AMERICAN IDIOT at the Berk Rep. I have had the pleasure to see the process of this work, seeing the first public performance on labor day weekend at the Berk Rep. That night the audience WAS the event. A sold out Green Day fan based crowd some who flew in from Canada - London and of course NY just to see their beloved Green Days first musical based on their Grammy CD American Idiot. It was hard for me to judge the work that night. Every move the 19 actors did on stage the kids went crazy at the Roda. Fact is, it wasn't fair to start writing a word about the project that first night. It was a party for the fans and their boys were down front seeing the work with an audience for the first time, the fans could care less their was not much of story on stage. The show must have stopped 4 times that night to wait for the crowd to settle for the players to pick up their timing. As the previews progressed the white hairs met the green hairs and the notes flowed from the production team: Michael Mayer, Ira Pittelman, Tom Hulce and Billie. Changes were made and boom a story emerged. When I saw the show during its official run Friday night, I was impressed - The rock had mixed with the theatre. The amazing dance and song came together it's more theater event , though amp-ted by the musical angst and anger that won Michael Mayer and lead John Gallagher Jr. Tony awards for "Spring Awakening" this musical is on its way to Broadway. Its fun to see the white hairs offered ear plugs as they enter the Roda. It hardy needs them. I was told when Billie fined tuned the show, he was on the phone with his people to head over to the Rep with higher end amps and better Guitars. He wanted the tone to hit that "11" mode a few times in the 90 minutes. My like is the chorus numbers and the sheer power of the actors voices not backed with the amps. Mayer and Armstrong have come up with a nice compromise of loud vs theatre chorus. A high light is "21 guns" not backed buy the amps -- but the kids in the show. The icon number "September" can bring one to tears as Mayer pulled out all his stage talent in creating that show stopper. The close of the story has the Mayer trade mark - very quite and powerful as the curtain drops and the audience rises to their feet. The kids (mid 20's) in the show kick ass. A top flight of Broadway names are visiting Berkeley for this project. Some taking a break from the NY gigs (HAIR, PASSING STRANGE, and RENT) to work with the Mayer Armstrong team. Some "wow" stage moments come from Tony Vincent as St Jimmy, John Gallagher as JOS, the amazing Rebecca Jones and Mike Esper. Yet all nineteen players kick ass the entire 90 minutes. Christen Jones 4 story set is a breathtaking - if you can even see the top with all the eye candy on stage. Its a very new media event with the HD screens and a hanging full size car. The Orch is spread out over the four stores. Including a cello player that is carted around the set as the players need her stair case to get around the rafters. The down side from the white hairs is where is the story here? Yet the story is clear as you listen to the words of Armstrong and how Mayers and his team bring that out. George Bush's own number "favorite son" has its own red and white and blue take, that seems to up set the hard core punks that see the show. Yet the George Bush reference is perfect to the times Billie was growing up in the East Bay and squatting at west Oakland warehouses on 7th street. I was at Gilman when the guys took over that club for almost two years. I remember telling others more than I needed too that these three cord punks will never go anywhere. So its nice to bite my own words and welcome the guys to theatre, and the fact that they have always been good at. The Green Day fans have sold this run out, but their are singles for the final week of show. They sell standing room seats the night of the show for just 30 bucks. Do what you can to see this musical. Its commanding - rocks and welcomes East Bay Punk to the great white way. Thanks Billie and Michael - Vmedia Here is vid i did - that labor day weekend i first show the show http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1In9bQs__pc read more

I had never been to the Berkeley Rep before and just saw "Oliver Twist". Production was new and innovative and as a Victorian enthusiast I thought very true to Dickens' original intent. The production was performed in the Victorian "dance hall" style with its heavy dose of melodrama...very fitting since Dickens is melodramatic at his core as he tells his tales of social injustice which sadly remain relevant today. The Roda theatre probably does not have any bad seats but we had great seats front and center. The courtyard that can be enjoyed prior to the performance and during the intermission was lovely yesterday as it was sunny and warm. Only quibble...really high prices at concession stand but I hope the proceeds go to benefit the theatre itself not the vendors of so-so fare. A great theatre experience. read more

Well Kathleen Turner blew me away, reincarnating Molly Ivins in the great tradition of one-acts. Turner, who could as easily channel Lauren Bacall as the intrepid journalist in Red Hot Patriot, has aged gracefully and graciously. A totally irrepressible script filled with womanist one-liners and deep affection for family (including the Republicans), American history and the great tradition of self-expression on which our nation is based. It is a call to verbal arms for all of us who confuse satire with cynicism. The Roda Theatre in downtown Berkeley, close to BART and walkable to the bastion of FSM is the perfect venue and Kathleen Turner, sexpot turned senior citizen with swag, is the perfect narrator for a journey into the heart and soul of Molly Ivins! Go see it now. read more

