this is tiny! But I thought it was very well kept and clean. The boy's mom bought our tickets, but I learned that hers was around $80 for a single ticket, while ours were only $45 because we were 30 and under. Not a bad deal for the youngins. They have a little cafe/food cart where you can get drinks and such before the show. I was so surprised that people were allowed to bring food and drinks into the performance. Definitely a first for me! Right near BART, garage nearby (you can get your ticket validated) and plenty of restaurant options for pre or post snack/dinner/lunch. read more

Founded in the late 1960s in a College Avenue store front, the Berkeley Rep moved downtown two-plus decades ago and underwent a major renovation and expansion in 2000-2001. Its fine theatre and outstanding reputation make it the anchor of the arts district and one of Berkeley's most respected and acclaimed institutions. Known for producing both classics and new works, the company won a Tony Award as Outstanding Regional Theatre in 1997. The complex includes the 400-seat Rhoda Theatre and an ambitious theatre school for both youth and adults. read more

Red - Berkeley Rep's latest show - was an excellent production awash in brilliant language, with a splattering of philosophy and myth, framed in a young artist's development, and centered on the ramblings of an eccentric, self absorbed, intelligently troubled man - all great reflections for deep considerations of light and dark on the canvas and in one's life and soul. As Rothko says "'Pretty.' 'Beautiful.' 'Nice.' 'Fine.' That's our life now! Everything's 'fine'. We put on the funny nose and glasses and slip on the banana peel and the TV makes everything happy and everyone's laughing all the time, it's all so goddamn funny, it's our constitutional right to be amused all the time, isn't it? We're a smirking nation, living under the tyranny of 'fine.' How are you? Fine.. How was your day? Fine. How are you feeling? Fine. How did you like the painting? Fine. What some dinner? Fine... Well, let me tell you, everything is not fine!! But this play certainly is fine. Upon our return to the Berkeley Rep for Red we were pleasantly entertained, enraptured really by the script, acting, art, direction and action. John Logan, whose had many outstanding contributions to film, has parlayed his linguistic talents to the stage in a fine representation of the non-representational painter Mark Rothko. Each word is artfully placed on the verbal canvas - biting, snappy and poignant. The language is a juxtaposition effusing insight about life, pain, joy, myth - against Rothko's mind whose portrayal is in harsh criticism and abstraction on canvas. He simply can't relate to people easily or nicely. David Chandler bespeaks the struggle in his expressions, movements and voice, monologue and in dialog, sometimes reserved and subtle flowing like paint from something bright into the dark crescendo of explosive anger. In a 2-person play that works beautifully on one set for 90 minutes without intermission, the direction succeeds at riveting one to the depth, simplicity and subtlety of the action. Rothko, shown by Chandler, burns internally around his own struggles to produce art for whom he sees as the mindless masses who consume without appreciation a period's art, including the gallery owners, critics, and consumers who Rothko sells to. In creating his art he even hopes to somehow ruin the experience of the viewer if the painting is not taken in the right environment 'temple' and as the painting - anthropomorphized - would have the viewer see it. Chandler shows how Rothko views his work as his children with conviction and the difficulty of letting them go into the cruel world he sees. It's a key dissonance in the play. Still Chandler becomes the internal struggle without cracking, he holds the tension together and keeps it electric, showing the movement from brightness to shadow - like all good painting - evoking a staid, bland tiredness and yet encompassing an enlivening, sharp spark of living with a hard view of life where the son takes over the father. And as he says it's a life in which the abstract expressionists squashed and stomped out the cubists. Much to his own demise he foreshadows the fading of his own movement as Pop Art begins to put out the Abstract Expressionists - something brought to his attention by his assistant. The production highlights the outstanding portrayal of Rothko's assistant by John Brummer who is literally beaten with words and pigment until he gains his own distinct voice about art in one of the key turning points of the show. Rothko tells him: "When I was your age, art was a lonely thing: no galleries, no collecting, no critics, no money. We didn't have mentors. We didn't have parents. We were alone. But it was a great time, because we had nothing to lose and a vision to gain." It's confidence in his own vision - prodded by Rothko's constant query "What do you see?" over and over and over - that moves Brummer to push back with honesty about new growth, new life expressed in art and at how Rothko's parody, paradox, pontificating and past have perpetuated turning himself into a dinosaur moving toward an extinction in art and death. Brummer shines in his role especially in revealing his personal pain. His delivery and timing are perfect. And In a moment of opening to Rothko his tragedy is unveiled begrudgingly and with fear. It is this tragedy's portrayal in word and hopefully in art that beckons and is a key teaching point of Rothko; something spoken about beautifully by Ken, and hinted at continually but never materialized and seen visually on a canvas. Only in his background painting of the canvas can we see his expression as he paints with Rothko. It left me wanting to see that canvas by Ken that is tantalizingly brought onto stage wrapped in paper. Without question this painting/play - which absorbs the white of snow and life into the death of black and the explosion of red (stop signs, cherry, Santa Claus, Satan, and slit wrists) - is gripping and worth a view. read more

