The Berkeley Rep is the Bay Area's sparkling gem for the arts. We just saw Paradise Square which is a Broadway caliber musical with social commentary, after all its Berkeley. I remember seeing American Idiot years ago, American Idiot marked the evolutionary point of the Berkeley Rep to produce plays and musicals that are comparable to the nation's best. read more

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

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PERICLES, PRINCE OF TYRE We came to Berk. Rep. for a Yelp Event and so happy that we were able to experience the world-famous theater. The play itself was great. I'd never seen this Shakespeare number before but I imagine the director took some slight liberties in production since the pirates held AK-47s and Batman & Robin made an appearance. We were excited for the show and left relatively early. We used Google maps and both of our phones directed us to a location that was NOT the theater. We were on the same street, but several blocks away. As we walked around the residential neighborhood we asked people if they knew where it was. Nobody did! We tried calling the theater and got no answer. It was very close to showtime. Finally, we found someone that knew. We were not close at all but we drove to the garage the gentleman suggested (not the Allston one, the one we picked was across the street from the box office) and it was an odd garage, but we found parking and that was all that mattered. Our tickets awaited us at the box office and the theater employee was quick to hand them to us. We perused the snack area as fast as possible and then took our seats empty handed, but already thinking about what we wanted on break. As we sat, a performer started off the audience with a group song. It was fun and lively and educational (it instructed the room to turn off phones and pointed out the emergency exits). The set up of the theater is awesome. It's all high seating that looks down on a center stage. The coolest thing I've ever seen in a theater took place this night. They used a large hose (like a fireman's hose) and sprayed the stage! Yes, with real water. it was so cool. Well-planned stage - they had a drain on it!! Other props, like a staircase that tucks away from first to second floor of the stage were really neat also. All-in-all this was amazing! We had a great time. Enjoyed the fun performnace. Loved the venue. Even met a couple of yelp friends in person for the first time!! We will definitely be back. read more

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I came here with my hubby on Sat. night to watch Figaro. It was an almost three hour play with a fifteen minute intermission. It was our first play at the Berkeley Rep theatre. The lobby is nice and roomy with a snack bar. They serve coffee, biscotti, chocolate truffles, and even wine. The bathroom was very clean. They also have a really cute courtyard that you can sit down in during intermission to catch a breeze. The stage and the enclosing area is suprisingly small, it's smaller than the stage at Zellerbach. However, it's a cozy area that is kept clean and well ventilated. We enjoyed the background projections and opera singing but the acting wasn't impressive. Maybe Figaro just isn't my cup of tea. The people in the audience were surprisingly rude, they were older people who roughly jostled each other when leaving the theatre. I got pushed aside by a man who didn't bother to check if I was okay when leaving the stage area. I also got hit by an arm and a hand when I was seated. I'm surprised I didn't end up with a black eye. This may be due to the narrow walkway and general density of the seats. I also didn't like the fact that most of the plays begin really late (8:00PM). We ended up with an hour after our dinner at Skates before the play started and when the play ended, we were sleepwalking home. There is parking across the street for five dollars. I recommend an evening here if you find a play of interest but do your research first. It's not necessary to get the best seats like we did because the theatre is so small that you can easily hear and see everything. For 37 dollars a ticket, I think I might try a different theatre next time. read more

I should deduct a star just because they are so far away, but I love Berkeley, love to go to Berkeley, and I love live theater which Berkeley Rep does very well, so 5 stars. We have seen a number of plays here, most recently "No Child," a one-woman production set in an inner city school. Wait, that's where I teach...and yes, the characterizations were RIGHT ON. It's so easy to order tickets online, and they come to us all the way in Fresno in just a matter of days. Parking is easy at the garage across the street, and there are so many places to eat along Shattuck. My husband, the coffee aficionado, always heads for Tullys to get his caffeine fix. If we stay in town, we sleep at the Durant, but it's really not in walking distance. For those of you who take BART, the station is just around the corner. read more

Been here TWICE and I'm Positive that there'll be a thrice and a quadra-something more times in the future! Simply a perfect location for a night at the theatre. Just a brisk walk from the Bart station, close to restaurants and bars and even more places to choose from to grab a small dessert (gelato, froyo or tapioca drinks anyone?). And no matter where your seat is - you'll have a great view of the stage! And you can hear everything - acoustics in this little place are great! My only concern would be if I was seated smack dab in the middle. Most of the plays I've been to here has gone at least an hour and a half before intermission (if there was one) so you've got to make sure you use the bathroom before settling into your seat!! Otherwise you'll be trapped.... read more

