Even as Berkeley Repertory Theatre rocks Broadway with a wild musical that's nominated for seven Tony Awards, it boasts two hit shows playing side by side at home. Today the company announced another extension for its production of NO CHILD…: two more performances have been added, yet this celebrated show absolutely must close on June 11. Meanwhile, the West Coast premiere of FIGARO continues through June 8 – and Berkeley Rep is offering a special matinee the previous day featuring ASL interpreters for the deaf community.
NO CHILD… is the uplifting off-Broadway play that became the breakaway hit of the year. Performed by
Nilaja Sun and directed by
Hal Brooks, it shines a light on the struggles – and miracles – of America's public schools. In a stunning solo show, Sun plays an entire classroom of children, their teachers, their parents, the principal, the janitor, and even a security guard with a metal detector at the school's front door. She takes on 16 roles in 70 minutes, transforming her nine-year adventure as a teaching artist into a master class on heartbreak, humor, and hope. Critics give the show straight A's, audiences cheer, and Sun has won every award you can name. NO CHILD… plays on Berkeley Rep's intimate Thrust Stage, which regularly welcomes top solo artists such as
Danny Hoch and
Sarah Jones. Now
Nilaja Sun extends her local run again.
Next door, in the Roda Theatre, it's the West Coast premiere of FIGARO. After bringing us a delicious date with The Miser in 2006, the Tony Award-winning Theatre de la Jeune Lune returns for another eccentric take on a timeless text. Figaro marries music from Mozart's magnificent opera with famous characters from the plays of Beaumarchais to create an accessible and exceptional new show.
Steven Epp – the Miser himself – tackles the title role, while director
Dominique Serrand portrays his fallen master. In FIGARO, juicy love triangles bed down with ruthless satire. Lush video and live music set the scene as a cast of accomplished singers surrender to intrigue and seduction. It's a revolutionary experience that's the perfect birthday gift for Berkeley Rep. Purchase seats now, because only 16 performances remain.
Tickets to both shows start at $33, thanks to exciting new prices that let more people experience the best theatre in the Bay Area. Additional savings are available for groups, seniors, students, and anyone under 30 years of age. Berkeley Rep is located on Addison Street, one block from Berkeley's downtown BART station and close to bike routes and bus lines. For tickets or information, call 510.647.2949 or toll-free at 888-4-BRT-Tix – or simply click
berkeleyrep.org.
