Great modern space, really nice venue, easy access from BART. Just saw American Idiot. I need to go to the theatre more often. Nothing really compares. read more

I have season tickets to the Berk Rep, and A Doctor In Spte of Himself was one of the plays I was NOT looking forward to: don't like Moliere and don't like farces, but what a revelation!!! This play was a delight from the opening music to the final curtain. Wonderful music, split-second timing of the sight-gags and verbal exchanges, fun costuming, imaginative stage settings, funny dialogue (although some crude language which was so winsomely delivered that it didn't offend), and a receptive audience! It was a delicious theatrical experience! Linda B. read more

Hershey Felder does a wonderful job portraying the life of Leonard Bernstein. If this is a clue as to the quality of plays produced at Berkeley Rep, then this is a go to place for quality theatre. The staff, from the will call, to the ticket takers to the ushers are all kind, polite and oh so helpful. The thrust stage made all seats good seats. The integrated video added a lot to this performance. I can't wait to be back in the area to see another presentation here! read more

An attractive and small local theatre showing high quality and sometimes provocative plays. Tickets are reasonable and the surrounding neighborhood has a number of interesting shops, bars, and restaurants for the pre- or post-theatre crowd. Convenient to BART, this is highly accessible for all and serves as a worthwhile alternative to high priced theatres in San Francisco. read more

Frequented a couple of times. Went last night for the opening of Lindo's production of August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone. Had to write a review because the set was the best I've ever seen for play. Always love the venue, but the chairs in the orchestra pit aren't made for big booty girls. read more

The Berkeley Rep is an intimate community theater which brings world renown plays to the east bay. I've watched 6 plays here in the past few years. I first started coming here bc a friend of mine had season box seats. He gave me his tickets when he was unable to attend the shows. Lucky me! I've seen several different stage set ups and a few times they had the stage in the middle of the theater which was unique. Since the theater is so intimate, you're not far from the stage at all even if you're at the top. Most of the time, you're close enough to see the actors sweat. My favorites have been Argonautica, Arabian Nights, American Idiot and recently Chinglish. Ticket prices are reasonable and even better if you're under 30 years old! Take advantage of the discounted half off tickets! Parking is easy....across the street is a garage. Wonderful establishment for performing arts! read more

Buyer beware! I received a gift certificate from Berkeley rep. Of course I used it to see a play. The play was okay. Not bad, not great. When I received my Visa bill I realized I was charged the full fee and my $150 gift certificate was not applied. When I called Berkeley rep, I was told my money could not be refunded since the play I saw had already closed. What the ~^,€? Now I need to spend more money to see another so-so play to hopefully try to use my gift certificate again. What a waste. I am VERY disappointed. read more

Red written by John Logan and directed by Les Waters is Berkeley Rep's latest offering in a long line of successful theatre. Red is entertaining and engaging. John Burmmer (Ken) and David Chandler (Mark Rothko) are superb! I appreciated the dramaturg more than ever, being a Mark Rothko fan but not an art history major. A tiny bit of pre-show prep made this show all the more interesting. The color "Red' will never again be 'just red' to me. A great night out! read more

Saw "Dear Elizabeth" last night. The acting was really good and the staging was quite amazing. Such a moving play that I left in tears ... their best in quite a while, I felt. It's taken from the letters between poets Robert Lowell and Elizabeth Bishop, who were almost lovers/partners at various points but in the end were deeply unsentimental friends all their lives. So compelling to see whole lives made so visible in all their complexity and sorrow and crazy joy. The staging is intuitive and evocative of what felt to me the precise nuance of each situation. Several times at difficult points in their lives it rains on stage and the actors slog about in water. But it's surprisingly subtle. It rains poems, also subtle, feathery, magical. Go see it! Gail Entrekin read more

Berkeley Rep always offers exciting and innovative theatre. Argonautika was fabulous! The educational outreach program is a dream for educators. My students have participated in Performance Lab for four years now. I am inspired by BRT's commitment to making theatre accessible to Bay Area youth. read more

Loved Troublemaker. It was funny and smart the whole way through. GREAT acting and superb energy! My 12-year old was riveted the whole time and the humor is quick and edgy while still leaving you with a deep undertone of compassion and redemtion. read more