I LOVE THE REP!!!!! Support the arts and come out to have your mind blown by amazing performances...plays are soooo much more intimate than any movie you will ever watch (maybe, don't quote me on that). You can really get drawn in and feel like you're witness to a unique moment in time, so genuine and never to be repeated. Also, if you're under 25...you get 50% off!!!!!! Super affordable for any student...or recent grad...I've watch plays at the rep for $15 on preview nights....SO WORTH IT!!! The rep features a wide genre of theater so you're sure to find something you can drag a friend to, need be. Don't think twice. Just do it...go to the rep. read more

I've seen 3 performances here and each were quite impressive. I appreciate the concession stand as well as the little courtyard area. All the seats in the theatre seem to be good for sight and sound. read more

Why it did take me this long to go to the Berkeley Repertory Theatre? I was able to watch Fallaci thanks to Yelp (Yeah Nique!). At first I was skeptical about the show as it sounded interesting, but was unfamiliar with the subjects. The main thought that raced through my mind was that it was community theatre, so it cannot be that great. Boy was I wrong. The play was awesome. The two actresses were excellent actors, bringing their characters to life right in front of the audience. Sitting in the front row, I literally was drawn into the setting of the characters. Everything from the set to the costumes made me think I was right there sitting next to the two characters as a companion. Community theatre, I think not. Now that I have had my first taste of the Berkeley Rep, I cannot wait to take another one. read more

Went to see No Man's Land last night featuring Partick Stewart & Ian McKellan in the Roda Theater @ the Berkley Rep. It's was a little weird and difficult to follow at times, but all in all a positive experience. I've been here once before to see a performance and have been impressed. The facilities are great and honestly, there are no bad seats in the house. It's a relatively small theater, so you won't need opera glasses to see anything. I was in the very top top nosebleed seats, off to the side, and still could see and hear everything. Only complaint is that the seats are a bit narrow. I think they are worse than airplane chairs. So if you have long legs or a rather large girth, it might be uncomfortable. I would probably recommend the balcony seating in that case. There's a parking garage right across the street and restaurants/bars nearby. read more

Tristan and Yseult was amazing. I don't really know whether I should review the show, or the theater itself, but they were both good, so it doesn't matter. Make sure to catch the intermission music show because it is hilarious. As for the theater itself... it's good. It's nice because there are two separate theaters to cut down on the whole waiting-in-line-to-get into the theater, which is pretty important when you're in the freezing cold wastes known as Berkeley at night. There is a concessions area, but like any theater (regardless of type), it is quite expensive. They do have an nice beer selection and the craft cocktails are a nice touch too. Definitely recommend if you're a theater kind of person; Berkeley Rep lives up to its reputation. read more

Brian Copeland's one man act "Not a Genuine Black Man" is a moving and incredibly profound performance. Saw it last night and I laughed and cried. I think every American regardless of ethnicity should see this show because it is an indication of how African Americans were treated in a racist community during the 60's and 70's. I'm amazed that all this happened in San Leandro - less than 50 miles away from San Francisco. It was also impressive to hear Brian interpret the many voices of himself as a child & adult, his mother and his grandmother who raised him. I never knew but learned so much from Brian's story. I found it very disturbing that a child could be subjected to such monsterous cruelty and misfortune and yet have the strength to survive and ultimately succeed in society. This is the best live dramatic performance I've seen in a long time! The show was held at the Osher Theatre on Center Street and lasted two hours with a 15 minute intermission. Good news is the show has been extended one more month (thru June). Run and get your tickets because this is something you shouldn't miss. Thanks Berkeley Rep! read more

Horrific Dana H production. I just moved to Northern California from Santa Barbara and wanted to explore local theater. A friend bought 2 tickets to Dana H at theBerkeley Rep theater and asked me to join her. I blindly went to this play, read the bland liner notes and was totally bushwhacked by this horrific play. The 75 minute no intermission drama was a true story, detailed monologue of a woman who was kidnapped, held hostage, raped and beaten for 5 months in a series of Florida motels, captive to an ex-con sociopath member of the Aryan Brotherhood. The sound track is the real life interviews with the woman who happens also to be the mother of the playwright of this play. I would never have gone to such a harrowing production if I had known what it was about. And here is the kicker : nowhere on the website or the liner notes do they reveal what the content is. Why? Because few people would go. There is one small sign in a dark corner outside the restroom that says : " Advisory: this production contains flashing light, loud noises, dark themes and visual descriptions of sexual violence." That advisory should have been on the website and in the liner notes. What good is that advisory in the theater after we have purchased our tickets and arrived for the play? I felt completely exploited and traumatized. All the liner notes and critical reviews focused on the artistry of the amazing actor who had to memorize the transcript word for word and lip synch the victim's voice. It is a miracle the victim came through her ordeal alive and literally lived to tell the tale. But we should not be hoodwinked into listening to that tale . read more

