Berkeley Repertory Theatre

This afternoon Nina and I saw «Disgraced», by Ayad Akhtar. Alan was tired and decided to stay home and take a long nap. «Disgraced» was 80 minutes long w/​o intermission. It was well written, well cast and well acted. Despite the relatively short running time, it addresses several complex issues, including Islamophobia, antisemitism, assimilation, intermarriage, ambition and others, and it does it well. It wasn’t comfortable to watch at times, as frequently happens w/​the best theatre, and it was thought provoking and haunting. I remain haunted by it tonight. It has already been extended through December 27^th. See it if you can.

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

Plays often very good but terrible atmosphere. I was a subscriber for many years and really enjoyed the Mary Zimmerman productions. However the last show I went to, Red Hot Patriot was cheesy and if that wasn’t bad enough, I had a Molly Ivans fan in the row behind me shouting out comments throughout the entire production. There was no intermission and I was at the end of the aisle so I couldn’t get out. So I had to endure this horrible sideshow and I am just furious, especially given how expensive my tickets were. I don’t understand why the ushers aren’t on alert for obnoxious attendees. I’m sure everyone in the area could hear this boob and no one did anything!

Great theatre! I came here to watch the Amelie musical :) We had seats in the center of the second row in the mezzanine. As many others have said, the theatre is pretty small and intimate and I think all the seats there have a good view! It was amazing to see my favorite movie turned into a musical. It was funny and adorable! The cast was great and I loved the props and design of the stage. There was also a cute photo booth for us to take pics with cute French props and a gnome just like in the movie! :D
I would definitely come back for another show! Especially since there is a discount if you’re under 30! Gotta take advantage of that for a few more years :)

Did you know that if you’re under 30, there’s a young adult discount at this theatre? (In fact, I’ve been noticing that a lot of places discount you if you’re under the age of thirty… and I think I should really start taking advantage of that while I still can!)
I came here the first Thursday of October to watch Amelie. I was truly blown away by the adaptation from screen to set as its always worrisome to see one of your favorite foreign films turn into a musical… in English. The cast was a very talented handful of people, the tech crew did an amazing job with the lighting/​help with props… and the design of the entire set! And everyone from the people who were distributing the tickets at will-​call, to the ushers, to the ladies involved with the photo booth for this particular production made my experience as a theater-​goer one of a kind!
Only a few paces from BART and a couple blocks from several parking garages, you shouldn’t have any problems getting to the theater on time! I think they also have a cool deal with the parking garages so their customers could reserve spaces! Talk about keeping everyone’s convenience in mind.
The only tip I could really give you is unless you’re into being extremely close to the stage, I would opt to buy tickets for seats anywhere but row AA. I loved being front row, but my neck started to cramp up probably halfway into the show! Aside from that minor issue, sitting in this row proved to be a blessing also. You are up close and personal with all of the cast. And you might see things people in other areas of the theater would miss. It’s all personal preference I suppose!

It was our first visit to the Berkeley Repertory Theatre to see «Amelie’. We are avid Broadway musical fans and have been to many over the years in NYC, SF and other large cities.
This is a very nice, tiny theater. We paid $ 85 for orchestra seat and landed in the last row but most all the seats were good seats. I didn’t feel too squished nor too close to the lady to my right but did feel her feet bump me a couple of times. The bathroom is OK — about 7 stalls. They should post a volunteer before and after show times to direct the traffic in and out the stalls like they do at big theaters. It’s difficult to tell if a stall is available at times unless they have those knobs that turn to «vacant». You had to keep an eye on the door and sometimes people miss it when someone comes out.
They had free photo room where you can do the strip of pictures (3) and email to you.

