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

I use to tutor a few doors down from the Berkeley Rep and would pass by it at least twice a week. But until watching "Passing Strange," I had never before stepped into the theatre. The space is small thus providing an intimate setting. There's an outdoor garden, perfect for getting some fresh air during the intermission. The patrons (at least the night I attended) were mostly older. But the theatre is attempting to lure a younger crowd, providing steep discounts to patrons 30 years of age and younger. In fact, I just bought tickets for their next show, "All Wear Bowlers" for only $10. Sign onto their email list and be notified of upcoming special offers and events. Transportation-wise, the location is super convenient. It's only a block from Bart. For the drivers, there is street parking or a parking structure right across the street. And it's Berkeley so there are plenty of good eats all around you. Now you really have no excuse not to go. read more

It's kind of stupid that I live in Berkeley and don't go to Berkeley Rep all that often. It's kind of stupid that I have friends who work there, that I work in theatre so I can sometimes get professional comps, and I still don't go to Berkeley Rep all that often. I have no excuse but stupidity. That being said, I enjoy Berkeley Rep everytime I go. I enjoy both theatres, the courtyard, the concessions, the seats, the sightlines, everything. It's enjoyable! Thoroughly enjoyable. read more

I feel like I've given too many yellow starred reviews this year and need a red to round things out. So... The crowning 2008 red starred achievement award goes to.... dundundunduuuunnn,.... The Bezerkeley Rep! I've always love this place - there's just something so down-to-earth and community about it. The shows are always great, yet it doesn't try so hard like other little theaters that could.. But really the Berkeley Rep is getting the top-honors award this year for its current production of "Arabian NIghts." Seriously folks, I haven't enjoyed a stage production this much in a long time. Beautiful. Soulful. Transcendent. Laugh-out-loud funny... It's a lengthy show, and I had an early morning meeting the next day, yet I still didn't want it to end. GO. MUST SEE. NOW. Ends early January 09. Seeee y'all 8 fans next year!! read more

it will be hard to top this first time experience. i had the pleasure of being one of the first few to view the world premier of Eve Ensler's "Emotional Creature". Ms. Ensler- famous for her "Vagina Monologues" has done it again with a dynamic show which delivers a powerful message. Emotional Creature takes you through a roller coaster of emotions. i takes you into deep into a high schooler's mind. shows you a satirical view of blogging about eating disorder. an innocent look at the "first time". shares what it's like to be "susaned". as well as the rules on how to survive a hellish nightmare in the congo. and so much more. you'll smile and nod, you'll laugh and you might even cry. the theater is one that is just right. not too big and not too small. just like goldilocks would have wanted. with two levels and a great view from every seat. to top it all off there was an intimate reception after the show in the garden and much to my surprise the creator herself Ms. Eve Ensler was there! it will be hard to top this first time experience however this experience will also ensure my return to this theater. until next time. cheers read more

Berkeley Repertory Theatre - Eve Ensler @ world premier of Emotional Creature - Performing Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

Berkeley Rep is never afraid to do something new or controversial. I've seen some of the best theatre of my life here. "The People's Temple", "House of Blue Leaves", "Fetes de la Nuit" and many, many others. There's not really a bad seat in either house, the mainstage and the thrust RODA Theatre. They always use some of the best actors; directors, writers, in the business. Plus the location can't be beat. This is one of my favorite spots for theatre in the U.S. read more

It's interesting to see so many people who still love the Rep. I was a Rep usher for 10 years and saw it change, but not to my liking. Much of the true experimentation has gone by the wayside. I cannot explain my disappointment in the last few seasons that I ushered there. So I quit ushering. I am sure that I miss the occasional really fabulous performance that they are reknowned for, but these were coming so few and far between that I couldn't be a regular usher anymore. Perhaps I will pay for a show that looks good and renew my former love for this theatre. Another co-usher said that the newer Aurora theatre next door is much more like the old Rep used to be. I remember when the Rep started on College Avenue back in the 70s. I hope they can get back that edginess that I used to truly admire. More naked men on stage too... read more