Awesome local theatre. Not a bad seat in the house, great acoustics, and nice courtyard and bar inside as well. Just saw Tristan and Yseult there (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!) Was in the first row which makes some parts of the stage harder to see, but I really enjoyed this theatre and the show. Parking lot across the street, but if you give it a little effort, you can probably find free street parking. Would definitely go back for more shows! read more

Thanks YELP and SF Weekly! Came here for the world premiere event of Lawrence Wright's play FALLACI last Friday at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. They roped off the upstairs where we got a chance to eat some light snacks and a wine tasting at the end of the hallway. We also got a cool Berkeley Rep land yard, YELP stunnah shades, and SF Weekly lighter! w00t! The play-writer Lawrence Wright gave us a great introduction to the play upstairs for us. The play runs about 90 minutes long with no intermission. Make sure to use the bathroom beforehand otherwise you might end up in the back row. Both of the actresses were amazing!! As for the venue, it's pretty with wood accent. This theater is a bit smaller and cozier with little leg space. There is a bar on the main level which is cool. Literally one block away from Berkeley Bart station. Parking lot across the street. read more

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

Highly overrated: mediocre, amateurish productions. Ditzy staff. Most of the classes are a joke and a complete waste of time. Avoid the dramaturgy class. read more

Haven't seen a bad show yet. Always charming and friendly. It has been easy to get cheap tickets coming out of covid

We saw the contemporary adaptation of Molière's comedy "A Doctor in Spite of Himself" and it was really funny and entertaining. The theatre is lovely and more intimate than I expected. It's just a short walk from BART, which is convenient. There was a fun and friendly vibe in the theatre, from the ushers to everyone we enountered. The production is outstanding and is playing at Berkeley Rep until March 25, 2012. http://www.berkeleyrep.org/season/1112/5362.asp The wife of the woodcutter who becomes a "doctor" has this rack that you can't take your eyes off - believe me. And she knows how to work it. Even the puppet version of her draws your eyes to her impossibly bouncy chestal region, as one of my friends calls it. We laughed a lot and highly recommend, though this ribald comedy would not be suitable for kids. I wasn't feeling 100% the night we attended, and can attest that laughter is the best medicine. The chocolate truffles in concessions are fantastic. When I asked what kind they were, I was only told what varieties (several varieties - we got amaretto and Grand Marnier - recommended!). Chocolate is the second best medicine. read more

The Roda Theater is awesome. "American Idiot" was awesome. If you'd told me 22 years ago that one day my parents would be calling me up in frantic excitement about scoring preview tickets for Green Day's new rock opera at the Berkeley Repertory Theater, and that I'd look over halfway through the performance to see my mother doing an enthusiastic head bob to "St. Jimmy"...well...I probably would have told you that someone had sold you some seriously tainted shit. And then if you proceeded to tell me about how on the walk back to the car, my father would grill me for details about the shows that I'd have to lie like a dog to sneak off and see at Gilman back in the late 80s/early 90s...I would have definitely thought you had flat out lost your muthafuckin' mind. The times, they are a-changing. read more

I join my Yelp friends in saluting the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. It's an outstandingly designed theatre (thanks, WIlhelm Y.) with an exciting repetoire (thanks, Jennifer L.) and has drawn outstanding performances from famous actors and actresses (thanks, Toni M.) That being said, what's new in and about the Rep? What can I say that hasn't been said by one of my Yelp friends? In a word: "Red" We saw "Red" last night thanks to 'Nique and Yelp. "Twas...outrageously wonderful. And, frankly, without a little urging from our Yelp friends, we might have passed it by. I mean, what is exciting about a two-actor script?? What is exciting about an hour and a half of listening to an aging artiste describing his very, very special relationship to (of all pedantic substances) paint??? We might have passed this play up. And we would have been the poorer for it. So...instead, I'm going to tellyou why you should put Berkeley Rep on your "must do" calendar. And why "Red" should be on your bucket list. (Pardon the paint-laden inference.) Its whiz-bang good. The play is funny, philosophical, poignant, persnickety, and very, very messy. Paint flies every which way. Words fly like well-orchestrated ping-pong balls, never missing a beat. And never missing their mark. Actors sail in and out, exiting and entering in a flash. Lights flash on and off illuminating the set, the script and the mind. Actors plead, prance arrogantly about, And cajole each other. Age mocks youth. Youth mocks age. Artists mock their patrons Patrons mock their artists... "Sorry, your painting does *not* go with my couch" "Nor does your dining go with my art." "Red" should be on your bucket-list. And the actors: John Brummer (as Ken) should be on your "faithfully following" list. David Chandler (as Mark Rothko) should be on your "friend" list... And Les Waters, the director? Well...heads up, Susie L in Shelbyville, KY. Les Waters has moved to Louisville to direct the Actors Theatre there. Catch "Red" in Berkeley if you can... If not, join me on the "Red-eye Special"... I'm heading to Lu-vull to see what Waters will direct next. Hopefully, it will be: "Red" read more

