I have walked by the Gaia Building on Allston Way many times and didn't realize that The Marsh Theatre was located here. Our group came to see Robert Townsend's "Living the Shuffle". It was a funny true story of his Shakespeare, Hustlers and Hollywood life. He put on a great entertaining 90 min non-stop performance. The venue is quaint with ten row of seating for about 100. It is an intimate experience where you get to see the performer up close. For this show, the seating is general admission, but you can pay to get reserve seating. The seats are plastic PVC, so it can get a little uncomfortable towards the back end of the show. Looking forward to coming to this nice, intimate performance venue in Downtown Berkeley. read more

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Lovely venue. Very intimate. When they say arrive early, do so. There is no need to get VIP. There is no bad seat in the house. However, I am all for supporting the Arts. So if you do wish to pay the higher ticket price, know it is going to a good cause. There is a parking garage. The entrance is on Kittredge st, you can exit the garage on Allston Way. read more

The Marsh Theater - Berkeley - Performing Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great place to see top-rate solo performers! They have an intimate theater, as well as a bar/cabaret space. Last night was the first time we saw a show in the bar space and it was very fun, ordered reasonably priced cocktails. read more

OK- GO! JUST GO & see a show here!! It's completely awesome. The bar is really cool too Handmade drinks and friendly vibe. We just saw a performance by Robert Townsend last night (his opening show that plays until 2/22) & it is SPECTACULAR. I'm from NY and spoiled as it relates to performing arts (went to performing arts college too) and this is a GEM of a venue in our fair town of Berkeley. A must-patronize place, to see real talent and creative minds perform. Intimate, cozy and friendly w cool vibe- The Marsh is our new favorite place to hang with friends!! read more

Come here, watch a great play or one person show in an extremely intimate setting. Head to the bar during intermission or after the show is over and grab yourself a very reasonably priced cocktail (or hot tea, which was my libation of choice when I was there). You will probably strike up a conversation with a stranger, or if you're lucky -- like I was on the night I went -- get to have a drink with the performer. I thoroughly enjoyed this venue and will definitely be back. read more

This place has some great shows and I have enjoyed them. It's next to my auntie's former jazz club, Anna's Jazz Island. And I've been to some shows and have generally enjoyed them. They have a nice venue. I'd love to give this a five out of five, however, that's not going to happen. They may seem to be a bit "diverse" in their offerings. And offer programs for poor people poor black and brown kids from poor neighborhoods. They love black men and there are quite represented. They have programs for women, however, I don't know that black women are invited. Some years ago, I attended a meeting that was for women interested in one-women shows. We gave our information and the group was 50/50 white/of color. But, never heard from them again. I went with a friend and she didn't hear back either. So, while I'll go to the occasional show out of curiosity. But I wish that they had more love for this organization. It's hard to support an organization and realize that if I went to them with an offering that I probably wouldn't hear anything. This is the reason why I have not chosen to support them more. I've looked up some of their performers in other venues. I'm glad that they bring shows from SF to Berkeley, I just wish that their offerings were more inclusive, because I know some black women, other than Echo Brown have shows. Had we been allowed to participate in the women's writing their stories workshop, I'm sure that we would have be more stories. My only regret from that beautiful evening is that I didn't get the names and numbers of the other women of color in that room. I assumed that I'd see them in a workshop. read more

For those of us that have been traveling across the bay to see wonderful entertainment and performing arts at a very reasonable price, welcome to the Marsh in Berkeley. This facility is located in the heart of downtown Berkeley. Within 1 block of the Berkeley Bart Station (yeah, the round one with no parking) and tons of local eats! There is parking on the street (free after 6pm) and parking garages nearby. My personal dinner choice is Angelines http://www.yelp.com/biz/angelines-louisiana-kitchen-berkeley#hrid:yL25I-vLS_3dEBZPPCWjag which is just 1 block away. Again, walking distance. There are alot of other choices, and in many different price ranges. I was really excited to find out that Don Reed was going to launch the Marsh's opening on the East Side of the bay. http://www.yelp.com/biz/don-reed-oakland#hrid:AWrkrs_x4uhYLKPeHtjT-g So take a moment and check out some discounted tickets https://www.goldstar.com/join?p=F706522RP with a free membership at Goldstar and then look up the Marsh Theater for their current events http://www.goldstar.com/venues/san-francisco-ca/the-marsh-san-francisco.html With tickets as low as $10 and snacks at $1 (cookies, juice, tea, coffee), you can't go wrong! Most important? Get out, have fun and support the arts! read more