I am embarrassed to admit I went to UC Berkeley for 4 years and didn't know about this place! A shame too since they offer a fantastic discount for patrons under 30! Saw Chinglish here this weekend and was not disappointed. Professional cast, including Broadway veterans. It's clean and comfortable inside the theatre, and I was quite impressed with the stage, props, and scene changes. A nice added touch was the Chinese/English translation signs that were posted all around the lobby and common areas. The theatre is located super close to the BART station, and I'm looking forward to coming back for future performances! read more

Berkeley Repertory Theatre - One of the many signs put up around the lobby during the performance of Chinglish - Performing Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is the best playhouse I have been to in Berkeley! I recently saw Tristan and Yseult and it was fabulous! Go see it! Besides the play, the Roda Theatre was awesome. We sat three rows from the stage in the middle but I really don't think there is a bad seat in the house. It is very small and beautiful. There is a gorgeous courtyard with tables and heat lamps so you can grab a snack/drink before the show and hang out there. Plus there are discounted tickets for anyone under 30! Berkeley Rep is a perfect venue and I can't wait to see more plays there. read more

This review is for the acting class. Last year, I enrolled in a beginners' acting class, just for fun. I researched classes from San Francisco to San Jose, and this one appealed to me the most. As the website explains, the class is open to anyone, from those who have absolutely no experience, to those with a lot. My class was held on Monday evenings, and the teacher to student ratio was about 1:15. Our teacher was great- he was patient and enthusiastic, and I got the sense that he was truly passionate about acting. While the class is not dirt cheap, it actually is a good value when you consider how many classes you're actually getting, and the fact that the class size is relatively small. You will be exposed to fun and interesting exercises, will work with others (everyone in the class was friendly), and perform a monologue. read more

First time visiting Berkeley Rep and was very impressed. The venue itself is great with wonderful staff. American Idiot was out of this world. I love that I got to see it in this intimate setting before it starts on bigger stages (I'd be surprised if Broadway wasn't already planned). High recommendations on both the venue and this show! read more

I recently attended a performance of "The Arabian Nights" at the Berkeley Rep with some friends from Paris. I was traumatized by the performance, and the general impression that this performance gave to my sophisticated Parisian friends about the state of American theater. Frankly, I feel that a better impression would have been made via a night of re-runs of "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS. Starting with the set design all the way through the amateurish acting, I was mortified by this performance, and by its lowly reflection on American "culture". Marry Zimmerman's take on this classic tale of fate and destiny was no less stale than a four day old sourdough baguette, and utterly lacked the dramatic nuances of her "Metamorphoses", and was made all the worst by the Berkeley Rep;s ham-fisted treatment of the work. To my absolute horror, several late patrons were even admitted into the performance as late as twenty-five minutes into the first act, and multiple patrons mobiles vibrated several times throughout the performance. I've endured several nausea-inducing Broadway performances in my lifetime, including "Jersey Boys" and "Hairspray", and can honestly say that "The Arabian Nights" outdid each in its tragically flawed combination of grandiosity and blind adherence to the orthodoxies of its given genre. This was my first time to the Berkeley Rep, but I would strongly advise anyone considering to see "The Arabian Nights" to stay far, far away and opt instead for a cheap, chianti fueled viewing the "Beach Blanket Babylon". While this was my first (and last) interaction with the Berkeley Rep, the amaroidal finish of this work should be cause for even the most casual theater-goer to approach any future production with extreme caution. read more

I've seen two shows here now, and I wouldn't hesitate to return. For No Man's Land, we were seated in one of the side balcony chairs, and frankly, it stunk. I would really recommend avoiding those seats if at all possible. The show and everything about it was wonderful though. For Man in a Box, we were in the front row balcony, and that was excellent. I'm really impressed at the quality of shows they present, and how they attract top talent. So I would feel confident in anything I chose to see here. The space outside the theater is very nice - courtyard, tiny gift shop, and nice area to sip drinks and schmooze. Thanks to the 15 or so people who helped The Wife figure out why her credit card wasn't working for a t-shirt purchase! read more