I went to the Berkeley Rep for the first time yesterday to watch «Amelie» on a whim. I ordered the tickets online (with a price discount for being under 30 year old!) and picked them up at the Will Call booth, a quick and painless process that with a friendly attendant. This friendly customer service continued as I made my way through the theater, as ushers helped me find my seat and told me interesting information about the show before it started.
I sat down at the Roda Theater, which is a fairly intimate stage considering its size. I had seats about a dozen rows from the stage, and I felt incredibly close to the stage and the production itself. During the show, I could feel the emotions beaming from the actors into the audience, which is definitely a perk of the smaller theater size (I’m used to watching performances in much larger theaters).
Overall, the production was fantastic and the customer service was equally amazing. All of this made for a lovely night, and I would gladly go back for another performance.

My wife and I had purchased two front row (Row A) seats weeks ago at $ 70 a ticket to see Anna Deavere Smith on Sunday, August 2, 2015. We had purchased our two front row (Row A) seats weeks ago at $ 70 a ticket.
When we reached our seats we saw that another row of seats (Row AA) had been temporarily bolted into the floor making a row in front of us. Our friend who came to the play with us purchased her ticket last week and she was seated in the row in front of us (Row AA.) She only paid $ 55.00 for her ticket!
We were not happy to say the least. We were more upset when two people sat down in front of us causing a partially obstructed view for us. There is no elevation of the floor between temporary row AA and permanent Row A. There is some elevation between all other rows in the theater. We were so angry we went to the box office and asked for a refund. We returned after the show to pick up our friend.
What Berkeley Rep did is called «Bait and Switch» and it is illegal. Berkeley Rep sold us front row seats and then added a row in front of us making our seats a second row seats, reducing our legroom and visibility of the stage. Then they sold new front row seats at $ 15 less per seat! Surely Berkeley Rep is aware that patrons carefully choose their seats from the seating chart on their website. Nowhere on the Berkley Rep website does it say, «If our play is very successful, we will add more seats in front of the first row.»
Greedy, greedy, greedy and could not care less about their paying patrons, of which we will no longer be including ourselves.

Spent $ 62 a ticket last night to sit in seats that are too small for people taller than 5’10. The seats in row K are too narrow, almost as uncomfortable as economy on United Airlines.
Went to see House of Cards, based on rave reviews from SF Chron critic Robert Hurwitt and the great productions we have seen there in the past. The reviews are worthless, as we found out. Don’t be swayed by the Sf critic Robert
House of Cards has awesome set, terrific actors, and great stage direction. But our group found the play to be a formulaic mash up of cliches. Each scene was predictable, you knew what was coming next. A knock off of the book of Job. When three of the actors are announced sequentially as tragically killed, we almost started laughing. The another shoe drops: the dead daughter was molested as a child by her father. The author must have been raised watching Mexican soap operas. That was the group consensus.
But the acting and the production was first rate. The play isn’t worthy of such a fine cast or the Berkeley Rep.

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 Unilocal 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!

I came here last Thursday to see X’s and O’s: a football love story, courtesy of Unilocal.It was fantastic and both me and my guest had a great time! We checked in around 7 and got amazing second row seats. The theater is quite intimate, so the sound quality and videos were great.
When we arrived, there was a reception set up with wine, beer and appetizers catered by eureka. Have to say, the bruschetta was really really good, and I loved the butterscotch sea salt pudding with whipped cream.
We also received a 50% off drinks at the bar coupon, I recommend the Midori sour!
The play was very emotional, and the actors did a great job of making each character relatable. I like how this was a different way of analyzing football and America’s love for the sport. I had never thought about issues such as injuries, CTE, early retirement etc previously and this play really made me reflect on the lives and careers of football players.
I’ll definitely be back for another play!