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I didn't know there were 2 Marsh stages in Berkeley, just like in SF... Now that you know, go have yourself a GREAT time. The shows running there right now are FANTASTIC! Don Reed will soon close "Tales of East 14th". Get a $15 ticket NOW by using the code "cadillac". I've seen this show twice and it is more entertaining than almost any movie out there... for about the same price. And go see Matt Smith's "All My Children" too. What a hoot of a show! J and I left the theater talking about this show the entire way back to Marin. I wanted to run and tell everyone to see it. And Brian Copeland's "Not a Genuine Black Man"? You know that 'aint gonna run forever, right? Hello? Go. Go now. The Marsh is the reason you live in the Bay Area. You can't find this sort of entertainment elsewhere. read more

I had never been to The Marsh before we went to see Don Reed's East 14th and I heard nothing but good things and I am here to confirm, the place is awesome! It's very nice, very clean and all the people who worked there were just flat out nice. Not that fake nice you get from a waiter or waitress who is trying way too hard to get you to raise the tip from 15% to 19%. They were genuine and very cool. It made me realize that I really need to burst my ego bubble and get out more often to see some of the great theaters in the Bay Area. read more

Relaxed, music, good drinks, local talent. A fun place for Tell it on Tuesday Enjoying Mimi Heft & friends as the opening musical act. The lounge is filling up & getting lively. Join us! read more

The Marsh Theater - Berkeley - Performing Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

I adore this venue - I had much fun and entertainment at Marga Gomez's "Funny Mondays" here in 2011. It's very mom & pop with rows of chairs mixed in with some random stools and church pews. It'll be great when they get the bar & kitchen going (I hope!). Lots of fun - excellent local entertainment! read more

I love small theater companies! The Marsh is great for the following reasons: 1. Bart-able! 2. Small venue, but not too small. You can actually see the performers even if you're in the back row (general admission seating so don't be a lagger like me). 3. CHEAP! I saw Don Reed's "East 14th: Tales of a Reluctant Player" a few months back and spent less than $30 for 2 tickets on Goldstar. So worth it! Note: Seating = folding chairs. Bony asses beware! read more

After going to The Marsh SF so many times, I just knew this place wouldn't compare......Uh yea, I was wrong. I loved the way they had the stage raised and all the seating was on the same level. The only down side for me was the bathroom size but not too much of a biggie though. This place is so so nice, I can't wait to come back for another show, cause we all know that my boy Don Reed puts it down!! read more

My friends and I came here to check out Don Reed's East 14th last night. The show was a amazing. The staff was friendly and nice. Nice venue. I enjoyed the show and my time there. I want to come back here with my boyfriend next time. Thanks for the wonderful show! read more

THIS REVIEW IS FOR PEOPLE WITH SENSITIVE BACKS: THE MARSH HAS REALLY UNCOMFORTABLE CHAIRS! I've been to the Marsh a couple times, and the chairs are very uncomfortable. The place overall is fine. However, the seats are just deadly to people like me with even minor back issues. They're those stacking hard plastic seats/backs, with metal legs. No cushioning whatsoever. This is a theater, not some sort of multi-use space, so I can only assume they were trying to save money. They need standard theater seating. No excuse for this! read more

Interesting venue with live jazz music and a bar for light drinks and eats. We went in for a bit of a change - country music! It was a great performance and we had a blast. read more

The Marsh Theater - Berkeley - Lovely. - Performing Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

Saw the Acid Test last Fri night. First time at the Marsh. Fantastic little theater. Very small, but that is good! Stage elevated just enough. Small enough that amplification is not needed. Plenty of legroom between rows of seats. Staff was friendly upon arrival. You can get a drink or a snack at their bar and bring it in to the theater. Their pricing was on a self-select sliding scale. Tix were $18 each including service charge, but they let you pay more if you wish to support the org. Looking forward to their next show. read more

