"The Black Repertory Group in Berkeley is the oldest African American theatrical organization of its kind in the nation. Established in 1964, it has produced hundreds of acclaimed stage performances and supported the careers of many famous alumni such as Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Teri Vaughn, Kelita Smith, KHELANI, and Maya Angelou." Fr Homepage Found this production at the last minute & thoroughly enjoyed it! The cast did a great job. Hats off to everyone. read more

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The Black Repertory Group borrowed my Meyer Sound system valued at $8500. After weeks of trying to find Sean Vaughn Scott, the CEO, to allow me back in to the theater to retrieve my equipment, I was texted that they threw it out because the fire inspector told them to. I checked with the Berkeley Fire Inspector's office, and there was one complaint, months prior to my loaning them my gear, that was investigated, with the no citations, nor order, nor request to "throw out" my sound system. I was met with a smooth talking man, telling me he'd work everything out with me. The CEO was extremely nice to me, a great guy stringing me along for weeks with his beautiful words. Then, poof! Gone like a ghost. My only recourse now is to take the owner and CEO to court, and, then I have to actually get my money for the system from them, which they claim they "threw out". My personal advice is to be intelligent when dealing with the management of the Black Repertory Group/Theater. The day to day personnel are some of the nicest, honest people on Earth who represent the true spirit of the BRG. I really like the staff! read more

This was my first time at the BRG and when Paul Mooney is in town, you go to great lengths to see the man. We walked in about an hour before our show was to start and all the ladies were very helpful, the bartender was pouring champagne (Martinelli's for us b/c we don't drink anymore) and they offered a couple of excellent entrees. New Orleans Jambalaya, we saw (and smelled) go by our table a few times. Boy, they know how to pile some food on. They also had a biscuits and gravy option, which looked pretty good as well. The venue is super chill, very clean and a great place to watch a show. The seating is divided in two sections. VIP in the front and General Admission in the rear. We got the hook up on VIP tickets through goldstar and it was a sweet deal. If not for this deal, I doubt we would have paid full price. I'm not a fan of overpaying for tickets to anything, that's just me. read more

We have been going to this camp for 3 years. We have been so grateful. My son was getting bullied in school and then we started going here and he gained confidence and the bullying stopped. They worked to find my kids strengths and pushed them to be their best selves. The shows were amazing. We became like family! I am so grateful for Sean, Ms. Nora, Ms. Pam. Also, Clarence saved my son and really was able to connect with him when most adults didn't get him. They helped my daughter make friends and feel at home and safe so she could make friends. Thank you everyone. read more

Black Repertory Group - Performing Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

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My family and I came here to watch "The Wiz". We came earlier than the show because we heard they had food here. I saw they had Friday fish on the menu and wanted to try. So we get here an hour before the show is to start. The set up on the lobby is very unorganized. They have you order at a table set up on the side. They told me they didn't have any fish today . So I ordered a chicken skewer. We paid $35 for 2 chicken skewers and rice and nachos that was only chips and cheese. I asked if it was white or dark meat he said he didn't know. I don't eat dark so it mattered to me. $2 for a can of coke. Once you order you (not them) have to walk your recipe tickets around to the back patio where there is a guy out back. BBQing. I asked him what kind of meat they had, he said all thigh (Yuck). I must say I tried the meat and I.t was well seasoned but super spicy- not they tell us in advance. My daughter wanted a snicker $2. No it wasn't king sized. Then there a guy yelling out about where to stand to get in. No organization. Luckily we were near where they were letting everyone in so we got seats all together. Otherwise people were having to sit separately. The obviously over sold on the tickets. Because they were bringing fold up chairs into the theater the whole show. Mom wanted popcorn. And the little cup of popcorn that cost $1 at my daughters school play on Friday was here $5 a cup. Smh. Oh but free refills. But there were so many kernels in It that I could only eat half- no need for a refill. Most of the microphones didn't work and with sitting around a bunch of kids I couldn't hear 90% of the show. At 1 point in the show there was this dance where the ladies came out in skimpy skinny short skirts etc and were curating on the stage. Remember I said I was sitting around a bunch of kids. Most of them were like 8 year old boys and there were kids through the theater. I heard the kids behind me say "oh I like them girls". We joked and told them to cover their eyes. Uhhh not good for a family show. And I don't recall this part in any other Wiz I have seen. I do understand theater and improv and making it your own. But if your going to do It, you have to give 100. . Oh. And to top it off ticket was $30!! Smh. Should have been $5. Smh. Upon checking other reviews for this theater I couldn't understand how they got more than 2/3 stars. But upon coming out into the lobby. I understood why. Everybody in the lobby waiting around. Seemed to know each other while all sipping on Andres smh. No thanks. I'm not sure if I would recommend or be back. I love to support my black owned business but this is why it is har stop support. read more