I cannot say enough good things about the Berkeley Rep. Having seen multiple productions here (most recently: The Wild Bride, a true gem of a show that you absolutely SHOULD NOT miss), I can say with confidence that the Berkeley Rep is dedicated to bringing only the finest, highest quality performances to it's stages. The Thrust Stage is intimate and cozy, while the Roda Theater's decor gives it this really kind of magical feeling of being someplace in between the modern and natural world. In addition, both theaters are extremely comfortable, and no seat is a bad one. Their staff is amazing (one very understanding woman let me in a few minutes early to use the restroom after driving from SF in rush hour traffic), and the atmosphere is great. You can tell that people here really care about building an arts community. Also, some basic logistical info: They do offer group discounts (20% for 10+), and parking there is a dream. The directions from the freeway are very simple and there is a $5 flat rate lot right across the street that's got plenty of space and is open until midnight! Also, there are a lot of great restaurants within a block or two of the theater, so you could easily make a night of it by getting dinner before a show! read more

It was worth flying 800 miles to visit the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. In fact I would have flown 8000 miles to come here after seeing Green Day's American Idiot. I'm a huge Green Day mark, so flying in was a no brainer. But I had no idea what I was in for. The cast was absolutely AMAZING! Props turning a great album into a Rock Opera that I saw all ages enjoy. Truth be told, I've never heard of the Roda Theatre or even been to Berkeley and I lived in Millbrae for 20 years! But the venue is great. Excellent view of the stage with a great sound system, I might have to come back for something else. Easily accessible off the freeway with a parking garage right across the street, what more could you ask for? Oh yeah, under 30 pricing. Great for me, not so great for my friend. All in all, I'll come back. read more

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

This past Friday nite, Kirk and I saw "Compulsion", by Rinne Groff and starring Mandy Patinkin, Hannah Cabell and Matte Osian. The parts of Anne Frank, Peter Van Daan and Anne's father Otto Frank were played by marionettes. If this sounds strange, the effect was chilling. In the very first scene, Anne is sitting at a table, scribbling in her journal and immediately I got chills and tears sprang to my eyes. I sat w/ a tissue at the ready for the whole play. I don't want to say too much so as not to spoil it for anyone who might see it soon but I will say that as a Jew, as a woman and as a human being, I was stunned, awed and enraptured. There are only three living actors in this show, and all but Mandy Patinkin play two or more roles. All three of them were phenomenal! The range of emotion and passion was startling and almost over-whelming. At the end, I felt emotionally wiped out and charged all at the same time. About the theatre itself; the play was held on the Thrust Stage and was remarkably intimate without feeling "community theater-ish". I felt giddy as a schoolgirl when we sat down and I realized how close we were to the stage. I had bought some of the last tickets that were available (it's a REALLY popular show) and I hadn't expected to be so close and intimate with the stage. I think there isn't a bad seat in the house! If you can get tickets before the show leaves, I can't recommend it enough. It was an experience that I won't soon forget! One last comment about transportation. The Berkeley Rep is located right next to the downtown Berkeley BART station. VERY convenient and easy. We trained it there and back and really appreciated not having to find parking or deal w/ traffic. Highly recommend that as well. read more

What a great venue! There is a lot to like about this theater, most of all the seating, not a bad one in the house. Even the nose bleed sections can see the stage really well. I saw "The Composer is Dead", which is one of the most innovative performances for me to date. Well written and acted. Sum it up with one word: Genius. read more

This is one of (if not) the best theatre company in the SF Bay Area, and one of what I call the big three in the SF Bay Area (along with American Conservatory Theater and TheatreWorks). The big three are just that, well funded, well established big regional theatres. The Tony Award-winning Berkeley Rep consistently takes great artistic risks, presents new work from some of the countries greatest playwrights, and collaborates with other outstanding theatre companies. High production quality, great talent, compelling productions, multiple venues, and a theatre school... what more can I say? Take the BART over to Berkeley and go see a show, its well worth it. read more