What should be a great venue has a horrible policy. Missed the change at MacArthur and arrived just after start of show. Was summarily told that late arrival are SOL. Lost money and no exchange because ushers were given our seats. No person working "has the authority" to offer anything other than a "too bad" read more

I saw The Great Wave at Berkeley Rep on September 22 at 2:00 p.m. and loved everything about the production, the cast, the writing...everything! Until I read Karen D'Souza's review, I couldn't believe everyone there did not love it as much as I did. Then I remembered that I was about the only person in the theater who jumped up after the final curtain and clapped and clapped. Regardless, I still really loved it and feel strongly that if Berkeley Rep would do more work like this, I would again become a regular. read more

i saw chinglish here on sunday, and it was very good. we got last minute tix, so we got "standing room" tix. they put stools up against the wall in the back, and it was perfectly fine. the play was great. i can't wait to see more plays here in the future. read more

Having lived near the Rep for a year or so, I'm pleased to report that despite all the extra traffic it generates around my apartment building, going to a show there is an experience well worth having. With a small thrust stage, it gives an impression similar to theatre-in-the-round, which lends the performance a delightfully intimate feeling. Showing works that are somewhat off the beaten path, a visit to the Rep is an excellent way to expand ones horizons without going very far from home. read more

Love love love the Berkeley Rep. I went here for the first time to see "Disgraced," which is to this day one of the best plays I've ever seen (the audience conversation after was also excellent). I also went to see Macbeth here--for both plays, the scenery alone was stunning. I'll be returning to see Latin History for Morons this week and I'm excited. read more

My wife learned that John leguziamo was playing last night and bought me tickets , we are visiting from out of town and I was driving up. Unfortunately there was a lot of traffic and we got to the theatre 4 minutes after 8:00 (showtime). The young lady who referred to herself as manager would not allow us to go to our seats because it was late. She wanted us to watch on a tv monitor. I couldn't and still can't believe it. I asked for a refund and they refused. Johns manager or a young man who works with him explained this was the theatre policy not his. This is disgraceful. read more

The shows have been hit or miss over the years. The box office is infuriatingly unhelpful unless you're calling to offer them heaps of money. And the ticket rules are more complicated and more stringent than airline tickets. I think I've seen my last show here. read more

Everyone needs to see this play. Because even if you don't like football, or watch football--you have known someone who has suffered from a mild traumatic brain injury or who plays sports. Could be your cousin who plays soccer and gets mild headaches after games. Your dad who got a concussion from a car accident. Your partner who passed out during the flu and hit her head. Your son who hit his head when skateboarding and has symptoms--even though he had his helmet on. Your neighbor who got doored when on her bike and landed on her head. We all need to know about concussions. But this docudrama is much more than just this. Who are we as a society who condones this level of violence as entertainment--who cheers during bone crushing hits, who follows the stars of MMA. As long as the players know the risks, does that make it okay? And what about the family members who have lost their partners or fathers to an early death from the behaviors associated with mental illness or early onset dementia? Hear their stories about their regrets. Discounts for patrons 30 and younger. Other packages available as well. Spread the word and bring your friends and co-workers! Oh and last but not least--the actors are terrific! You will be astounded... I have already seem it twice, the second time with our AWSM group (Association of Women in Sports Medicine). We are all primary care sports medicine physicians who manage and treat concussions, and we had the honor of meeting 2 of the actors, Jenny Mercein (daughter of Chuck Mercein of the GB Packers) and Marilee Talkington, who played the physician in the play (and who also is legally blind!). Jenny interviewed many of the family members and former football players and their voices are heard. Medical professionals including me were interviewed. I had the honor of reviewing several drafts of the play with KJ Sanchez the brilliant playwriter and her co-writer Jenny Mercein. It is funny, sad, contemplative, provocative...and more! This is a great "first play" if you have never been to the theatre. read more

Berkeley Repertory Theatre - AWSM members with actors Jenny Mercein and Marilee Talkington at the Berkeley Rep, talking about the X's and O's show - Performing Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