This place is Bay Area heritage. I'm not going to talk about the less favorable highlights, but I will say that this place has been around for decades. The place is not brand new and there are certainly some needed repairs; but the consistency of plays, productions, and events overshadow that for me. They aren't working with half the resources the Berkeley Repertory Theater is working with, but they're fighting to stay relevant. Instead of complaining about what this place is not, invest in it so it can be what you'd like one of the longest Black owned theater groups in the Bay Area to be. I first began to consistently come here when Bri Blue hosted her Open Mics every Tuesday. Through that connection I found that the theater was holding a summer camp for the kiddos. I enrolled my five-year-old in the program. Of course everything wasn't click-tight, they're working with a small budget and a few dedicated adults (some who volunteered), but that summer camp was made great through love and pride. They provided lunches for the babies everyday (how many summer camps do that), allowed parents (who needed it) to pay on a sliding scale, and during the final weekend performances of the play, had the kids picked up in a limo and walked down their "red carpet". They work with what they are given so no it isn't perfect, but I must give them their propers and I will continue to support them in hopes that my support will keep them in a position to continue supporting the community. read more

THIS PLACE IS A RIP OFF! And we should have known when my partner called the three different phone numbers found on the website for the box office that turned out to be personal cell phones. Saw that Paul Mooney was performing here, before reviewing Yelp and finding out that he's pretty much the only performer here year-round, we were anxious to see him. The prices range from $25 for GA to $200 for backstage access, bottomless champagne, and no waiting in line. We were between the $65 and $45 seats. Upon arrival, the woman at the door suggested the $45 and so we made our purchase. When we got into the theatre it was obvious that all seats were GA and we asked the couple sitting one row in front of us how much they paid and they said $25. I ran back out to the woman and she said there's no way unless they bought the Gold Pass online blah blah and then said, "Well it's pretty much empty in there so sit wherever you like. Go right ahead to the front row." And we did. I was confused by all that was happening, so we made no more fuss about it. The comedian that opened up had to introduce himself, open the curtain, then run back out to start the show talking about how 'ghetto' they were. Well, I just figured if you're charging people $200 and giving them the same services as one who pays $25 this wouldn't be so ghetto. Paul Mooney. He sucked. The first hour was pretty funny, but because it was the late show and he couldn't find his cell phone, so he had no idea how long he was going. And so there we sat mostly in silence until something came to his mind and he spoke for a minute or two and then sit silently thinking to himself and laughing while the audience sat totally clueless, yet ready to laugh at any peep he would make. The show lasted for 2.5hrs and 1.5hrs was in near silence. BRG's website opens to a beautifully renovated ampitheatre, which implies that it's the BRG's theatre, but IT IS NOT. It's some stock photo and BRG is run down as shit. The entire place is like that. They have all of these inspiring African American figures framed throughout the lobby, but then you realize that they're all photo copies and there are so many duplicates, some of which are half ripped and falling out of frames. **Tickets are supposed to include a two drink minimum, but the guy behind what they are calling a "bar" was so annoyed by the miscommunication that he said, "ugh, just forget it and show me your ticket to the show." The concession stand sucked. It's expensive and hot water for tea or hot coco is from the water fountain and then heated in the microwave. Oh, and the $200 tickets for backstage access doesn't mean jack because anyone can sit on the stage with the performers and then at the end of the show Paul Mooney comes out so that you buy their garbage and then he can sign it. The "VIP" line was held off by a red velvet rope with a piece of crumpled computer paper, hand written 'VIP Line' and scotch taped to the rope. Oh man, I could go on and on about the crap we went through here... It's unbelievable they would run a business in such a way. We would have loved to support the idea of this place, but now we will never return and will tell all that we know to stay away from here. On a positive note, all of the staff was really nice. But I would be too if I were robbing folks blind. read more