This past Saturday my lovely lady got us tickets to see a preview of Mary Zimmerman's "Argonautika". Totally awesome, literally. The spartan stage decoration was used so creatively and the play itself was a delight. I found myself grinning just out of the enjoyment of seeing a wonderful production. As for the Roda Theatre, it is spartan also. We had great seats on the Loge, above the common rabble. Even for a small theater, the traffic gets a little bad during the Intermission, but most places do. $5 Parking lot across the street is very convenient. Also, discount tickets for kids under 30. Now I begin my wait for the next Mary Zimmerman production. read more

After my first visit to the Berkeley Rep, I must say I'm thoroughly impressed. Upon my arrival it was nice to see a convenient secure parking lot right across the theatre for $5 flat from 5pm-12am. Overall the theatre was nicely laid out providing a good view from every angle. I was given a VIP experience to watch RED courtesy of East Bay's CM Nique and Berkeley Rep's Kyle Sircus. Beginning with the Pre-Show VIP reception, the staff at the Berkley Rep was very friendly in making me feel welcomed. It was great to hear Les Waters (Director) provide his take on RED and his association to the characters as a dedication to his son. Going into the theatre I had no idea what the story line of RED was and I must say it was very entertaining reaching me on a mental and emotional level. John Brummer (Ken) and David Chandler (Mark Rothko) did a terrific job in displaying how art is meant to be created and viewed with a 'pulse.' It was interesting to see the way the depiction of colors especially RED in association to life's everyday experiences and situations. My take on RED is a show which brilliantly displayed life, patience, integrity, passion, and change. Well done indeed. read more

Never have I had an experience with a theatre in which I had paid for tickets and shown up minutes prior to the introduction, only to be told that I cannot sit because there are no seats left. That is to say, my seats to Berkeley Rep's very last performance of An Iliad were given to another couple. I'm a terribly calm fellow, I understand many things, and brush most discourtesies off. This, to me, though, was astounding. Adding injury to insult, I was told by the house manager that we could watch the performance on their flat screen which live streamed a terribly whitewashed version of the performance. So much for acting when one cannot even see facial expressions of the only actor on stage. After our incredulously stunned silence, we then asked what the point of buying tickets was when all they were worth was a poorly screened video of the performance. He then curtly told us to take that up with the box office, and proceeded to huff and rush away. Finally, as if to assuage our immense irritation at these marvelously nonsensical practices, we were offered complimentary champagne. Naturally, instead of missing the second rate substitute for a live performance arguing with the box office, I swallowed my ire and sat down to listen to the wrath of Achilles. The most enjoyable part of the performance, as seen from the lobby, I must note, was the constant traffic (both foot and wheeled), as well as the chatter of disinterested employees. The production itself, however, was fantastic. I wish I could have seen it in person, and am thoroughly disappointed that we were unable to so so. It's not a question of the performance. It's a question of whether or not it matters to a theatre to have some reasonable semblance of customer service. It seems that Berkeley Rep's answer to this query is a flat out no. Berkeley Rep seems to have actively gone out of its way to ruin its theatrical performance for an eager patron. read more

Enjoyable night of theater marred by awful seating. I went to see Anna Deavere Smith's "Let Me Down Easy" tonight and while I have nothing but positive things to say about the performance, I was uncomfortable to the point of distraction by the seating in this otherwise good theater. I am a healthy young man with no nagging injuries, and to me this was intolerable. Worse than any coach flight. I can only imagine how it must have felt for the older patrons in the audience. It really angers me that something so trivial could overshadow an entire performance. read more

