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Berkeley Repertory Theatre

4.7· 265 reviews
Average ratingExcellent
4.7/ 5

Based on 265 reviews

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What reviewers say about Berkeley Repertory Theatre

Generated with AI from 265 reviews on Trustburn · updated 5 days ago

Customers generally describe the theatre as a jewel in the city with amazing, thoughtful, and provocative productions, though some long-time subscribers note it has become more corporate and less creative over time.
What does Berkeley Repertory Theatre do?

Berkeley Repertory Theatre is a Tony Award-winning regional theatre located in Berkeley, CA, that presents new plays and innovative productions of dramas and comedies.

Are there any complaints about Berkeley Repertory Theatre?

The critical reviewers wrote about issues including horrible service, difficulty purchasing tickets on the website, dismissive staff, and disappointment with specific productions.

What do people say about Berkeley Repertory Theatre outside Trustburn?

Outside Trustburn, people discuss that the theatre is premiering a show called The Interestings next year, which is currently available as part of their subscription.

AI-generated from reviews on this page. Verify anything important with the company directly.

Larry McCroskey
Reviews 1

I have only amazing things to say about Berkeley Repertory Theater. I have never been disappointed by anything I have seen here. I cannot begin to recommend it strongly enough. if you're in the East Bay for any length of time at all, grab tickets and see a show. You will never be disappointed.

Jon King
Reviews 1

Everything was fine except one glaring issue... Our ticket came with a cocktail included, but to get that cocktail, we would have had to wait in a line at least 30 people long with a hopelessly understaffed bar staff. All the while, ushers and ticket readers were constantly warning that late seating would not be permitted, entrance denied. But what they conveniently forgot to say was that the performance we were there for didn't really start until 815, 15mins after the ticket stated time. Indeed, we could've easily stood in that line for our freebie booze, but were not told the truth about the start time, and threatened with no entrance should we be a couple minutes late. That's a great way to save on liquor costs...frighten patrons into going without by intentionally inflicting long lines, and freak them out about late seating. Not nice Berkeley Rep. I will stay on the good side of the caldicott for a better arts experience in walnut creek.

Dave Redell
Reviews 1

Berkeley Rep is a true Bay Area institution, and for good reason. For decades, they have sustained a level of quality that matches or surpasses anything West of Broadway. Everything from Shakespeare classics to this year's hot new plays, or anything in between. And right in the heart of Berkeley with it's great restaurants and the UC campus.

Mary O'sullivan
Reviews 1

Theatre area is good. Other areas get way too crowded and it's worst when people are rushing to get to bathrooms during intermission. I can understand urgency of floor level folks who can't delay as they must be reseated before curtain up. Any upstairs loos? Would be helpful in reducing traffic downstairs. New parking lot across street has fab disabled parking. M

Roberta D'Anneo
Reviews 1

Such GREAT performances and plays! With exceptionally talented actors,plays, staff and volunteers. We r soooooo LUCKY to live nearby so we can go frequently. We also love going to ACT and Magic. I also happily worked with a travelling theatre troupe Dakota Theatre Caravan. In South Dakota!!

David Elkin
Reviews 1

We thought the performances in Paradise Square were incredible, and the play/musical has powerful resonance with today's political and social situation. My only complaint is ticket prices--I know that they have to support the activities of Berkeley Rep, but prices close off the theater experience to most people on a low or modest income.

Kimberly Cress
Reviews 1

The Rep has always been a great showcase of talent in the Arts. But now that I've been ushering a few years now, I've seen many shows. And what strikes me the most is the diversity in content. They have all been thought-provoking, beautiful, moving and timely. The Courtyard is beautifully lit at night. The bar is super cute with great cocktails. Definitely go early to hang out in either place before the show. I also like that drinks are ok in the theaters as long as they have a lid or cap. Also, the tix are cheaper for people under 30 to encourage the "younger crowd " but just GO AND SUPPORT THE ARTS! Art saves lives.

Charles Howard
Reviews 1

Cutting edge theatre.
Can be Excellent, Good, bad or ugly (few and far between but does happen). Set design extraordinare...always impressed with.

Charlie Englert
Reviews 1

Great theatre, seems all the seating is perfect (even upstairs). The only drawback is that the one restroom is located all the way at the opposite end of the lobby from the handicap service elevator to the mezzanine, so it's quite a hike. I saw Angels in America there and the performances were outstanding, but being partially disabled I found it very difficult to navigate my way to and from the restroom (and stand in an endless line for the men's room while in pain and with a cane), and get back to my seat in time during the intermissions.