Let me start by telling you that there is not a bad seat in the theater at all. I've seen many plays here and I have been please with the way things were run. With the exception of the fiasco that was supposed to be an intimate concert last night. Luckily the tickets cost little of nothing or I would have been even more pissed than I was. I went to the Black Rep with my husband and another couple for the 8pm Chico DeBarge show. The promoter or management of this show was AWFUL and didn't know what the hell he was doing! When you purchased your tickets online there was no mention of a 2 drink minimum, just that you had to pick your tickets up at will call. AT will call you are told that you need to prepay your two drink minimum per person. WOW but whatever. By 7:30 the foyer was completely PACKED and we're expecting the doors to open soon. WRONG!!! We continue standing around because there's only seating for maybe 50 people and at least a third of those were reserved for the "VIP's". The people who paid an addition $15-$20 over the general admission price to get a cop (8ozs) of cheap champagne and a seat in the lower section (separated by just a few steps from the General Admission section). Finally 8 o'clock rolls around and the doors are not opened, there is still no seating, no announcement, and we're still waiting for the show to start. The doors don't open until about 9:30 and then they bring the opening acts; mind you we've seen them walking around the building since we arrived at 7:30. Chico doesn't hit the stage until just before 10:00pm and I mean just before, 9:50 something pm and there's a 10:00pm show too. When Chico finally started performing he did two songs and then started singing oldies (not his oldies either). By the second song, that wasn't one of his, he forgot the damn words. We gave him about 5 more minutes before we cut our losses and left. Needless to say, I still like Chico's music, I just won't be going to see him live agian. I also won't be going to see any productions put on by the same promoter. The promoter's staff was very apologetic, but he never uttered a single apology for the fiasco. read more

I loved this theater. Maybe because we saw an amazing play, The Old Settler, that I think so highly of this place. The seats are comfortable, it is stadium seating so you can easily see the big stage. The food for dinner was so-so but the desserts looked great. The play was very funny and very moving. read more

UNCENSORED PAUL MOONEY - Incredible Show: The infamous, Paul Mooney, continues his shows through New Year's Eve at Berkeley's Black Repertory Theater. He is performing in support of the Theater so in addition to a total laugh riot (my face and stomach muscles still hurt from last night's show), you will be supporting a great cause. The people who worked the show were incredibly accommodating, welcoming their patrons, making everyone feel at home. We had the Platinum VIP tickets so had non-stop pouring of champagne or sparkling cider throughout the night. Dinner was enormous and delicious, not just hors d'oeuvres. We could pick from three choices of main course including a vegetarian offering, plus fresh spinach salad, with lots of nicoise type olives and a dessert, again a choice of 3. Do I even need to write about Paul Mooney, the living legend? He has written for all the greats - he, get this, STARTED his professional writing work for Richard Prior. He wrote for Redd Foxx, Eddie Murphy all the way up to Dave Chappelle. He created the character, Homey D. Clown, for Damon Wayans on IN LIVING COLOR. He is ruthless, but he speaks THE TRUTH. I am so glad I was able to see him perform in a place where he was uncensored. The Apollo Theater and Howard Stern Show both censored Paul Mooney. Go see the UNCENSORED PAUL MOONEY SHOW. NOT TO BE MISSED read more

This was a very cozy and intimate place to see PAUL MOONEY! It was as if he was doing standup in your Living Room. The staff was extremely friendly. I'd definitely go here again for an event. read more