I feel a bit guilty. I was at UC Berkeley for 4 years and not once did I go to Berkeley Rep! I could've gone to so many shows--Four Sisters...David Sedaris (!), and more. I always thought going to see a play would be pricey, but Berkeley Rep really gives everyone under 30 amazing discounts. I saw The Wild Bride last night for $18 dollars. Granted I was in the mezzanine, but it is such a cozy theater that you still have a pretty amazing view. I could go on and on about how inventive, hilarious, and moving The Wild Bride was--but this is a review for the theater itself. So twenty-somethings, I urge you to take advantage of the amazing discounted tickets and go see a play! read more

The first time I came to Berkeley Rep was back in 1986 to see Asinamali! a play about the South African rent riots. I was stunned. The theater was a thrust stage, completely different than anything I'd ever seen the intimacy with the audience was enhanced by the actors running up the aisles. At an impressionable young age, I thought this is what the magic of live performance could be. Last week, we volunteered (with One Brick) at Monday Night Playground at Berkeley Rep. We folded programs, blocked the doors, and passed out donation envelopes. A simple job that also gave us the treat of watching six short plays. Playground works with upcoming playwrights; gives them with a topic; they write very quickly; actors get the scripts three hours before the show; and we're treated to a series of staged readings. So many different creative responses to a common theme made it a lot of fun to watch. So if you have a few dollars to spend or a few hours, seek out Monday Night Playground at Berkeley (or any of their other shows). You'll enjoy yourself. read more

The Berkeley Rep is not just the best theatre company in the Bay Area, it is one of the finest in the country. I just saw the Arabian Nights the other night, and I am still thinking about it. Funny, lyrical, economical use of stage, beautiful, creative, musical, integrative, respectful. I fell in love with it. Of all of the theatres I patronize in the Bay Area -- and I attend plays several times per month -- this is the only theatre which has consistently outstanding performances. While the Berkeley Rep is more expensive than most other theatres in the area (the Broadway-style shows at the Curran and Orpheum aside), it is also several cuts above. I loved the Arabian Nights so much that I'm definitely going to see it again before it closes. Note: Half price tickets are available for almost every performance for people under 30 or over 65. read more

I am biased. I have been going to Berkeley Rep since college ave daze, my mom had season tickets in year one. I loved the recent heartbreak house (okay critics be damned) and tonight (last night) i saw the Zimmerman "Argonautika"....great acting, great costumes, great production, great set, great puppetry.... I don't know. Last year I saw Passing Strange and I LOVED THAT ONE. i can not say enough good things about the Berkeley Reperatory Theater ...i can't ....but hell since you are listening and since I've got you here: the berkeley reperatory theater??? how do i love thee? let me see now if i can actually count the ways: 1) great theater! 2) in my home town of berkeley ca! 3) stunningly good actors and actresses! 4) great production and development etc tony taccone and susan medek (sp?) etc 5) wonderful selection of material at both the thrust and the roda 6) the work w/ local students, giving back to the community 7) superb local spot, easily accessible by bart, ac transit, plentiful (yeah, berkeley, but you know what i mean) parking 8) top notch premium theater, in berkeley, who needs to go to ACT??? 9) local dining pre show: downtown, liaison, jupiter, bobby g's (we love you robert!), zabu zabu etc etc 10) pricing that is extraordinarily easy on the pocketbook esp in comparison w/ the often not nearly as wonderful sf theater! okay, i am biased, my mom mary montgomery has a BRICK at the old thrust and i have been going to brt since i guess, what? oh: 40 years or so??? but hey: this is real and from the heart. see for yourself, buy some tickets! thank you for so many years of laughs and tears and smiles, brt! tom berkeley ca (and than q linda my dear for buying the season tix!) read more

Been here 2 times, saw American Idiot (Thumbs up!) and Aurelias Oratorio (Thumbs way down!). The theatre is nice, I was in the balcony both times but the theatre is a medium size so I saw everything very close from up there. The staff was very helpful when an annoying person was recording the whole show next to me. They offered me free tickets for another showing. Thanks Berk Rep! read more

I attended the Monday Night PlayGround series program at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre earlier this week as a volunteer, and I was quite impressed with the theater. I suppose I was a bit surprised by how small the actual theater is, but judging by the design and seating within I am certain that there isn't a bad seat among the three sections of tiered seating that look down onto the circular stage. The seats were comfortable too with enough leg space in front of each row so that patrons don't feel cramped. There is a small refreshment concession in the corner of the theater's lobby that sells assorted baked goods, petite sandwiches, water, juices and wine. Enjoy your treats in the lobby or in an adjacent outdoor courtyard though because only water is permitted to be brought to your seat. read more