The Berkeley Rep is a jem in downtown Berkeley. I recently saw the fantastic performance of "After the Quake", possibly my favorite play so far (I agree with the previous reviews, so won't bother repeating). I have seen many shows in the past though, and have never left disappointed. I strongly recommend getting on their email list because they have great partnerships with local supporters. Not only will they pass on some great deals to you, but you just might discover a great new place from them (see my review on Bobby G's, just around the corner from them). Keep up the great work, Berkeley Rep! read more

Berkeley Rep is one of the most brave and daring large theatre companies in the nation. Artistic Director Tony Taccone consistently peppers his seasons with new, exciting work you won't get to see anywhere else. This is the best large theatre in the Bay Area and one of the best nationwide. It's a little spendy-- take advantage of student rush tickets, preview pricing, and other deals if you can-- but you nearly always get a high-quality theatre experience. As Cheshire says, it's at the opposite end of the spectrum from our beloved, small Impact, but it's every bit as awesome. read more

I saw The Arabian Nights last night, and it was the first performance I've seen at this theatre. The props and costumes were excellent. The cast was good. However, the humor was extremely off and out of place. There is no place for a Michael Jackson joke, a 60+ second fart joke, and the level of ridiculousness in the "family dance" among other things. The low brow humor, which oddly seemed to please the older audience, really lessened the atmosphere of the entire play for me. I don't want cheap Americanized humor in my classical Arabian play. Zimmerman failed. read more

Very unpleasant experience to be held hostage as an audience at the end of Angels in America by the cast member who decided to spew her radical leftist political propaganda from the stage. We bought tickets to this show to have a thoughtful theater experience where we could disconnect from the outside world and be entertained. We did not come to be lectured by an actress about her politics. Just as we do not expect this type of hectoring from a waitress or a bank clerk, we do not want it from the cast at a theater performance. Very unprofessional. read more

Berkeley Rep is one of my favorite institutions. How many great shows have I seen there over the years? I couldn't count. Every play at the Berkeley Rep is smart, and usually witty. Sometimes they're musical (like Green Day's "American Idiot"), sometimes they're international in scope (like "Chinglish"), and sometimes they're magic for kids (like "The Tale of Despereaux"), but they let us grownups in, too. Some shows go from the Berkeley Rep to Broadway. We're so fortunate to have world-class theater right here in Berkeley. read more

Dana. H is neither "Theater" nor acting. It is a recount of a madman's psycho/pathology vented on a social worker. The lip syncing of the taped interview of the actual victim, by the "actress" was not acting-it was a parlor trick. Subjecting the audience to the violence and horror experienced by the original victim without any layers of interpretation or analysis was just plain torture. I'm through with the Berkeley Rep after 45 years of being s season ticket holder Dennis Woodruff read more

Berkeley rep continues to astound me, and the under 30 pricing continues to make amazing theatre affordable for all us young poor folk. Lieutenant of Inishmore had more blood than you can shake a dead cat at, American Idiot had more angst than you can shake an unwanted pregnancy at, and Aurelia's Oratorio had more magic and wonder than you can shake a Christmas tree at. Go to Berkeley Rep. read more

I have been a fan of the Berkeley Rep for years. The productions are professional and the theater is delightful, the best view of the stage from every seat. That's unlike many other local theaters. They choose an unsual assortment of work but they always do such a good job that you won't regret it. read more

This is way up there on my "bucket list" so what can I say about it? It is perhaps the most intimate, down to earth theater I ever know. I have been buying their season tickets since I was 17, and it is now my birthday gifts to myself every year. Definitely worth the money. read more

I have seen many fantastic programs at the theater. I love the set up and the lobby area. My favorite show was Wishful Drinking with Carrie Fisher. Its now on broadway. I don't think you can lose coming here. Theater really carries the spirit of Berkeley. read more

I've been attending for years. This is a first-class company. I don't always love the productions they select so I don't go to those. But when I like the choice I am confident that it will be a great production. And the theatre is delightful. read more

Berkeley Rep has been one of the best theater places in the Bay Area for years. Reliable and professional performances. And a great venue. A wonderful theater where you can see no matter where you sit. Keep up the great work! read more

Great performances! I am fond of this theater. Always something is surprising. Be prepared of something you can't expect at all! Music, acting, costumes, verything! read more

I love Berkely Rep for all its fantastic A list acting and singing. Great location. Affordable and an injection of culture like my Mom would love read more

This is a very professional organization, with a very professional staff. #Aprilfools! read more

Always wonderful, the Wild Bride was more than wonderful.. Spectacular...