AMBIANCE: is not fancy, but cool, with history in the building and on the walls. The venue is clean for the most part and the theater is cozy. SERVICE: is the weakness here. Everything from the refreshment service to the introduction of the headliner, Paul Mooney, was amateurish. Perhaps these folks are volunteers, which would make this issue more excusable, but you don't want bad service when you and friends are trying to have a good time. VALUE: is decent and tickets are often available through discount sites online. read more

Attended an Afro-Cuban performance this past weekend and while the artist were good the program was lacking. I was most disappointed in the venue. We need to do better as African Americans. The theater is not well maintained on any level. Please reach out and have a fundraiser or ask for community support to revamp the venue. The cheap picture frames must go. The multiple colors of red carpet taped together must go. The black plastic lining the stage must go. And the bathrooms....we must expect a higher standard. Come on. read more

I thought I wrote a review of this place, but I don't know where it went :( BRG isn't the fanciest of places, but I don't think it's the 1-2 star affair that it's made out to be. I've been coming to see Paul Mooney here for a couple years now, and I dig the experience. Show up a little early, chill in the lobby, maybe have a drink (a can of High Life ;), and then just go inside to watch the show. I never had a problem with anything here, and everyone is perfectly nice and helpful. It isn't some spectacular opera house. It's pretty modest, but it gets the job done just fine. I will admit that if you come to a later show, the lobby gets a little full. That is something they need to sort out I reckon. If people are going to have to wait for the show, there has to be some accommodations for them besides smooshing in the lobby. I like BRG, and I'll keep coming back as long as Mooney does. read more

I feel somewhat bad to write a negative review of people promoting the arts; however...this performance of The Wiz was painfully bad. I'm not even sure where to begin. They had a PA system for sound, which was 'buzzing' the entire time, only one actor was miked and the others could barely be heard. The mike the main character was wearing sounded muffled and you could barely hear her beautiful voice. In between set changes, the curtain closed and there was just empty space with nothing for almost 10-minutes. None of the cast projected their voice, so you really couldn't tell what was happening. The quality overall was worse than a summer camp performance, really, worse. My 6 year old leaned over and said 'Mommy I don't know what's happening.' We left during intermission to be polite, but really wanted to leave sooner. :( read more

The black rep is one of Berkeley's first african ran establishments . It's a very insightful places that really teaches black culture to the youth of the Bay Area !! Overall it's a wonder places that really should be highlighted ALOT MORE its just a wonderful place full of culture!!!! read more

Black Repertory Group - Black rep summer camp - Performing Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

I have heard of this historic Theater and went tonight to hear a Jazz program honoring Nancy Wilson. I went because the vocalist was the renowned Denise Perrier and an "A team" quartet-Tammy Hall, Howard Wiley, Jeff Chambers and Leon Joyce, Jr. They are all in the big leagues but love playing locally when they are home. I loved the venue. The theater is beautiful, the seats comfortable and the sound ( got a card/ done by Swanson Sound) was beautifully done. Great in the front, great in the back. I go to a lot of Jazz- much of it $$$$. It is reasonably priced and The staff was lovely. This is a great place to play ( if you are an artist) and to listen, if you are a fan. It's all about the music!!! read more

I just learned of this venue walking a different direction from BART in the last week and, coincidentally, was invited to attend an event put on by Congresswoman Barbara Lee there today. The event was great. But the venue was a great surprise. Well sized, with a large stage and not a bad seat in the house. And imbued with the historical vibrancy of Black Oakland/Berkeley. In a quickly gentrifying and whitening area it felt like a vestige of what many who have lived here for more than 5 years would think of as a greater time that we miss. I'll be keeping an eye out for more events here and hope that a place like this- clearly a significant cultural element of Oakland's/south Berkeley's rich arts scene- thrives for many more years. I encourage you to support it too. Also--SUPER CLOSE TO ASHBY BART. read more

My least favorite comedic experience. The only bright light of that night was G King.