Dare I say I prefer the theatre to the movies? I think I dare. I can experience the quiet anguish of The Pianist of Willesden Lane and the whimsy and heartache of Tristan & Yseult all without having my eardrums blown out by mega-speakers. And there's no pressure to buy overpriced snacks! Although I've somehow managed to miss their new bar each time I've been, it's sure good to know it's there. And I see people bringing in drinks into the theatre -- no fear of thrown bottles here! Like anyone would have reason to boo. read more

The Berkeley Rep is an incredible establishment with two separate stages often simultaneously playing thrilling pieces to entice and question your noodle. From one-man monologue acts to razzle dazzle musical get-ups, I have always exited the building with more to think about and plot elements to discuss with fellow theater-goers. The newly renovated courtyard and bar adds to the loungey aspect of the theatre and makes for a pleasant date atmosphere. Tickets are really quite affordable too for what you're getting; Berkeley is a city that manages to pull some all star characters and international casts, like last winter's production with Baryshnikov. I most recently saw the world premier of 'An Audience with Meow Meow' here (running now thru October 19, 2014) and I highly recommend it. An unsuspecting cabaret romp that also happens to be incredibly thought-provoking. Get thee to the rep! read more

I consider Berkeley Rep to be the Best Theatre Company in the Bay Area. They do consistently good production ranging from classics to World Premieres. The new "30 Below" events are extremely exciting for us Twenty-Somethings. A chance to get a discount ticket to a preview as well as a post-show party with free alcohol, snacks, and a mingle time with the cast and crew. read more

Berkeley Rep did two really amazing things for me & my sister: 1- made theater affordable & accessible through the under 30 program (half price tix to certain shows if you are under 30, just bring ID. We paid $23.50 per ticket for an awesome night of theater.) 2- enlightened & entertained us with the quirkiest, most amazing acting in a production of "The Pillowman." It made us gasp, cry, think & clutch our imaginary pearls because the content was so heavy & many times, shocking. Berkeley Rep is a one block walk from the Downtown Berkeley stop on BART- super convenient for people who live in the city & don't want to deal with finding parking. It's close to restaurants, shops & the Cal campus. The theater feels very intimate & I felt the actors really connected with everyone in the audience. We had a great view from out seats & the acting was worthy of a Broadway stage. I hope any & all my evenings at the theater are this fantastic. read more

American Idiot at the Berkeley Rep's Roda Theater. I love Green Day and I love musicals. I wasn't sure I would love them together, until last night when I had the pleasure of seeing American Idiot. What an entertaining, musically delicious show with a superb cast and very talented group of musicians. Some of the performers sing, play an instrument, and fly - that's right fly, while singing no less. The band is interspersed with the cast on stage the entire time, instead of being stuck in an orchestra pit. I liked that they were an essential part of the performance. The inspired set is several stories high and it is intertwined with a cool multimedia angle. You really have to see it to fully appreciate how awesome it is. The original debut was slated to end Oct. 9th, but luckily it has been extended through Nov. 1st. Hurry and get your tickets before it sells out again! This was my first performance at the Berkeley Rep and I really enjoyed the venue. There doesn't appear to be a bad seat in the house. The bf and I scored seats in one of the loges and we ended up having the whole box to ourselves - sweet! Overall, the theater has an intimate vibe that I really appreciated. We will definitely be back - 5 stars! Oh - and they even compost the used paper towels in the restrooms. Putting the Berkeley in Berkeley Rep - wasssssup! read more

Great venue, location, and theater productions. The latest Second City show, Left Leaning Always Right, Is fantastic.

I should have posted earlier. For the last couple of years I have had "preview nights" tickets at the Rep. I would suggest those tickets for those on a budget or just familiarizing themselves with the Berkeley Rep. They are a great value if you are willing to go on a weeknight. As a sampler, I have seen, inter alia, After the Quake, Argonautica, Joe Turner Come and Gone, 1001 Arabian Nights and In the Next Room and loved them all. Argonautica is perhaps some of the best theatre I have ever seen. The Berkeley Rep is a local gem with a diverse offering of progressive styles that are always well produced and generally with good to great actors. Like most theatre subscriptions, there will be some productions that don't personally appeal for any number of reasons (Heartbreak House ~ just dull; Yellowjackets ~ a preachy, PC, commissioned work), but that is part of the cost of seeing interesting, challenging and involving theatre. Overall, I have been well rewarded for the risks of seeing a show I didn't like. Do yourself and your soul a favor...jump in and see a few shows at the Berkeley Rep. You will be happy you did and know that you are supporting a local treasure that has interesting offerings available to the few that are fortunate to live in the area. read more