If you think going to the theatre is just for retirees and drama nerds, you are wrong, wrong, wrong! Berkeley Rep is theatre for everyday people, with all the panache and professionalism you'd find at the opera, but all the laughs you seek at the cineplex. You'll see all walks of life here, yucking it up while appreciating the arts. I have never seen a show that was less than spectacular here (ok, Eve Ensler's Emotional Creature was not my cup of tea), and the world premier of "Troublemaker" is no exception. This goes to the top of my list of "most hilarious live performances" EVER! I am not really a laugh-out-loud kind of gal, but the actors and script of Troublemaker had me in hysterics for almost two hours straight. Stop reading this review and go see it...NOW! read more

I've always loved the Berkeley Rep, but it has always, and even moreso lately, been cost prohibitive for me. Enter Ligaya and the magic of Yelp... I got free tickets to see "In the Next Room" this past Sunday! I was more than psyched. I was extrapsyched, superpsyched, and even uberpsyched! What made me even more psyched? The fact that there were $2 Bloody Marys! There were also Yelpsticks in a big bowl on the counter for anyone to take. I don't think Bloody Marys and Yelpsticks are a usual thing, but they were a great touch. The play was amazing, as were all plays I've seen at the Rep have been. Go see it now! It is a very enlightening and sexy piece of our great history. The Bloody Marys were delicious, and so was the oatmeal cookie I shared with my husband. The theater is gorgeous and I've been happy sitting in any seat in the room. Thanks to Yelp, I had box seats right up close for this one, but the nosebleed seats up in the top are fine too. read more

(Disclaimer: Any show using Yma Sumac's "Taki Rari" as the musical backdrop for a choreographed fight scene earns my immediate five stars.) Happy 2014, Lovies. If you're still hemming over which resolutions to pursue for the new year, may I suggest adding a dollop of extra culture to your diet. And, if you want to make that spoonful of culture particularly pleasant to ingest, may I suggest a visit or few to Berkeley Rep. Case in point: the Rep's current offering, playing now until January 18th, "Tristan & Yseult." Wiki that title, and you may find the description "a legend made popular during the 12th century through French medieval poetry, and inspired from archetypal Celtic legends." Go into the play with this as your sole description, and be prepared to get your expectations bounced about like a silver pinball. In a tale that teases definitions of space and time, there's comedy, both broad and subtle. There's romance, in spades. And, as mentioned earlier, there's music, and dance. But with it all the movement, and farce, there is tragedy, and genuine emotion. The wink & smile, so deftly delivered, can turn in a heartbeat to a teardrop. It's a textured, layered experience, one in which the audience often is called upon to be part of the performance. My plus-one during intermission suggested Monty Python a fitting reference; I would instead suggest the body of later Terry Gilliam movies as a more apt comparison. In truth though, "T&S" is a unique entity that stands on its own merits. The variety of productions at Berkeley Rep are like the offerings of a pot luck dinner from talented cooks; but IMHO "Tristan & Yseult" is one of their most tasty dishes served in recent history. Bring a friend, a date, or just yourself, and take a big bite of the prismatic pleasures of live theater at Berkeley Rep. Culture, shockingly good. read more

Have seen dozens of shows at this theater. There's a reason they have won the Tony, and there's a reason I keep going back. It consistently keeps me thinking while being entertained. Complex, astonishing and life altering. The way this theater curates a season is like no other in the country. Go see a few plays here, you won't regret it. read more