This venue felt like a real night at the theatre when founder Nora Vaughn was still with us. She understood the importance of setting the stage, making an impression and bringing talented performers to an eager audience. It was a time when families and couples dressed up, socialized with the actors in the open air patio before or after the performance and lovingly shared our stories over a glass of wine. This place deserves someone with a vision that honors Nora Vaughn and the Black experience. Fresh leadership would bring new life to a struggling organization. read more

Well.....well....well. Saw Paul Mooney here - He was blacker than black. He's so unbiased I thought my pale toned flesh was gonna get lynched, but turns out...the only thing left to hang and burn was my bank account! It was a very nice atmosphere, but for some reason the staff neglected to post the sign that says "Please provide exact change - NO FUCKING CHANGE FOR YOU" Brought 100 dollars and left with 30 bucks for a slice of red velvet cake, 4 beers and two gin'n tonics. I'll leave it up to the imagination as to how the pricing is, but maybe everyone tips 15 dollars for a 5 dollar beer :/ Anyways....130 bucks for a night of PM was worth it...hes a damn living legend and whatever hustle they gotta do...they gotta do. read more

Although I have been to better theaters and performances, I'm giving this place 5 stars since I feel we need to support institutions such as this. It's a great place to learn about (often forgotten) African American history and experiences. The actors and organizers work hard and if more people patronized it, they will have more resources to improve. read more

The place is cozy and historical. It's also one block away from the Ashby Bart station.

The cast was ok but I was extremely disappointed in the NYE 10pm show. It was very unorganized and wish I didn't spend my money going to it. They had people from the audience disrespecting the stage and comedians. The show became about these crazy people. No Security are you kidding me.. The microphone kept going out and my husband had to track someone to give us the champagne we paid for ( given in a small plastic cup). HOT MESS! read more

I am not sure where to begin... I hat to put down but this even was incredibly unorganized, unprofessional and tacky. We purchased tickets for the Paul Mooney new years Eve Comedy Show. We paid for the VIP service. Bottomless champagne, dinner, and priority seating. Show started at 11 but we were told to get there by 9:30 or 10. We arrived at 10. They took our tickets at the door and told us to sit where we liked. I apologize in advance this is all cons: 1.The tables were plain no tablecloths- I understand this is a fundraiser but this is also New Years Eve, Dollar tree has cheap decorations. 2.The only decoration was a balloon weight in the middle of the table with no balloon tied to it. 3.My guest asked for a Jack and Coke. The Bartender did not want to open the bottle because it was still sealed, so instead she served up Tequila and coke in a 8 oz cup 1/2 full NO ICE and charged 8 bucks for it !! WTF ????? 4. Waited over an hour for food to be served, and when it finally arrived was in a to go box. 5. guess they started running out of food because the servings were extremely skimpy Oh did I mention our show started at 11 and Paul Mooney walked thru the eating area/lobby at 11 for the 9 o'clock show? Then there was the cattle call for the red carpet. I called a week ahead to reserve seats. I guess it was on an honor system because there was no list to go off of just a couple of people complaining about their seats being taken. MC got on stage and told the crown to email the theater because tickets were a tax write off. So far I have emailed 4x called 5x and I have yet to receive a receipt. I know that this theater has a lot of historical value but they are not very professional and I cannot donate to an organization that is not run in an organized fashion. If they can't run a charity event and control the flow of people how can they control their money??? read more