We used to love the productions at Berkeley Rep., and for years were season ticket holders. Then, it seemed that the yearly selections became more and more pedestrian, and catered to a clearly white haired Berkeley audience, with a maybe more "wholesome" taste for entertainment. The final straw was the season that began with a banal rendition of that High School favorite, "Our Town". zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz I wish the previous director was back, because there were more innovative and "edgy" productions. During the final season for us, we walked out on half the plays at intermission. I know The Rep is "award winning" etc.........and perhaps I'm unfairly comparing it to all the shows I've seen on Broadway, but we no longer subscribe. read more

1 star for the lousy box office policy. Due to surprise street closures for a re-scheduled Shattuck Block Party we were stuck in traffic and unable to arrive on time for a Sunday matinee. After stop and starting for about 40 minutes we gave up and headed home. I called the box office when I got home, explained the problem and asked if they could swap these unused tickets. The very professional and nice woman who answered the call explained that our only option would be to "donate" the price of our two tickets & get a tax deduction. No exchanges for other plays. We could purchase tickets to another performance of this play at 50% off but there were no other Sunday Matinee performances open. Unfortunately these are the only performances our work schedules allow us to attend. She's mailing us a tax deduction receipt & 50 off offer. The Rep's inability to accommodate in any other way is grating considering how big, old and established the company is. From other reviews on this site I see we're not the only people who are not satisfied with the house management. As one who has been patronizing the Rep since it was in that house on College Ave the above makes me more sad than angry. Two Seasons ago we were unable to use our season tickets for the Aurora Theater due to deaths in the family and my hospitalization. When I recovered I called their box office, explained the dilemma and was offered a number of options. Speaking of options in the future there's a great theater company right next door and a pretty good club right across the street. That's where we'll be spending our entertainment dollars. read more

Very beautiful! I was invited to see a play here and the venue did not disappoint. The way that they seat you, regardless of which seat you are in, you will still get an amazing view of the play. They also have heat lamps outside that are very nice if you are waiting. read more

Nice venue. Good acoustics and all the seats are pretty close to the stage. There is also lots of parking nearby, and it's close to the Bart. I saw Green Day's American Idiot musical here and it rocked--pardon the pun. The plot was a little lacking, but being Green Day, the music was awesome. I was really surprised people just sat in there seats so still. If this were a concert, people would be rocking out. At least rock out in your seat, people. The dancing performances were unusual--very herky, jerky. The people looked like they were having seizures or convulsions--but synchronized so that it was dancing. Anything can be considered dancing as long as it is synchronized. And in this case, people weren't that well synchronized, which I guess fit the chaotic style of the dance. The production was well put together--I liked the wire work, and the on stage band was great. read more