Just had a life expanding theater experience at Berkeley Rep seeing the world premiere of Ain't Too Proud which is on its way to Broadway and will be huge, no doubt. A brave and bold undertaking with staging, lighting, music and costuming far exceeding their normal reach. Everyone involved was at the highest level of talent. The story hit all the high and low moments of The Temptation's story. Brilliance poured from the stage. Epic show. read more

Berkeley Repertory Theatre - Story of The Temptations that will lift you out of your seat. High performances from every cast member and musician - Performing Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

"Argonautika" - How do you fit the mythological story with a cast of thousands of Jason and the Argonauts into a 2 hour stage production of 2 acts? Gods, Monsters, Ships, Myth? Only someone as talented as Mary Zimmerman, a Tony winning writer and director ("Metamorphoses"), with a body of work based on classic tales could do it in her fifth collaboration with Berkeley Rep. With strong performances from an ensemble cast, most well-seasoned on various stages and TV, Zimmerman is able to present the essence of the tale of Jason. With a spartan but transformable functional set, clever props and stick puppets, meaningful costumes, a very accessible sprinkling of modern one-line humor out-takes, and an underlying message of the futility of conquering and plundering to the human spirit, she has assembled and evolved a masterful production out of the improv roots and sketches first incubated at her Looking Glass theater in Chicago. Known for her strong knowledge of classical tales, she combines 2 versions of Jason and the Argonauts, one Greek and another Roman, clipping excerpts of each to make Argonautika a piece of her own vision, with messages that end up more Greek Tragedy than Hollywood, and uncovering new nuances of Jason's character, actions, motivations and ultimate results. She cleverly entwines contemporary elements as she deftly constructs the 6 elements of a Greek Tragedy, such as a Rap like group chant of introducing the characters, but using simple drums and wood block instruments. Her staging is excellent, and she uses many subtle wardrobe devices to enhance the visual presentation (Goddesses on platform heels and flowing gowns to appear larger) and metaphoric meaning (Medea's love wound becoming increasing more red and larger, to symbolize that she has little free will in her Goddess decreed actions to help Jason). Strong performances in multiple roles were had by all, but you will probably think fondly of Crista Scott-Reed as Hera, with her wicked delights; Soren Oliver in his head strong Hercules; Allen Gilmore's outrageous Pelias counterbalanced by subdued other roles; and not to be overlooked, Jason's complex and difficult role to underplay as performed by Jake Suffian. If you ever saw the movie Jason and the Argonauts of many years ago, or know the myth of the Golden Fleece or Greek Myths in general, or love great live theater, go see this play. Zimmerman takes a tough challenge for the stage and pulls it off, and neatly ties it together and makes it somewhat personal to the audience in the end with a magical and symbolic use of lights, one of her favorite devices. Closes December 16th. read more

What a treat it is to have an excellent theater on this side of the tunnel. No need to always head into the City for a play or a foreign film. Conveniently located just steps from Downtown Berkeley BART, a block from AC Transit, and with a parking garage across the street, you have plenty of transportation options to get you there. I've attended performances here over the course of a number of years. As a student, at some point I even had discounted season tickets with excellent seats. They always bring in big names from Salman Rushdie to Rita Moreno to Mandy Patinkin. It's humbling to know that Berkeley can attract such talent. We're just that hip. Some of the most memorable productions that I've seen were: Ghosts (2003/2004), The Miser (2005/2006), and most recently, Red (2011/2012). There are two theatres where you can enjoy the shows depending upon the performance: Thrust and Roda. Each one allows for excellent views no matter where you sit. The actors are talented and staging is always done well. Each time is a different experience, and I've always come away with a new perspective on things. They have an excellent concessions bar with reasonable prices, and I enjoy my time during intermission. It's especially fun to attend an opening or closing reception, when their outdoor patio is open and excited theater-goers mix and mingle with one another over drinks and sweets. In addition to live theatre, Berkeley Rep hosts various film festivals. read more

Went to see American Idiot here at the urging of the cast who by a wonderful stroke of luck was staying in the corporate suites that I am a concierge for. The theater itself is great venue and awesome space that does not have a bad seat in the house. I think I could have skipped the 75 dollar tickets and been just as happy with a cheaper seat. But it was my birthday and I figured "what the hell, I am only gonna turn 25 once" so I splurged. The production itself was fucking epic (as the kids say) Tony, John, Miguel, Rebecca, Morgan and Christina were amazing. I was glad to see this show in such an intimate venue prior to its ascension into legendary status. It is rumored to be heading to Broadway, in the running for a Tony, and is most likely gonna blow up to epic proportions. Definitely a great way to spend a birthday....25th or not. read more