Omg! My husband and I were rolling over with laughter. Don is truly a Master Impressionist. Like reading a good book, the characters leaped off the pages. You didn't see Don, you saw Granny, Rat Girl, 123, and the myriad of other characters. He so skillfully teleported you back to the Kipling that the stage, though void of excessive props, quickened your senses to see and smell every description. Hey, if you ever want to hear someone recount those unforgettable Gherii curl days, Don will have you in stitches. I am reeling from a laughter hang-over. read more

The Marsh is an extremely affordable way to enjoy your evening. GoldStar is definitely the way to go. I've been to Marga's Funny Mondays twice, and I also saw Don Reed. Marga is a great hostess and does a wonderful job of moving through a lineup of both brand new and more seasoned comics. Don Reed's East 14th show was an entertaining and engaging experience. I particularly enjoyed the songs that he chose to play during intermission and in the background during certain scenes of the show; lots of 70s funk! Both parts of the theater are small and intimate, so you're guaranteed to get a good seat. read more

This venue The Marsh Theater Berkeley is a quite and fun place to visit. I plan to checkout other shows now that I know it is only 5 minute walk from Downtown Berkeley Bart. Parking garages are all around this place...I'm not sure if the The Marsh Cabaret Bar is owned by the same people so I will give my two cents about them anyway. I liked the atmosphere, drinks and the music, check them out. Okay, I can't leave without saying what performance I seen. The show "Don Reed's East 14th" was fantastic. Don's storytelling is captivating! I felt like I was in a time machine with front seat viewing. A must see...#SnapJudgement #ReeWords Five stars because I got everything I like, Drinks, Entertainment and Great Atmosphere! Naw, I don't personally know any of these people but, I do recognize good service. read more

Came here for the first time to attend a fabulous show by the amazing Sebastian Boswell III. Lovely space, very friendly staff, tasty interesting drinks, warm audience, excellent performance. I have attended a number of shows in different venues in Berkeley: this was low-key, relaxed, and warm. I look froward to seeing more shows here. Kids welcome if with adults. The only downside is the street noise can be quite distracting, but maybe that is part of the ambiance and I am grumpy, so no stars deducted for that. read more

The Marsh Theater - Berkeley - Performing Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

Wednesday nights at the Marsh Cabaret on Allston Way in Berkeley has to be one of the best kept entertainment secrets in all the East Bay. Where else can you go for a five dollar cover charge (including delectable eats from Bacheeso's), be greeted at the door by a fellow jazz enthusiast, be charmed by bartender Karen Ripley (drinks are inexpensive), and then spend an entire evening listening to jazz pieces, both beloved standards and original compositions, played by Craig & MacGregor with heart and soul. Last Wednesday night I was joined by my husband and our nephew who surprised us with a visit from Southern California. The evening began at 7:30 with Doug McKechnie soloing on piano. Beautiful! Starting at 8:00, Craig & MacGregor with Randy Craig (piano), Robbie MacGregor (guitar), Raul Ramirez (drums), and John McArdle (bass). In the spirit of full disclosure, I'm studying piano with Randy, the Craig side of Craig & MacGregor and so I might not be completely objective. That said, the night seriously swung. Two of my favorites were in the first set of 10 tunes - "Freddie Freeloader" (Miles Davis) and "Night In Tunisia" (Dizzy Gillespie). Also included were two originals - "Stacy" (Randy Craig) and "Sumpthin' Sumpthin'" (Robbie MacGregor). About two-thirds of the way through the first set, singer Azure McCall, who happened to stop by, was invited to the stage. Wow, these five musicians were so tuned to each other they played as one as Ms. McCall delighted the room with Duke Ellington's "Caravan" and Bobby Troup's "Route 66." So much talent! If you love jazz, put Wednesday nights at the Marsh Cabaret on your calendar. If you're wondering about jazz, you will not find a more welcoming place to satisfy your curiosity. read more

Nice black-box type space. As another reviewer noted, the stage is high enough that it doesn't matter that the seats aren't raked. They are close together (my neighbor had trouble keeping her elbows to herself!) but otherwise just fine. We saw the latest Don Reed show, which was very enjoyable. read more

Like most of the other reviewers, I discovered this place through Goldstar's deal on Don Reed's show. Really great (and affordable!) show in a nice intimate venue tucked away in downtown Berkeley. read more