My music history teacher gave us an assignment for a final project: to go see a live musical performance and give an oral report to the class. (Groan.) I am not much for going to concerts in big stadiums or loud music clubs. Give me a cabaret or musical theatre, and I promise that I will be one big happy camper. Okay, I just got back from seeing my second viewing of "Rita Moreno: Life Without Make-Up." I saw it for the first time last month, I was under the impression that the show was closing in October. To make a long story short, it was extended through 13 November. Today was so bittersweet, this was the next to the last show. Rita Moreno exchanged high fives, tens, and handshakes with people in the front row. I got a two handed handshake and a thank you from her! Oh wow! Tomorrow is the last show and the last matinee. I am somewhat glad I am not going. It is going to be too hard to say goodbye to Ms. Moreno and Company, especially her male dancers, Ray Garcia and Sal Vassallos. Rita Moreno has been in the business called show business ever since she was a little girl who came to America in search of the American Dream with her mum. She is best known for her work in such films as West Side Story that won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. My personal favorite, is her work in PBS's "The Electric Company." I got to see both Ray and Sal after the show. To make a long story short, both of them remembered me. Sal greeted me like an old friend, which was a great feeling. I got to tell them it was so sad to see the show close, to wish them well on their next venture, and to break a leg. I know I will be doing my best to keep up with them after this show. to see what they are doing next in their professional lives. And much to my surprise, I got to meet Rita Moreno. While I was waiting to see Ray and Sal, one of the volunteers invited me to wait to meet Rita Moreno! Wow?! Really?! I got to see her first when she came out of the elevator. Rita greeted me with a, "Hi! I saw you in the front row. Why don't I sit down and I will sign for you." Which she did. I had the right autograph pen and she asked if she could use it to sign autographs for the other folks who were waiting for her. Yes, of course. I got a picture of her with my iPhone. And much to my delight and surprise, she is an iPhone user too. Sweet! Well, I hope she and Mr. Taccone will team up again in another production real, real soon at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. And I think they should get together again and turn this show into her autobiography in book form with the same title, "Rita Moreno: Life Without Make-Up." As for me, I wish I had been coming to Berkeley Repertory Theatre much sooner when Ms. Moreno was in productions of "The Glass Menagerie" and "Master Class." Well, better late than never. And the next time Ms. Moreno headlines another Berkeley Repertory Theatre show, I will be dropping whatever I am doing and get myself over there in a hurry! Please do a google search for more information on this truly talented, first class act and truly a classy lady, Rita Moreno. It was her life and her stories about life in the industry is what inspired Tony Taccone (BR Artistic Director) to write this show about her life in the business called show. Yes, Ms. Moreno is playing her most challenging role to date--Herself! She does so with honesty and a wicked sense of humor. Here is a link about her show that is coming to a close at Berkeley Repertory Theatre: http://www.berkeleyrep.org/season/1112/5334.asp Many of today's actresses could take lessons from her on being themselves and staying true to themselves in the industry. read more

I used to think I didn't like theater, that growing up on movies had ruined any possibility for enjoying culture. And then I saw The Pillowman at the Rep and realized I just hadn't been seeing GOOD theater! It was a revelation. And seeing Danny Hoch's Taking Over just confirmed this idea. These were two plays I just couldn't stop thinking about for a long time after they ended. It's just sad that so many patrons here are kinda, well, old. Looking around the theater at Danny Hoch, there were just a few people in their twenties. And I'm thinking, what do you old people know about inner-city gentrification? You probably live in the suburbs, and probably grew up in Levittowns. What do YOU know about hip hop, and Brooklyn, and brunches and Belgian beer bars taking over historically immigrant neighborhoods? As a silly white girl who lives in the Mission, I felt like Taking Over was directed at me--and ever since I can't stop thinking about the issues it raised and what I'm doing to this community. Sorry, tangent. Anyway, there are a lot of old people here. But It's Berkeley, so they're probably ex-hippies, and that's cool. Damn fine theater, and I love the under-30 prices! read more

I was expecting to be entertained and was not let down. "Rita Moreno" entertained me, moved me emotionally and had me feeling like she was family telling me stories of old Hollywood and her life journey. The theatre itself was also amazing. I'm interested in following the calendar and looking for opportunities to come back asap. Parking across the street was easy-breezy. Great time! read more

Ah, the Berkeley Rep. I'm a 2011 season ticket holder, because I went to see one play and was then contacted by a tenacious theater salesman who convinced me to buy more. An oily character he was: I bought the whole package, though I'm struggling to keep my daughters in daycare and swim lessons. I've unwittingly joined the thinning blue haired throng of theater goers, who wear are easy to identify by their uniform--the unsightly special blend of entitlement and do-gooder--garish silk layered over gray or moss green wool. In me, they do not see themselves, and there is no patience. Not in the parking garage, the elevator, or in the food line. Intermission is arthritic knuckles clutching cheap glasses of pinot noir and stale little crackers on tiny plates, and always the approving murmur. Which is not to say I have not enjoyed myself most of the time: going to the theater is good fun or at least thought provoking. But I've been the unfortunate spectator of some real turds in the past year too, and afterwards it's a modern version of the Emperor's New Clothes. You must provide your phone number if you buy a ticket online and I guarantee you it is not to see that you can get your tickets, but so you can get "the call." The self-congratulatory prattle is sickening, followed by "Please give us money--we're doing very important work." Maybe instead of shelling out big bucks for B-grade actors whose credentials always seem to include the ubiquitous Law & Order, Berkley Rep could develop some cheap local talent. Or make truly riveting work that people (other than washed-up-hippies cum snoots) will pay to see. read more