Spent $62 a ticket last night to sit in seats that are too small for people taller than 5'10. The seats in row K are too narrow, almost as uncomfortable as economy on United Airlines. Went to see House of Cards, based on rave reviews from SF Chron critic Robert Hurwitt and the great productions we have seen there in the past. The reviews are worthless, as we found out. Don't be swayed by the Sf critic Robert House of Cards has awesome set, terrific actors, and great stage direction. But our group found the play to be a formulaic mash up of cliches. Each scene was predictable, you knew what was coming next. A knock off of the book of Job. When three of the actors are announced sequentially as tragically killed, we almost started laughing. The another shoe drops: the dead daughter was molested as a child by her father. The author must have been raised watching Mexican soap operas. That was the group consensus. But the acting and the production was first rate. The play isn't worthy of such a fine cast or the Berkeley Rep. read more

Everyone should experience the Berkeley Rep. I recently saw Carrie Fisher's Wishful Drinking" and enjoyed myself immensely. The Theaters are modern and intimate. And there really isn't a bad seat in the house. Season offerings are smart, eclectic and entertaining. Organically grown theatre indeed! Accessing the Theater via BART is easier than blinking. The "Downtown Berkeley" stop is basically across the street. And with shops and restaurants right next door, there is no excuse to treat yourself to live art. You can even pre-order a glass of wine or dessert prior to the intermission and the curtious staff will have it waiting for you as soon as you walk out of the door. They also have a 30-below program, allowing folks under 30 to take advantage of half-priced tickets! The Berkeley Rep is a real gem! 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

After a couple of seasons of seeing things here and there, I finally subscribed to the Rep this year. I have to say it's been a wonderful experience. I particularly enjoyed "Girlfriend" for its sincerity and sweetness and "American Idiot" for its vibrancy and spectacle. I was really happy to see not one, but two very different musicals in the same season. "Aurelia's Oratio", a holiday offering combining music, mime, acrobatics and dance, was really fun; and the two plays I saw, "Lieutenant of Innishmore", and "Strange Devices from the Distant West" had a lot of good things to offer. If you want to see a broad spectrum of people experiencing the kind of live theatre you can't see anywhere in the Bay Area, Berkeley rep is the place for you. read more

I just... am amazed by the way the Rep always leaves me thinking and wanting more. Someday, when I am a real girl, I'll become a member and never miss a single cutting-edge and thought provoking release the Rep brings to town. With the recent productions, I have to say, the Rep is somewhere I always direct out of towners. It's a great location, lots of food and drink to enjoy before and after the show (more options before...) and a great company to support. I look forward to seeing what I can of the upcoming season. read more

I went last night for the Yelp event as well. My husband discovered that he could get a student ticket for $10 - that is a great deal. Students, are you reading this?! Take advantage. Passing Strange was an enjoyable show. The theater is small, but nice. There is a pretty outdoor courtyard which is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine in during intermissions. The gift shop sells yummy snacks like Panda licorice, Toblerone, and those little candies that taste like flowers. read more

Great theatre! I came here to watch the Amelie musical :) We had seats in the center of the second row in the mezzanine. As many others have said, the theatre is pretty small and intimate and I think all the seats there have a good view! It was amazing to see my favorite movie turned into a musical. It was funny and adorable! The cast was great and I loved the props and design of the stage. There was also a cute photo booth for us to take pics with cute French props and a gnome just like in the movie! :D I would definitely come back for another show! Especially since there is a discount if you're under 30! Gotta take advantage of that for a few more years :) read more

Small and intimate venue. All of the shows I've seen here have been great. And regardless the review is for the venue, not the performances. Conveniently located, easy to park, nice theaters that are well laid out (views are good from almost all seats). If you're under thirty they have half off tickets by the way. read more