Seeing is believing in this incredible satire of the 1935 incubation and development of facism in USA! The play..ITCANTHAPPEN HERE (which, unfortunately is true) ! This play needs to be seen by every American as we approach voting/election booths..so many similarities/coincidences between 1935 presidential candidate and present un-named 2016 candidate Things that really, truly make you wanna go mmmmmmmmmm and flee to the hills! Unbelievable venue, artistic setting/design, actors/actresses credible talent, creative script writing and innovative set changes, make this truly a memorable, insightful play well-worth seeing! The Berkeley Rep Theater Complex rivals any theater in S.F.N.Y, comfortable seats, positive energetic environment,, caring ushers and Bart/Garage convenience! read more

I haven't seen a lot of theater because 1, it's expensive and B, I'm just not the hipster thee-A-tuh demographic type these places target. I'm a self-admitted dork and very much into lowbrow humor and television, hence my penchant for The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Hills, RIP (bows head in homage to LC). But occasionally, I have moments of intellectual curiosity and creative inspiration. Enter--an outing at the Berkeley Rep to see Let Me Down Easy, performed by the talented and inimitable Anna Deveare Smith. Friends and I met up at Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen for a meal and then made our way to this venue that was intimate and artsy without intimidating the inner Joc V, once avid reader of Jackie Collins novels and lover of all vintage MTV Real World seasons (circa 1993-2000). There was no bad seat in the house, and yes, it was a smidge tight--so tight that a faint odor of the Naan-N-Curry Chicken Vindaloo emanating from my seat mate hit my nostrils ever so slightly--but it is still a good venue. BART is a couple of blocks away, there is ample street parking if you time it right and food venues abound in this neighborhood. read more

A great, intimate place to see major theatrical works.

The theater it self is an adequate venue. Very small and lends itself to a very unique experience. That said, we saw Arabian Nights.....the performances ranged from good to wonderful. It's the writing that was found wanting..... I'm all for artistic and even abstract, but it better have a powerful ending that stirs feeling and emotion.....My first reaction was laughter and it wasn't a comedy.... Check it out if you want, but taking a psychedelic may be required if you hope to appreciate the story. read more

I decided to change my review of Berkeley Rep. Although; I was quite harsh initially because I was disappointed with their season not including any classic American plays. Berkeley Rep is far superior to A.C.T., they are true artist and are much friendlier. They offer great seats in two of the best stages in California at good prices for any age. read more

Saw Disgraced and loved it! We are 35 & 37 so younger than most in attendance but the performance, story and set was amazing! Loved how close we were in middle rear of orchestra. We will come back! I would have given 5 stars but the drink and food options were limited and they don't let you leave to use the restroom or you must watch from TV outside theatre... Yikes I understand but an intermission even for 10min would have been nice in an 80min show...a bit strict. read more

Great theatre productions etc. nice ticketing people, but very very hardcore when it comes to ticket exchanges !!! The true Corporate America !!! NO refunds, and a service charge to already expensive tickets. No exceptions ever, period. (Who reads the small print and who remembers if they explained that to you! ) Think I'll stick with the theatre companies in Podunk, America, who are loving and caring instead of radical left wingers with no heart, the true corporate America . read more

Drinks were over priced. Seats were comfortable. Location is close to bart. Would see another play here.

Fantastic venue for a play. Great sightlines - didn't seem to have a bad seat. Also, clean bathrooms and friendly, helpful ushers.

Just saw Kathleen Turner as Molly Ivans. My first time at Berkeley Rep. I parked in the garage across the street, very convenient. Picked up tickets at will call, easy. Walked 1/2 block to find lots of restaurant choices. The show was great, just like New York theater...or Chicago Theater. Bay area patrons should be packing this place. I noticed that handicapped people can easily pull up to the curb and the theater has elevators. There is captioning and listening devices for people who can't hear. This theater has it all. read more

I've loved almost everything I've seen there. Plays, films, you name it. The quality of the plays I've seen has really been astonishing for what someone might expect from a small-town or college-town theater (scenery, lighting/sound, acting, etc.) If it weren't so expensive, I'd buy one of their season's passes. They also do a fabulous job with the SF Jewish Film Festival. read more

I enjoy theater so have subscribed for the past few years. They usually offer a variety of plays so some aren't to my taste, but they are always well done. It's exciting to see some big stars (like Frances Mcdormand in MacBeth) but there are many amazing actors and plays gracing the stages. The employees and volunteers are lovely. Once I forgot my tickets and they looked me up and got me seated with no problem. The theaters are nice and seats are comfortable. I've sat in many different seats and think there isn't a bad seat to be found in any of the theaters. read more