This was my first time here seeing a play having only seen Broadway shows with my sister otherwise, so I had no expectations going in. However, I had a great time in the Thrust theater for "After the Quake" which I was eager to see, being a big Haruki Murakami fan. The actors did a good job and the modern stage seemed to be easily viewed from anywhere in the theater. Sound was clean too from where we were sitting (Door 3 Row H seat 60 on the end). read more

We're so lucky to live in the Bay Area -- to have access to the finest of visual and performing arts, and Berkeley Rep is among the finest. I've seen numerous productions here, and have never, ever been disappointed. And, since this theatre is in Berkeley, you never have to dress up. It's the beauty of Berkeley. A major plus is that it's just a block (maybe less!) from BART. So skip the parking lot traffic jam on theatre nights, and just take BART! Break a leg ~ read more

It has a lot to offer. Diverse events- something for everybody Great location Public transportation Nearby restaurants and bars for before and after. Nice clean restrooms Helpful ushers Most seats for the thrust stage have good visibility Clear, crisp sound at perfect volume level. -- Some Trouble Spots-- - Leg Room. I'm no giant. My inseam is 33" and after a 90 minute show my knees were in complete cramp lock. Please pass the joint lube. - Bathroom air freshener smells like spiced mulled cider. This is a nice smell right? Then the pooping starts. How do you like that mulled cider smell now? Smells like somebody crapped in the cider. (Product designers should really consider CONTEXT when thinking up new bathroom scents.) - Wow, I was shocked at the number of smokers during intermission. It was like the friggin Orlando airport out there on the patio. The problem is all of the lobby doors are wide open so guess where the smoke goes. I prefer less ingredients in my air. They have a new pricing plan for people who don't want to commit to a whole season. You should check it out. Or, volunteer as an usher. read more

i got a 4-show subscription for the 09-10 season and was not disappointed. Both the Roda and Thrust are small, intimate spots wtih hardly a bad seat. If you're sitting on the top right in Thrust, I would bring a jacket as it gets drafty. Parking is difficult every day but Sunday, when you can find free street parking a few blocks from the theater. The garage across the street is $5 flat rate in the evenings. Or, you can take BART. If you're under 30 and are going to see at least 3 shows a season, I highly suggest a subscription. Under 30 tickets are half off regardless, but with a subscription, you get presale for off-season events like David Sedaris's weeklong run and always have the option of exchanging tickets for another night if something comes up. Also, a few restaurants in the area offer subscriber benefits: 10% off at Bistro Liaison, La Note and Venus for subscribers and 10% off Amanda's, Bobby G's, Five, Jazzcaffe and Venezia with day's performance ticket. read more

Berkeley Rep actually has two theatres, one that holds 400 and another that holds 600. And they stage the plays in the theatre that shows it off the best (whether it needs a jutting stage, etc.). Very comfortable seats, nice snack bar in front. Parking is a bit iffy on the street, but there's a reasonable parking building across the street. That said, I just don't go for the type of plays they normally do here. They'll take a classic and weird it up (such as the current Virginia Woolf play, To the Lighthouse; the third act turned into an opera, for God's sake). At least Pillow Man, as violent as it was (mostly in your imagination), got people talking. So, I'd give 4 stars for the venue and 3 stars for the artistic director's experimental adaptations. read more

I saw "The Soldier's Tale @ Aurora Theatre Company" This is a no brain-er place to get some live talent and entertainment. It is a fantastic story, beautifully acted. I really enjoyed myself. In terms of the theater itself, you will likely be amazed at whatever play or show is part of the venue. First of all..its clean.. and the seats are so comfortable. They don't squeak. The place inside is intimate so if they choose, you can be part the act. The stage is the floor space within, but I am sure whatever they set up, it is completely modifiable. Likely when you go to see one kind of play, the staging and seating setup with be 1000% different than the next time. I would be more than happy to visit the Berkeley Rep during the variations of the next plays to watch. I highly recommend it. read more