I've seen a few shows here but I most recently went to see Green Day's American Idiot. Although it was a little like Mama Mia for punk rock (no real plot and the music makes the show...) it was still fun to watch at the perfect venue for this type of show. To start, it's accessible, close to bart, in the center of downtown and quite reasonably priced (especially if you're under 30). There aren't really bad seats because everything is tiered appropriately so you can always see the stage. Nice gift shop, helpful staff, and they'll even let you bring your drinks into the theatre. We went to the courtyard for drinks before the show. They had special "American Idiot" themed cocktails. My friend had a "Whatshername" (absolut grapefruit, campari, pomegranate juice etc) and I had a Jesus of Suburbia "midori melon, skyy, tonic, a couple things I can't remember) My drink was not good at all... her drink was fantastic. But they're not a bar so I'm not going to fault them (but $8 for a bad drink...) The show was only 90 minutes, but catchy and well acted. The lighting, set design and use of media was FANTASTIC (though I wish I could say the same for the costumes). For what it was, it was a quality show. It reminded me of being 16 all over again. The sex, the music, the apathy, the rebellion against life (everything except the drugs... I watched Requiem for a Dream one too many times...). It reminded me of who I used to be: I read Naomi Klein's "No Logo" multiple times, I wanted to be a culture jammer and write for AdBusters, and I even thought you could actually fuck the man. The show was a bit pointless: no plot, no point, no resolution...but isn't that the point of youth anyway? read more

I was so excited to have scored on a pair of tickets to one of my favorite theater venues, The Berkeley Rep. This was for the West Coast premiere of Tony Kusher's The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures, an epic story of an Italian family in Brooklyn on the subject of love, family, sex, money and politics, directed by Tony Taccone. This 3hr. 40 min intriguing story played out in the Roda Theater. Thanks to CM, Nique F. and the Berkeley Rep. for the fabulous orchestra tickets and the opportunity to partake in the VIP reception before the show featuring food from Belli Osteria and liqueur from St. Georges. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/berkeley-repertory-theatre-berkeley?select=-QgPRS4OXX6ln_jD7-yu4A#k_XHsAI9vKvHnaDF1mamvA) (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/berkeley-repertory-theatre-berkeley?select=-QgPRS4OXX6ln_jD7-yu4A#Esmex0AZ0c2LMdCsBmwilg) (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/berkeley-repertory-theatre-berkeley?select=-QgPRS4OXX6ln_jD7-yu4A#XAXXVNOkLlOx5IliWZLRnA) (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/berkeley-repertory-theatre-berkeley?select=-QgPRS4OXX6ln_jD7-yu4A#bfPZMQI7QKIhN4clds0h2Q) (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/berkeley-repertory-theatre-berkeley?select=-QgPRS4OXX6ln_jD7-yu4A#vIOrk7YccyZanHtO-Upghg) (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/berkeley-repertory-theatre-berkeley?select=-QgPRS4OXX6ln_jD7-yu4A#DLSxO0s0PRykWbt8Oe2iTw) (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/berkeley-repertory-theatre-berkeley?select=-QgPRS4OXX6ln_jD7-yu4A#omBMdfVpUA7SfNz43djUKw) (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/berkeley-repertory-theatre-berkeley?select=-QgPRS4OXX6ln_jD7-yu4A#6uaqPHVdpDPymqc1Hp3Ihw) (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/berkeley-repertory-theatre-berkeley?select=-QgPRS4OXX6ln_jD7-yu4A#JjNP94FOBUsmuritKl17fA) read more

The very first row at the thrust stage is not so close that you will actually get spit upon. You will, however, see the spit flying, and for a brief moment, you will be distracted by it. Still, you are safe. Some may find the seats a little cramped [still comfy]. Not enough elbow room [bring lots of friends to cozy it up with] or leg room [not to worry if you are in the front row], perhaps? All I say is - What a cozy little theater! Intimate, even. There are discounts for the under 30 crowd and for season ticket holders. Combined, an even sweeter deal that I might have to take advantage of soon. I have fewer than a handful of years left in the under 30s. Multiple parking garages nearby - here is a listing: http://www.berkeleyrep.org/planyourvisit/index.asp. Downtown Berkeley BART station is also just steps away. read more