Attended the Unilocal Event for the opening of the Docu-​Drama play X’s and O’s a Football Love Story on Thursday night. This was my first Elite Unilocal event. The appetizers were catered by Eureka Restaurant and Drinks were provided by Drakes Brewing. The beers were good, and the Corn Battered Sausage skewers were good. The Chipotle Ribletts were meh.
The Play was excellent and the seats we were give were the best in the house. It’s a six actor show and very entertaining even for the non sports fan. The play is based on the football and the traumatic brain injuries suffered by the players. If you a sports fan /​football fan it is very intriguing, but for the non sports fan its amusing how the actors relate the issues to the audience.
Parking is always easy in and out in the parking structure across the street for $ 5. Only downer is a the gauntlet of panhandlers from the parking structure to and from the theater. Berkeley may be worst then Broadway in NYC.

Our family saw «X’s and O’s — a Football Love Story» last night. Truly awesome play with something for everyone:
(dudes who like football, mom’s who worry about sports injuries, anyone who has a love/​hate relationship with sports)!
What a gem for those of us in the Bay who don’t want to drive to SF to get top notch theatre!
Berkeley Rep does an outstanding job!
For a great time… Go see this play!

The Berkeley Rep is an incredible establishment with two separate stages often simultaneously playing thrilling pieces to entice and question your noodle. From one-​man monologue acts to razzle dazzle musical get-​ups, I have always exited the building with more to think about and plot elements to discuss with fellow theater-​goers. The newly renovated courtyard and bar adds to the loungey aspect of the theatre and makes for a pleasant date atmosphere. Tickets are really quite affordable too for what you’re getting; Berkeley is a city that manages to pull some all star characters and international casts, like last winter’s production with Baryshnikov.
I most recently saw the world premier of ‘An Audience with Meow Meow’ here (running now thru October 19, 2014) and I highly recommend it. An unsuspecting cabaret romp that also happens to be incredibly thought-​provoking.
Get thee to the rep!

I had seen a Ticket Contest on Unilocal for tickets to Meow Meow. So I entered. Luckily I won a Ticket to see Meow Meow. I was quite excited, because I saw a lot of Commercials on TV for this play.
So on the Night of the performance. I roll my Whip Black Beauty to Berkeley. I was lucky to catch a parking space right across the street from BRT.
I strolled across the street and picked up my Tickets from Will Call. The Folks in Will Call are very Nice and Helpful. I had my Tickets in minutes and rolled into the Theatre.
They have a very nice Concession Stand in BRT. I had a few Micro Brews and Chilled out. When the Theater opened I made entrance.
There is not a bad seat in the House. Its a very intimate theater.
Meow Meow is a «Must See Show :». I really enjoyed the Performance !!! Its very Audience Interactive.
Thanks Unilocal for a Great Night of Laughs.

Many thanks to Unilocal for giving me two free tickets for An Audience with Meow Meow. The show was hilarious and definitely worth the trip to the Berkeley Repertory Theater. I had never been to this theater but was pleasantly surprised by how nice it was. The theater was small so there was no bad seat in the house, but the stage was big so the performers had plenty of room for an awesome show. It was in a trendy part of downtown Berkeley with restaurants, shops, and nightlife nearby.
Overall it was a great night. Thanks again, Unilocal

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 première 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.
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Came to see Tristan & Yseult tonight with a friend of mine. Read up on BBC’s write up about it after. I knew the Brits have figured out theatre — it can be fun, lighthearted, and whimsical, unlike the often so very serious American counterparts. In so many ways this play reminds me of my all time favorite show — Sleep No More NYC (saw it twice and will see it every chance I get whenever I’m back in Manhattan), which of course is also a British production, but utterly different — yet so similar. I do love myself a tragic love story where death beckons. My companion let the balloon fly onto the stage. I kept it as a keepsake.
It’s a bit melancholy, to say goodbye to 2013 while watching this show. Is love but an intoxicating potion drunk by two fools and then they spend the rest of their lives regretting choice not made and people they should not have left? Oh heck, what do I know?
I must have their binoculars. They were divine, they were spectacular, they were irrelevant. I want to catch this show again at Berkeley Rep. This time I’ll stay for Q&A after.
As for the theatre itself, this is my second show and a different theatre from the first one (the Pianist), way better than A.C.T. I mean, way better. I’m sold on Berkeley Rep. Will return over and over again.