Yes, it's pretty obvious the 5 star reviews are either from stake holders, board members, or volunteers. This is a good thing. It shows they have loyal fans and supporters. No it's not a polished experience, not by a long shot. Yes, I expected more from Berkeley. And my people. While some reviews have called the place 'ghetto' or 'rip off' this is not my opinion as those are strong words. I'd call this place janky at worst. I've no intention to spotlight what those challenges are (as those before me have done exception jobs of doing so) I'll just harvest the good.... The performers for Tituba and Nat were hard working artists, who delivered powerful, albeit, nearly identical, performances. The atmosphere was ideal, the people working here truly tried to facilitate a fun evening. They were kind, warm and funny. All accounts state that their youth program is highly engaging which also warms the heart. The theater is massive. Not a bad seat in the house. I mean this could be a truly stunning playhouse. The first half of my life was steeped in Chicago Theater. Observing from the organizational stand point of large companies like Steppenwolf beginnings, theatre companies replicated known formulas for turning humble starts to bustling successes. However, of course, different communities demand different strategic models....and Buddah knows new companies, black theater specifically, cannot and will not excel with an antiquated model of the nonprofit theater. Obviously the structure in place, omits of opportunity for emerging artists and more specifically leadership, and without new blood and a COLLECTIVE OF VARYING INTRESTS this company will continue to repeat the problems that some of the even more established theaters cultivate but on a smaller scale. With the exception of the performers this weekend, I was the youngest person in attendance. On a weekend? Come on Son! This is a window into a lack of outreach efforts, the inflexible mission statement, and an 'old school' way of doing things. Essentially, do what other theaters that cater to us do not do. Put artists at the forefront. Cast your net wide for them. African-American theater is often conservative due to the historical or educational focus of their mission. Add more. My partner is 60, and as a 38 yr old I asked if he thought that this burden of educating as opposed to entertaining was something still needed in a theatrical context for entertainment. Even he agreed this is not an evolved or sustainable mode of operating today. Making the transition for longevity will mean applying the ethic that black work be universal, when we highlight our differences as a people specifically via the arts extraordinary circumstance, conversations, and yes even review take flight. I hope this this place turn its efforts to being a collective. It could increase the intensity of motivation, artistic dedication, and foster great change. Now it seems like a well-meaning Church that opens a soul food restaurant, only to discover they need more than hospitality and good intentions...what's that they say about good intentions? Oh yeah, they pave the way to hell. It's a secular world full of endless possibilities, embrace it BRG. read more

New year's eve comedy show was like a Nightmare on Elm Street. Oversold tickets, sound went out multiple times, staff looked like crack heads and the bottle of champagne and dinner that was advertised and paid for was a shared bottle and dinner was fried chicken and cornbread. To top if off, my husband had food poisoning from the chicken; I told him to leave that chicken alone. GHETTO AT ITS FINEST. NEVER AGAIN! read more

Somebody is trying to game the system by trying to bump up the overall score with 5 stars. This place is horrible, poorly run and rundown. There is no excuse, especially since I think the City of Berkeley subsidizes the venue by charging them only $1 per year in rent. I guess the management expects the city to maintain the property for them. The taxpayer dollars are being frittered away. It is a great location with lots of potential, but the city is turning a blind eye to the mismanagement read more

The worst venue I have ever been to! I went New Year's to see the Paul Mooney show and we waited in line for 20 minutes, even though we already had tickets! The event was so unorganized, the staff didn't have a clue as to what they were doing, that's why we were waiting so long. We paid for VIP seating but the disorganized staff had us sitting in general admission. The show was supposed to start at 11 but didn't start until 12! After waiting an hour, we were getting ready to leave when the show finally started. Paul Mooney is a funny man, that's why I bought the tickets but the venue is a joke and the way they setup the stage, oh my gosh, it couldn't have gotten anymore ghetto. If anyone has the opportunity to see a show there, take my advice...DON'T! read more

was mad as hell going in there! This venue has been a part of this community for years and is truly a staple of the Black community, however, it is so tacky! I'm horribly disappointed in the management of this place. I recently saw a show there and could NOT believe the exterior of the building, the interior of the building, the stale smell of the lobby, the jacked up curtain, the wires hanging from off stage, the horrible sound system, the fact that he kept telling us to clap when nothing was happening and to top it off I swear the actress was reading her damn lines from a binder that was supposed to be a photo album. Are you serious?!! I wish I was making it all up read more

Like most black theaters they have seen better days. I am from Cleveland home to Karamu thater company-legendary company where Debbie Allen, Dorothy Dandridge and a host of other people were first discovered. I always wanted to work with a black theater-glad I got that outta my system. Wonderful space if they would/could restore it and get it up and running again. House hold 233 seats with a wonderful stage. read more