This review is mainly for Don Reed's show, which is currently playing. My friend suggested we go here, and after I watched the teaser video online (the one about using butter to style his hair), I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it or not. I didn't think the comedy was that great, but boy was I wrong! I don't think the online video does his show justice! Just about everything else was hilarious! Different from your usual stand up comedy show, Reed's show has a story line: his life. It covers everything from his two brothers (a pimp and a very feminine homosexual), to his dating life as a teenager in the 70's, all the way to his father's funeral. The show is 100 minutes long and includes an intermission. I enjoyed every minute of it and would highly recommend his show for those looking for a good laugh. He's quite the accomplished comedian, even though I had never heard of him until seeing his performance. The facility itself is pretty nice. The bathrooms are clean and the entrance is fairly well organized. After lining up at the door (seats are first come, first serve), they let you in and have a small folding table for concessions (cookies, waters, sodas, juices, candies, etc.). Then there's a podium where they take your tickets or check you off for will-call. At the next door they give you the show's program and you're off to find your seats! The seating isn't particularly comfortable, though, because it's just rows of folding chairs. Before the show started, the guy in charge did a little intro about the theater and apparently, if you volunteer some of your time, you can watch the show for free! Kind of a nice perk for a small theater! Anyways, Don Reed's show was great and the facilities were nice and intimate. If you're thinking of seeing his show, I recommend that you come see it before it's set to close sometime in March! read more

Love Birds with Marga Gomez closes tonight but I hope she tours this one-woman show. It is a poignant look at characters we all know all too well. Funny and brilliant, Marga is a talent you do not want to miss. I brought a millennial to this, and though many references went over her head, she fully enjoyed her peek into our herstory. I loved Marga's riff on Goddess spirituality. Speaking as one fully immersed in that movement, I laughed my ass off. She seamlessly flowed through all her characters with nuance and grace. Marga is a master mimic who gives us a revealing look at herself as well. Deeply personal, funny and entertaining, Love Birds is bound to fly straight to your heart. Blessed be! read more

Wednesday nights at the Marsh are a relaxed and fun way to enjoy jazz and feel a part of the Berkeley community for just a few hours. There's free food, strong cocktails, and an excellent band that plays standards as well as their own compositions. read more

Great venue with great talent! Been here a few years ago to see Don Reed and will be coming back tonight.

I stumbled upon a good deal for the "Comedy Brains" show on Goldstar. They usually have really good deals in the Bay Area so take advantage of them! The theater is small, intimate, and really clean. Plus, it's in the Telegraph area so you're close to pretty much everything - including BART! This is a great venue for dates. Seating is first come first serve basis. We arrived early so we got seats near the front, but the crowds are so small it doesn't really matter how far you sit - you'll still hear and see everything. I saw Andre, The Wonder Woman. She is the funniest female comedian I've seen BY FAR. You gotta see this woman if she's in the area. I guarantee you'll laugh your ass off. read more

The Marsh Theater - Berkeley - Performing Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

I saw Don Reed's "The Kipling Hotel" here are The Marsh and I was blown away! Don's performance had it all! From the moment he came on stage he was able to absolutely captivated the audience. My Mom and I were doubled over with laughter from beginning to end (with a small period in between that really tugged at my heart stings). I was really impressed with the service at the bar as well. They don't have a huge selection, but I wasn't disappointed in the least. Definitely a great experience. To Don and The Marsh, I thank you. read more

The Marsh consistently puts on interesting and unique shows -- mostly one person shows. They have small theaters, perfect for an intimate experience as an audience member. Everyone who works there is friendly and helpful. The shows are engaging and always elicits a good response from audience members. Definitely work checking out. read more

I went to Don Reed's performance of East 14th Street. I tagged along with my aunt and uncle and had absolutely no idea what to expect as I'd never been to a one man show and hadn't previously watched anything from Don Reed. This was hands down the best live performance I've seen. Don performs his characters perfectly. I laughed almost the entire time and even cried towards the serious end but Don quickly had me laughing again before the sobbing arrived. Highly recommend everyone see's his show. The theater itself was also great. Very intimate and cute. Perfect setting for a one man show. The staff was very nice and you can order drinks from the bar to take into the show with you! read more