The first and only time that I came to this theater was when I came with my class to watch, "9 Parts of Desire." It was a great show and the space of the theater was both small but appropiate giving the show an eerie yet believable feel as I was watching it. I liked the intimacy of it but I must admit the seats were a bit uncomfortable especially when the person in back of you is constantly kicking at your chair trying to find a comfortable position as he naps..So annoying. But I didn't let it take away from the show or my experience. I definitely hope to go back and watch some incredible shows there! read more

Watched the last show of American Idiot last night-- it's a good show! The set was awesome and most of the cast was great. It is definitely a little weird hearing Green Day songs this way but I'm open to it. Not many people rocking in the audience but I guess it was because the crowd was a little older. I was laughing during the sex scene because it was so awkward during the scene. Some songs need to be cut like the one right at the end after they did a bow. I would definitely take people who are hesitant to watch musicals to see this show. I hope they do well on Broadway! read more

I saw Emotional Creature at the Berkeley Rep and it was a great play (VERY well acted). The theater itself was nice and intimate and I felt like audience members could really immerse themselves in the play. That being said, the lady next to me got a little too much into the play and would clap and yell along, a little annoying but obviously not the theater's fault. Also wonderful, the women's bathroom had a TON of stalls so there wasn't a line despite this being a play with a 90% women audience. read more

Saw Aubergine last night. It's still haunting me (I took care of my terminally ill mother and was with her when she died). We see Macbeth next week :-). I've had an Educator subscription for years and can't think of a theater that beats Berkeley Rep. Of the 5 plays we see every season, usually 4 are amazing. American Idiot, Aurelia's Oratorium, Ruined, After the Quake, Crime and Punishment, and so many more ... The newly renovated Peet's Theater is comfy and warm (I used to get cold) and the sound is excellent! read more

Thanks to Yelp (yet again!!), I went to a showing of Passing Strange here last night. I hadn't been to the Berkeley Rep since probably 1993 or 1994. I remembered really enjoying whatever I saw then, and i wasn't disappointed last night. I love the almost theatre in the round feeling of the, shoot, what's it called, not the Roda Theatre but the other one. It feels really quite intimate, which, of course, intensifies any drama happening on stage. The sound and lighting is wonderful. The seats are comfortable and have a decent amount of leg room. The bathrooms are plentiful enough. My only complaint was the concessions. We stood in an enormously long line and only just got to the front when they started to dim the lights! Either we were a particularly thirsty/hungry crowd or else they need more people working! ah well. not a big deal. I had a wonderul time and have already planned a second trip back to see All Wear Bowlers. oh, and the convenience factor couldn't be better! less than a block from BART and close to whatever food you could want pretty much. read more

I love how intimate this place is. I love how industrial it is styled. Takes away from all the "grandness" that people expect with theater and allows you to appreciate the performance in it's raw form. read more

I loved, loved Meow Meow at the Berkeley Rep last night! She transformed the theatre into a fabulous old-time kitschy cabaret...you must come have a pre-show cocktail in the new bar, and try on a flamenco costume to get in the mood! Her beautiful voice and comedic chops elevated the review to another level. I enjoyed the marvelous backup dancing by two actors equity performers and the serious, lovely music conducted by Lance Horne. I have to give props to the stalwart audience members who helped out on stage. The usually PC and polite Rep audience went a little wild for once! Fun! Engaging! Adorable! After the show I picked up two cd's signed for me by Meow Meow and Lance Horne so I could bring the cabaret home! read more

Putting aside the fact that whenever I go to the Berkeley Rep I feel like I'm 50 years younger than everyone else, this place is fabuloso. I feel really proud that such a distinguished theater company exists in my hometown. I haven't seen a play since the Carrie Fischer performance (which was hilarious) but whenever a super good one comes down the pipe, I splurge and buy some tickets. I hope this theater lives on forever. Go art!!! read more

I was a little surprised that I didn't love "You Nero" I think Danny Schieie is one of the funniest actors in Northern California theater, but this play didn't show him off like I thought it would. It was a little too long and sort of a stupid premise. I understood the comparison to today's fascistic leaders acting out of control, but I wasn't led to have any new thoughts. That's often what I look for in good theater and it is often what I find when I see a Berkeley Rep show. Too bad. read more