Small place, small snack bar. But the two times Ive been ( Oakland Film Festival and Paul Mooney) the entertainment was top notch

While I can see myself support performers, those who run this organization are terrible. Over booking, they way they talk to patrons. And that VIP thing is a ripoff. Do not waste your money. The seating situation is terrible. Communication is terrible. I honestly don't know how they stay in business. read more

Website advertised Comedy Show for March 1st at 9pm. Purchased tickets, and received a confirmation about event. When I arrived the gentlemen at the door (who was nice) had no idea what I was talking about. I told him to look at the website and said let me go get the Manager. The Manager would NOT come and talk to me about the error on the website or refunding my money. After waiting 30 minutes a lady did come out and acted as if Brown Paper Bag who collected the money for the event made the mistake. I Told he NO go look at your Website calender. I told her I was surprised more people did not show up, and she had the nerve to say- OH Maybe they figured it out.??? I was like huh???? figured out that your website is wrong??? Regardless, I agree with a post i read earlier.... THIS PLACE IS A RIP OFF! read more

I read a few of the lower rated reviews before I started writing and I have to say that the fact the venue was not brand spanking new nor did it possess plenty of lighting and/or staff did not matter one damn bit to me. I attended a production of Port Chicago last night starring Mr. Hal Williams. It was my first time to have attended any event held at the Black Repertory Group and the experience was amazing. I am 6'5" but the seating accommodated me nicely. The play was superbly written directed and acted. I even got a picture with Mr Williams after the show. Lastly, any venue that works to bring our cultural history to life and present it to our community CAN DO NO WRONG IN MY EYES!! read more

Went to see Paul Mooney for New Years. Unfortunately he was in the hospital but there was absolutely no mention of it on their website. We decided to go anyways cause they had some comedians lined up. The show was decent. The owner and staff told us that if we give them an email address they would send us a free pass to see Paul Mooney when he gets better at the end of Jan 2014. Still waiting for any email. At least they could have emailed us saying they could or could not do it. The owner even came up to me and literally swore on his parents that he would send us a receipt of our purchase (no joke). I thought that was weird and even weirder that he did not follow through. I am a strong supporter of black-owned businesses, but this is just disrespectful. read more

Went to see Christopher Williams here. He didn't show up. The show started at 10pm and they waited until 12:30am to tell us he wasn't showing up. We also had to sit through a mediocre talent show..which I probably could have handled if the artist had shown up. This isn't my first poor experience at the Black Rep...no more. read more

The Black Rep needs to get it together. I paid for ticket to see Paul Mooney & the show was suppose to start @ 7pm; it didn't start til after 8pm. I was not forewarned you had to buy a minimum of 2 drinks. One of the assistants was insulting when I asked her what time was the show going to start; her response was shortly in an indignant fashion. They couldn't even find my ticket, but let me in anyway. The stage that Paul Mooney was performing on was nasty & filthy. I will not be going back. Paul mooney was funny as ever. The people at Black Rep have alot of work to do. They are disgusting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Had a great time listening to Dr. Umar lecture!! No drama was also a plus. The tickets where over sold which was a negative. But the over experience was good. They should consider remodeling the theaters stage it is very outdated . read more

Came here to see "the Old Settler" last Friday. Not bad! I was pleasantly surprised. It was their 1st show and one actor had fumbled through some lines, but we thoroughly enjoyed the show! It ran a little longer than we expected. The theatre itself is pretty good sized, bigger than some we've been to. The rows are long. It's like a school auditorium or a cinema type of seating (not stadium style though, so if you're short you might want to sit closer to the aisle). Parking wasn't bad. It was fairly easy to find parking within a block of the place. If you live in the E. Bay, you may consider BARt as well, but since BARt would take us more than an hour to get home, we drove over. We didn't know they sold dinner, otherwise we'd probably eat there. We bought a piece of cake there. read more