Yes yes, fantastic place. I saw Chinglish last night. Superb performance. But unlike most theaters who are satisfied with just putting on an amazing performance, Berkeley Rep goes the extra mile to create an ambiance that is in character. This was a comedy (with deeper implications) about what gets lost in translation when a white man starts doing business in China. To support it, Berkeley Rep put signs in the bathrooms and lobby with hilariously unfortunate Chinese-to-English translations. Also, their snack bar is pretty amazing. And their volunteers are super professional. Go to Berkeley Rep. There are a lot of places to find fantastic performances in the Bay Area. This one has some extra spunk. read more

This is a pretty big venue. Seats are comfy and every seat has a nice view of the stage. We saw the Berkeley School of Repertory Theatre performing their Summer Program "Final Showcase". There were plenty of seats available, for the large crowd, BUT if you're expecting a large crowd to watch a performance on a hot night, FIX THE DAMN AIR CONDITIONING!! Management should have definitely addressed the problem prior to the scheduled performance. sweat + feet + ass + hot air + no circulation = mutha-effin' nasty. Imagine an egg salad sandwich, stuck inside Manny Ramirez' jock strap, after a 14 inning ball game. *Stars do not reflect the actors, actresses, staff, and faculty involved in the play. They deserve a solid 4 1/2 stars.* read more

I was 12 years old when I fell in love with theater. I can still remember how I watched Les Miserables with my mouth open. The jaw dropping performances, emotions, music, and of course the costumes! Growing up in New York definitely has its perks and Broadway is one of them. So, imagine my excitement when I was given tickets (thanks to Yelp and Nique!!) to see the opening night of X's and O's (a football love story) at the Berkeley Rep. ___X'S AND O'S REVIEW___ Before the show, we were fortunate to have one of the playwrights, KJ Sanchez, speak to our group. She explains that she likes writing plays that explains a moment in our history.With all the controversy surrounding football, she could not have written X's and O's at a better time. My boyfriend has never been interested in theater. However, after reading the back story for the show, I knew that this was the perfect opportunity for me to show him "seeeee...this whole theater thing is not bad AT ALL!!" My boyfriend played football until the first two years of college. After suffering from a few concussions, him and his family decided that his health is their number one priority. I knew that this docudrama is something that he can deeply relate to. There are many laugh out loud moments during X's and O's. However, there is such a strong message behind the story that there are definitely times during the show that will make you stop and reflect about our society's love for such a violent sport. X's and O's chronicles the history of football- from the rules to various styles of helmets used. They also used tidbits of the countless interviews that they've done on football players from across the country. Eventually, you see the underlying theme of the show. You'll end up asking yourself "IS IT WORTH IT?" Is it worth it that players are suffering devastating life long injuries- even death. The show explores the most destructive side effect of football- CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), which results from repetitive brain trauma. So, often we cheer for every tackle not thinking about how each blow to the head is just another step closer to CTE. We both really enjoyed this show. The 6 actors were top notch! I would definitely recommend this show to everyone, even if you are not a football fan! ___THEATER REVIEW___ I adore how intimate the Berkeley Rep is! We were lucky to get front row seats for the show and there were times when the actors were just inches away from us. The seats were very comfortable and I don't think that there is a single bad seat in the house. I also love their courtyard lined with lit trees. I can only imagine how nice it is to sit out there when its warmer outside! They also have a lounge right by the entrance to the theater. There were a lot of seating and I believe a couple of TVs. Parking is also very convenient- it's right across the street! I believe that after a certain time (7 pm?), it is a flat rate of $5 for the whole night! read more

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Never in a million years did I ever think I'd want much less enjoy a show at a regional theatre company such as Berkeley Rep. Today I and my hubby watched the very versatile Anna Deavere-Smith in her one-woman show, "Let Me Down Easy." I enjoyed the show overall however I did feel that this train took a bit to gain momentum. The theatre itself is in the thick of Downtown Berkeley which makes it very convenient if you want to take in a show then have dinner or visa versa. Most shows at the Rep have afternoon and evening shows which is very nice. I can see myself taking in more shows here. read more

YAY! I got tickets for the play, "Tristan and Yseult," along with the Elite pre-show reception. Mr Rinky and I feasted on some yummy appetizers from La Mediterranae. There were several friendly businesses that served alcoholic drinks but there wasn't any non-alchy drinks for us. No problem.....we got some water downstairs. The only Yelper I recognized was the affable Eugene. There were lots of folks sitting near us that were dressed up---they looked so beautiful! Speaking of seats we had FRONT ROW seats! The play was in the RODA theatre; a smaller venue. Wow-I could actually see the stage! I didn't know what to expect from this play but I was pleasantly surprised! The play combined comedy and drama into an enticing story. I really cared about all the characters! The cast was very talented and athletic---there was a lot of running, jumping and climbing up and down stairs. There was a group of musicians on a high platform and some of the characters joined the musicians from time to time. The stage was not fancy but it still made you feel you were on the boat and other places. Some of the actors played more than one role but they made it clear by costume changes. All in all we really enjoyed this production.....it was so cleverly written and brilliantly acted. I loved that the cast seemed to really enjoy themselves. Some plays I've seen (especially with so called professional actors) the actors seem to be bored or just going through the motions! Thanks Nique and Yelp for a thoroughly fun evening! read more