If you're under 30, going to the Berkeley Rep is an absolute steal! I've been to a few plays in the last three years, and rarely have I been disappointed. The sets are very thoughtfully done, the setting is very intimate, and the performances are always interesting. Berkeley Rep also has a reputation for putting on shows that eventually make it 'big' - American Idiot, Coming Home, etc., and Berkeley Rep is definitely a cheaper alternative to Broadway! In an effort to draw in the Under 30 crowd, Berkeley Rep will also put on a few 'under 30' events that are pretty neat. After going to one show, my friend and I were invited to the top floor, where they had a DJ mixing music, free booze (!!) and chicken wings, and a photo booth for picture-taking shenanigans. It was a great post-show event that I'd love to go back to when I have the chance. read more

I came here last Thursday to see X's and O's: a football love story, courtesy of Yelp. It was fantastic and both me and my guest had a great time! We checked in around 7 and got amazing second row seats. The theater is quite intimate, so the sound quality and videos were great. When we arrived, there was a reception set up with wine, beer and appetizers catered by eureka. Have to say, the bruschetta was really really good, and I loved the butterscotch sea salt pudding with whipped cream. We also received a 50% off drinks at the bar coupon, I recommend the Midori sour! The play was very emotional, and the actors did a great job of making each character relatable. I like how this was a different way of analyzing football and America's love for the sport. I had never thought about issues such as injuries, CTE, early retirement etc previously and this play really made me reflect on the lives and careers of football players. I'll definitely be back for another play! read more

came here for the Latin American for Moron show and loved it. The place is pretty with a nice courtyard for preshow hanging out with wine and liquor. They run it efficiently. The show was fantastic! There seems to be all kinds of thought provoking yet entertaining shows here, can't wait to come back! read more

Berkeley Repertory Theatre - HILARIOUS! - Performing Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is the second year I've subscribed to the Berkeley Rep but I don't think I will sign up for a third. I have to say that the Rep has quality and artistic merit through and through. They cast good actors (for the most part) and have top notch set design. They choose interesting plays and while they don't always succeed, they get props for taking risks. That said, the Rep should have a reputation (if it doesn't have one already) for mucking up endings with heavy-handedness and fussy staging. The second acts tend to drag on and on as if the director said "we need to add more kapow!" so the prop people devise more useless effects and the actors are told to ham it up. "All Wear Bowlers," "The Miser," and now the "To the Lighthouse" suffer from this. I saw "To the Lighthouse" last night and the first act was a perfectly normal play set in the Victorian age. But it's the second act where things fall apart. The act begins with a heavy-handed passage-of-time sequence. Fall is represented by leaves falling from the sky, for like, five minutes. Okay, I get it! A character dies so there is a video montage of her portrait being covered up by a cloth. Sand falls from they sky into her empty chair for another five minutes. And then more montages of other characters and so on and so on. Visually striking, yes, but the concepts were obvious and the whole thing came across as over-indulgent. I could feel the actual minutes of my life slipping away as I watched this representation-of-time. Then came the worst part. The characters start singing. Why? The end is very slight content-wise, yet it drags on and on with the poor actors singing their hearts out about how horrible things have turned out. The effect is incredibly tortured and overwrought. A particularly bad bit was a 15 minutes sequence where the actors are seated in a boat singing to the audience and not even facing each other. They can't move except for gesturing their arms and twisting their bodies left and right. The only thing more ridiculous would be if they had dropped rain on them the entire time. If the Berkeley Rep could reign in their second acts, I think I would consider re-subscribing. But as it is, I just don't want to see another tortured play. Or maybe I mean I don't want to be tortured by another play. read more

Last night I went to the World Premier of 'Fallaci' at the Berkeley Rep Theater. WOW! Standing Ovation! The acting was superb. I was mesmerized by the story. Before the show the producer Lawrence Wright spoke of the show. He was passionate about his work yet he had a hint of anxiety of showing it for the first time. Well, he should worry no more - this play was a success! The Berkeley Rep Theatre was more than I imagined. We picked up our tickets right out front 1 1/2 hours early, easy breezy. Came back when the doors opened at 7 and enjoyed some refreshment at the bar. Beautiful display of desserts by the way. The place was super clean and spacious with tables and places to sit and wait for the doors to open. The restroom is clean and has plenty of stalls so the wait is not long at all. The actual Theatre had easy to get to chairs that had enough room for your knees and plenty of elbow room. I'm thinking there isn't a bad seat in the house. This place is large enough to hold a lot of people and yet small enough to feel quaint and hear the action. We will definitely be back! read more