Tasneem Nomanbhai
Reviews 1

Solid performances at this theatre. I've seen Monsoon Wedding and The Temptations. Both performances were outstanding. The actors and staff put a lot of work into their productions, you can tell. The Theatre is big and quite nice. The rooms are small, which is perfect because even if you're sitting in the back, you get a clear view of the stage performance. Recently, they've started to extend the discount to include everyone under age 35 to lure in a diverse audience. It's definitely working. Take advantage if you can!

Duke Ferris
Reviews 1

It is nearly impossible to rate a Theater company, rather than a particular play. However, along with A.C.T., this is your best bet for great live theater in the Bay Area. Nearly everything we have seen here has been good to great. It is funkier and edgier than A.C.T. and you are more likely to see a production premiere here before it goes on to worldwide fame and fortune than just about any other theater on earth.

It is a bit expensive, as most high-end theater is. However, bargain tickets can be found if you take the effort to look around online.

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About Berkeley Repertory Theatre

Berkeley Repertory Theatre is a Tony Award-winning regional theatre in Berkeley, CA that presents exhilarating new plays and innovative productions of dramas and comedies in our Roda Theatre and Peet’s Theatre. Johanna Pfaelzer is the artistic director, and Susie Medak is the managing director.

Berkeley Repertory Theatre: A Tony Award-Winning Regional Theatre

Berkeley Repertory Theatre is a Tony Award-winning regional theatre located in Berkeley, California. The theatre presents exhilarating new plays and innovative productions of dramas and comedies in its Roda Theatre and Peet’s Theatre. With a rich history spanning over five decades, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre has become one of the most respected theatres in the country.

The Artistic Director of Berkeley Repertory Theatre is Johanna Pfaelzer, who has been with the company since 2019. She brings with her a wealth of experience from her previous roles as Artistic Director at New York Stage and Film Company, Associate Producer at American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.), and Resident Director at Yale Repertory Theater.

Susie Medak serves as Managing Director of Berkeley Repertory Theatre. She joined the company in 1990 as General Manager before being promoted to Managing Director in 1996. Under her leadership, the theatre has grown significantly both artistically and financially.

History

Berkeley Repertory Theatre was founded in 1968 by Michael Leibert Jr., who served as its first Artistic Director until his death in 1987. During his tenure, Leibert established a reputation for producing bold new works that challenged audiences' expectations.

In its early years, Berkeley Rep performed primarily at various venues around town before moving into its current home on Addison Street in downtown Berkeley. The building was originally constructed as an automobile dealership but was converted into a theatre space by architect James Plachek.

Over the years, many notable artists have worked with Berkeley Rep including Tony Kushner (Angels In America), Mary Zimmerman (Metamorphoses), David Henry Hwang (M Butterfly), Sarah Ruhl (Eurydice), Anna Deavere Smith (Twilight: Los Angeles), among others.

Productions

Berkeley Rep produces eight shows each season across two stages - Roda Theater and Peet's Theater - which are located within walking distance from each other on Addison Street. The productions range from world premieres to classic plays reimagined for modern audiences.

One recent production that garnered critical acclaim was "Sweat" by Lynn Nottage which won both Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Obie Award for Playwriting after premiering at Oregon Shakespeare Festival before transferring to Broadway via Arena Stage then finally landing on stage at Berkley rep theater where it received rave reviews from critics nationwide including New York Times critic Ben Brantley who called it "the first theatrical landmark of this Trump era."

Another notable production was "Angels In America" by Tony Kushner which premiered here before going on to win numerous awards including Pulitzer Prize for Drama & Best Play Tony Awards after transferring to Broadway via Mark Taper Forum & Royal National Theater London where it originated under direction George C Wolfe starring Nathan Lane Andrew Garfield Denise Gough Lee Pace James McArdle among others.

Education Programs

In addition to producing world-class theatre productions, Berkeley rep also offers education programs designed to engage young people with theater arts through workshops led by professional artists working alongside students aged between six months old up through high school seniors throughout Bay Area schools community centers libraries hospitals juvenile detention facilities etcetera providing them opportunities learn about acting playwriting directing design technical aspects behind-the-scenes work involved putting together successful show while also developing their own creative voices along way.

Conclusion

Overall, if you're looking for an exciting night out or want your children exposed to quality theater arts education programs then look no further than Berkley rep theater! With award-winning productions led by talented artistic team under guidance experienced management staff there's something everyone here whether you're seasoned theatergoer or just starting explore what live performance can offer us all!

Address
2025 addison street
Categories
Performing arts