I've viewed B-Rep from a couple of different perspectives, and they've all been good. I love the theater, and had seen and loved several productions here over the years. Then my son, who had only done singing before this, was selected to do "Brundibar" and "Comedy on the Bridge" as part of a group of child singer/actors. My opinion of B-Rep went up logarithmically. I simply could not believe what a class operation they were. They took such wonderful care of all the kids. They were accommodating to their needs, kind, and ever so professional. By law, theaters must hire a studio teacher, and students cannot attend school if the rehearsal/show last for a certain number of hours per day. The studio teachers were great, and could navigate many languages, helping my son with both his French and his Chinese! A year later, my son also appeared in the Pillowman. It was a very small part, but one requiring up to an hour and a half in makeup. Again, all of the actors were kind and funny, and adopted the kids as a real part of the cast. Everyone remembered birthdays, there were little presents along the way, and as you can imagine, my son is very clear about what he wants to do for the rest of his life! Most recently, he was asked to speak at a fund raiser, and although he wasn't the best speech-maker, he was treated, as always, with the utmost respect and consideration, as was I. Being behind the scenes at Berkeley Rep has made me admire them all the more for having a brave and committed vision to theater, first of all, but also for taking such good care of my boy! read more

In the last five years or so, I have seen many shows at the Berkeley Rep-the one about Jamestown last summer, the one about Matthew Shepherd before it was made into a movie, Bridge & Tunnel before Sarah Jones took it to Broadway (where it won a Tony in 2006), two plays by Michael Daisey. Not one of them has been anything short of fantastic. I am taking away a star because I don't believe they publicize their '$30 under 30" fares nearly enough-but you young'uns should get over there and take advantage. It's extremely likely that those of you paying full price will feel as though it's worth every last penny. PS. It is worth getting on their e mail list, coupons do come through. Update: Directions from East of the theater on the website take you far out of the way. Better yet, take the extremely close BART and skip the parking. read more

Do yourself a huge favor and miss seeing "Three Sisters" at the Berkeley Rep. I saw Three Sisters last week, and it was absolutely terrible! The acting is stilted and forced, direction is directionless, and the script trash. Many people walked out at intermission-I wish I had been one of them. Ruhl's version of Chekov's play is an absolute unequivocal disappointment and a complete waste of 3 hours and $50. The only thing that was "good", was the set (but alas, it didn't have any lines). One of my party of 4 (a rather talented actor herself), who experienced this unfortunate production quipped: "Is it just me, or was it disgustingly cliche to cast a blonde, a brunette, and a redhead as sisters?" Having just seen, "Ruined" and "Arabian Nights" there (both were fabulous!)-I and my entire party of 4 were surprised how incredibly bad this play was. Three Sisters had all the feel of a lousy high school production, without any of the amateur charm to explain its' existence on a stage. AVOID THIS PLAY! Shame on you Chad Jones and the Berkely Rep (by association) for perpetrating a fraud with your self indulgent excuse for a critical "review" on this very tired piece of rather dusty classical theatre. (Footnote: Senor Jones is the former theatre critic at the Oakland Tribune and the man behind a theatrical review website called "TheaterDogs".....he recently "jumped the fence" to become the new communications manager at the Berkeley Rep-so it is no surprise he gave this complete turkey-of-a-play the sort of glowing review you'd have to receive money to post! Um, this is how you spell conflict of interest Chad: J-O-N-E-S ). Good theatre doesn't need a shill to make it go...but "Three Sisters" apparently does. I'll leave it at that! read more

Seeing the Berkeley Rep's latest "Arabian Nights" in late December was a huge disappointment. I brought out of town guests and spent a lot of money for tickets, also after previously seeing a load of gushing reviews. What we discovered was amateurish acting, infantile humor and such a severe departure from the real meaning Arabian Nights could have imparted that all four of us walked out after the first act. Don't inflict this on your cultured friends! Ellen L read more

I went here to see Tristan and Isault. As a loose reference to the play, I'm "$#!%ing kittens." I don't know this isn't a regular activity of my life. My first date options have been going to the movies and then grabbing a quick bite afterwards but now that I've been here, I don't know what the heck I've been doing all these years. The Berkeley Rep is by far, the most refreshing experiences I've had across theaters. The service for the will call is easy, and upon entering I'm greeting with wonderful people dressed in lab coats, a program, and occasionally free sample drinks out of test tubes. Guess what!? They have alcohol in it. Hellz yes! I thought I'd never say this, but the experience is "to die for. Ahh, yes! Splendid, I might." The theater seats and stage are well furnished, and as my date says, "It doesn't feel like I'm in Berkeley" (5 brownie points). SCORE! Having been here my second time, there hasn't been a terrible play I've seen yet. I was a little uncertain whether the experience of watching plays would get dull considering that most of the audience are older folk, but each play is so different. Ranging from humorous and crowd participation, to gripping and raw. Berkeley rep, I have a new interest. read more