I went to the Berkeley Rep for the first time yesterday to watch "Amelie" on a whim. I ordered the tickets online (with a price discount for being under 30 year old!) and picked them up at the Will Call booth, a quick and painless process that with a friendly attendant. This friendly customer service continued as I made my way through the theater, as ushers helped me find my seat and told me interesting information about the show before it started. I sat down at the Roda Theater, which is a fairly intimate stage considering its size. I had seats about a dozen rows from the stage, and I felt incredibly close to the stage and the production itself. During the show, I could feel the emotions beaming from the actors into the audience, which is definitely a perk of the smaller theater size (I'm used to watching performances in much larger theaters). Overall, the production was fantastic and the customer service was equally amazing. All of this made for a lovely night, and I would gladly go back for another performance. read more

It was our first visit to the Berkeley Repertory Theatre to see "Amelie'. We are avid Broadway musical fans and have been to many over the years in NYC, SF and other large cities. This is a very nice, tiny theater. We paid $85 for orchestra seat and landed in the last row but most all the seats were good seats. I didn't feel too squished nor too close to the lady to my right but did feel her feet bump me a couple of times. The bathroom is OK - about 7 stalls. They should post a volunteer before and after show times to direct the traffic in and out the stalls like they do at big theaters. It's difficult to tell if a stall is available at times unless they have those knobs that turn to "vacant". You had to keep an eye on the door and sometimes people miss it when someone comes out. They had free photo room where you can do the strip of pictures (3) and email to you. read more

I remember seeing my first Berkeley Rep play back when the theatre was located on College Avenue. That was a loooooong time ago. The theatre certainly wasn't much to look at -- it had a low ceiling and seated maybe 90 people at most. But even back then the acting was first rate. The artistic director was a fellow named Michael Liebert. Fast forward many years, to when I was a grad student at Cal. The theatre by then had outgrown its modest beginnings, and had a beautiful new home on Addison, just below Shattuck Ave. I remember seeing "Waiting for Godot" there. Quite an experience. "Hedda Gabler," too. Quality productions, and always excellent acting. In the years since then, whenever I return to the Bay Area, I try to fit in a play at the Rep. Over the years I've seen awesome productions like "Heartbreak House" and "The Miser", as well as groundbreaking plays like "The Laramie Project," and "In the Next Room/The Vibrator Play." "Ruined" by Lynn Nottage, about the struggles of women during the Civil War in the Congo, was incredibly powerful. Now that I reside in SoCal, I was trying to think of a regional theatre of the same caliber in my area. What comes to mind is South Coast Rep Theatre. Both theatre companies put on great productions, and on a consistent basis. Well, a Noise Within is excellent too -- but concentrates on the classics. read more

Came to see John Leguizamo little do we know that we should have either A. Went to the restroom a head of time or B. Held it until the end of the show because the usher did not tell us that we could not return to the show after a 3 min bathroom break! Insane I have a personal issue and cannot, for medical reasons, hold it! I had to go and now I have to enjoy the last 30 Minutes of the show in the bar on tv with crappy camera quality happy birthday to me.... read more

Wonderful theater. The two plays I saw were terrific. The first one was "Doctor despite himself". It was so well played and funny. What a great time. Molière himself would have approved. Yesterday we saw the play "The White Snake" and it was equally wonderful. We will keep going to the Berkeley Rep as often as possible. read more

The Berkeley REP is a jewel to the east bay area. The performing art are as good as it gets with shows that go to Broadway NY. NY. on on a regular basis. The current show Ghost Light is wonderful story and the acting is really wonderful and totally embracing. Don't miss it. read more