The physical space itself is not that remarkable, but it's the type of shows that play here that really make this venue a winner. I've been going to the Marsh in SF for a long time, and only recently discovered the Berkeley location when I went to see Don Reed's East 14th (which was so SO good and SO FUNNY). The theater is small enough that there's really not a bad seat in the house, so you can have a great theater experience for twenty or so bucks. read more

the MARSH is an amazing venue that showcases timely, well crafted, engaging solo shows, some make you laugh, some will bring tears, some do both! If you want a place to go that is unique and you have folks who have never experienced solo performance work, go see a show; and it is also a venue for amazing classes with very gifted theater arts teachers, both in the San Francisco Marsh and this location. read more

KIPLING HOTEL with Don Reed ( playing through Oct 22, 2017) is poignant, funny, outrageous, tender and exquisite. Don Reed is one of the best actor, playwrights, one man sensations to appear at this otherwise fabulous institution housed in both Berkeley and San Francisco. Theatrical productions throughout the Bay Area fluctuate but one thing the Marsh always has going for it is the real life efforts and aspirations of it's solo performers-- some of whom fly higher than others-- but all of whom are speaking out their lives on stage. Don Reed has been hit on by the likes of Richard Simmons, coached and given tough love by the likes of Sammy Davis Junior, raised by Christians and sex workers, well educated and yet always the humble worker who turns his humiliations into humor and remains both humble and proud. Women must be lining up to marry this man who can sing, dance and do dead on impersonations of a wide array of real life characters. Everyone is lining up to see these shows. Dan Hoyle, Jeff Hoyle, Brian Copland and more-- newcomers, old stand ups, all alight these stages to do something very unique-- turning their tears, mistakes, encounters and humiliations into most joyous celebrations of the uniqueness of each life lived within our "one long fathom body". Hats off to this 30+ year old institution! read more

Came here yesterday to watch Don Reed's "E. 14th". LOVED it. I enjoyed it so much. The story was so poigant and touching. I was surprised the 2nd part (after intermission) was better than the first half. Small auditorium so doesn't really matter where you sit. They placed movable portable chairs-maybe 8-10 rows (i guess it depends on that night's turn out). Parking is a bit difficult. We just park a block away for $5 flat rate evenings. If one's willing to walk 3 blks or so, I think one could find free street parking. Have your dinner in Berkeley. We came to UCB for lunch, visited the campus, and then left, and came back for the show. read more

I came here with my kids for two author panels during the Bay Area Bookfest. The first was hosted in the cabaret, the other in the theater. It's a nice facility: clean, and the attending staff was friendly and worked hard to have the events set up properly and on time, which was no small feat considering they held two talks every two hours. The cabaret was the more intimate space, with a bar (which was not open at 11am, which was why I could take my kids in), a small stage, and a selection of tables and chairs. I imagine this would be a good venue for poetry, comedy, or a small musical performance (or, of course, a discussion panel). The theater itself was a little bigger, with traditional auditorium-style seating, and some chairs up high (balcony? catwalk? Not sure what to call this area) for overflow seating. The stage is not large, but definitely boasts greater capacity than the cabaret. Overall, for artists working on a small scale, this is a great venue in a community that fosters and encourages art. For attendees, this is an excellent space to enjoy a live performance up-close, and not a bad seat in the house. read more

If you haven't seen it, you gotta go. Don Reed is teriific--so funnnnnny, and poignant and you'll laugh and cry at the same time. His physicality and humor about growing up on East 14th St in Oakland is amazing!!!! At the Marsh in Berkeley---see him before he disappears! read more

i saw don reed's show here. the theater was a lot smaller than i was expecting, with just rows of chairs for the audience. parking was easy in a garage a few doors down, but taking bart would be super easy. the theater was clean and the people were friendly. they had some drinks and snacks for sale at intermission (martinelli's apple juice? yes, please). for a little theater, they put on a lot of shows! i'd be down to support them again soon. oh, and bring a sweater. it gets cold in there. read more

Small great venue for one-man shows. You are up close with the performer. Seating is bare but adequate ( and far above in quality the old crumbling Marsh in SF. In Berkeley, it is warmer, cleaner, modern and basically stadium seating, hey!) I just saw Josh Kornbluth do a clever monologue there last Friday- "Haiku Tunnel". He was funny as heck, on the ball all the way. Inexpensive tickets as it goes, and restaurants all around in that neighborhood. A good time was had by all. read more