I was lucky enough to score a couple tix to «The Pianist of Willesden Lane» for this past Friday night through Unilocal Elite — thanks!
{THEATER} — 5 stars
I really had no idea about the background of this play and was very impressed with the one-​woman show, touching piano solos, and the general history of Liza Mura’s experience with WWII as told by her daughter, Mona Golabek. The theater itself was cozy and we still had a nice view of the stage from our Orchestra B seats in the back. I love this part of Addison St. with its other theaters, neon signs, cute porch stoops… it gives a slightly fancier «downtown» feel of bigger cities like NYC.
{BAR} — 3 stars
Along with my play tickets, I also got a couple complimentary vouchers to use at the bar for drinks or food (again, thanks Unilocal!). From what I heard, the bar is a new addition to the theater itself so understandably they are still working out some kinks. I would like it if they had cocktail menus to look at so I could get a feel of what drinks they offered… the white board on the wall only showed beers, sodas, and snacks. It was also odd that they didn’t have any juice, muddlers, strawberries, etc. to make simple drinks. I did enjoy their TRUFFLES (yum!) and the cocktail w/​local organic hibiscus liqueur and Grey Goose vodka (but I got a better drink at Revival later). I think I’ll grab food and drinks elsewhere before catching a show next time.
If you want a classy evening activity in downtown Berkeley, I highly recommend checking out a play here.

Ranging from Molière’s comedy «A Doctor in Spite of Himself» — which I count as 1 of my top-​faves, to the dark comedy «Wild Bride» — which counts as 1 of my top non-​faves, to all the dramas & musicals in between, Berkeley Rep has been a source of experimental & professional theater alike & for that reason, I’m happy to now count myself among the Season Ticket Subscribers
Most recently we had the absolute grand fortune of seeing Patrick Stewart & Ian McKellen in Harold Pinter’s «NO MAN’S LAND»
This was another pre-​Broadway production & the Bay Area was lucky enough to house their staging process.
I’m thinking this Play is either about a man w/​Alzheimer’s who is being taken advantage of by these 2 «caretakers»
Or it’s about a drunk man (Patrick) who gets totally incoherent & doesn’t recognize Ian’s character — another drunk who was once a school chum of Patrick’s but who’s also fallen on hard times.
Or maybe Ian is just a con artist who pretends to be a well-​known friend so insinuate himself into Patrick’s life.
Just as confusing as the last time I saw it in London, the intriguing, perplexing & mesmerizing No Man’s Land was another night of theatrical awesomeness & Berkeley Rep was the perfect powerhouse of a theatre to host this monumental event

I was close enough to touch Sir Patrick Stewart’s toe hairs at the production of No Man’s Land this weekend. .. Not that I would, of course. I love the Berkeley Rep — I’ve seen many a play over the years and I think they’ve just gotten better. The delightfully inventive Wild Bride was a highlight and so was the opportunity to catch a preview of the Captain Picard and Gandalf Broadway-​bound play. While the play itself was obscure, it was still riveting to watch distinguished actors in action (they could be reading the classifieds and you’d still be captivated).
There doesn’t seem to be a bad seat* in the house, no matter the stage layout of the production. Due to the Rep’s size, you always feel you’re in an intimate setting.** There’s an outdoor patio if you need some air during intermissions and sometimes extra post-​show events in the lobby. I’ve always been able to get tickets for the shows I’ve wanted and ticket prices for the most part are quite reasonable. Transportation to/​fro the Rep is easy, as BART is only a block away. Lucky to have such a great local playhouse in my backyard!
*just be sure you get there on time, or you’ll have to watch the show in the lobby like you’re in detention. They don’t do late seating and will make you wait until intermission to get into your seat.
**because of # of bodies in small space, it might take a bit of time to navigate around during intermissions and after the shows.