I went to the Berkeley Rep to watch "After the Quake" and it was really well done. As other Yelpers have noted, the use of props was well done and the scene changes were seamless on such a small stage. Although I was expecting the theatre to be a bit larger than it actually was, I wasn't disappointed. It really doesn't matter where you sit because every seat is a clear view of the stage. It's very clean, the seating is comfy (considering that is is not a huge theatre space) and it's in a great location. If you are lucky enough, you can find parking on the street. If not, you can easily park in the garage across the street. Just a quick tip: If there are multiple showings available, try and make it in the afternoon because that is when street parking is a bit more abundant. Overall, I definitely will return. The website is very easy to navigate and you can attend book club meetings, docent presentations and/or take classes from acting/directing to voice to master classes. I cannot give this place less than 5 stars, simply because I want people to know how important places like the Berkeley Rep are for personal enrichment and how wonderful this place is for the community! read more

My favorite moment of any performance is the point that I realize, maybe 15-20 minutes into a production, that I'm bearing witness to something extraordinary. That the performance is not just entertaining but honest, relevant, fluid and disturbingly true. That you're a guest of an institution that absolutely *gets* it, and gets you. OK, so I'm gushing more than a little, but I've been privileged enough to have that realization at about 75% of the shows I've seen at this theatre: whether it's a seasoned touring production or a nervous premiere of a new play, Berkeley Rep, for me, hits the nail on the head (almost) *every* time. Last night was no exception: Berkely Rep's hosted production of The Wild Bride was wonderfully entertaining (even to my guest who had barely set foot in a theatre in years), beautifully staged, devestatingly sad and a musical treat to boot. Part play, part children's book, part dance performance, part jazz/blues fest, everything from the wonderfully talented actors/musicians, to the odd audience quip, to the sheer mess of the stage that was aggravated by the minute was spectacular. That the actors exited the stage only to immediately emerge in the lobby to entertain us with their jazz/blues spectacle made the performance, and the evening, that much more wonderful. Seriously? If you love folk music, enjoy the more-than-occasional giggle, are a fan of fairytales, and believe that the arts as an institution should be supported and sustained, get yourself to Berkely Rep to see The Wild Bride, or any show for that matter. And, if you're under 30, take 50% off the price of your ticket. If that's not Sassypants City, I don't know what is. read more

We came to Berkeley Rep last week to see Green Day's "American Idiot" ROCK OPERA (!) at the Roda Theater. Had never been to Berkeley Rep before, but do enjoy some good theater now and then. LOVE that they have "Under 30" pricing ... unfortunately I can only use it for less than a year! :P But a great concept because us 20-somethings cannot afford high-priced theater sometimes! We thought the place was really cool, the lobby, the bar, the little gift shop, etc. All very nice with actual decent bathrooms unlike some of the bigger theaters in SF (cough, cough -- Curren -- cough, cough). We had seats in the front row of the Mezzanine but all the way to House Right. My husband (who is a huge Green Day fan, by the way) did have to lean in a couple times because the railing blocked the very edge of the stage, but after doing so he could see. I love theaters that pretty much every seat is a good seat. Thought it was cute they were passing out little purple earplugs for the show, though we didn't need them (but I do often wear them at actual concerts). "American Idiot" was great fun, definitely a ROCK OPERA! I almost wanna see it again but I know a lot of the shows have sold out. Good times. Talented cast (especially Mary Faber who we saw on Broadway in "Avenue Q" a few years back)! I would be happy to come back to Berkeley Rep again if there was a show I wanted to see (though I'd better do it before next summer when I turn 30 -- gulp!!). read more

Saw "Ain't Too Proud" this weekend and was reminded of how amazing Berkeley Rep is, and what a national treasure we have right here in the Bay Area. From staging (every performance) to actors and directors - the cast and crew put on terrific shows season after season; and for such a reasonable price. This is not just regional theater at it's finest, this is American Theater at it's finest. read more

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