Berkeley Rep Presents OVATION: UNE SOIREE MAGNIFIQUE Tonight

Tonight, April 18 Berkeley Repertory Theatre invites guests to OVATION: Une Soirée Magnifique, a gala to champion the creation of exciting new plays through The Ground Floor: Berkeley Rep's Center for the Creation and Development of New Work and the School of Theatre, which brings the performing arts to underserved groups in our community. The theatrical evening will feature exclusive live-auction packages, including elegant dining experiences, elite travel adventures, and exquisite cultural opportunities. Held at the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, the gala will be une soirée théâtrale full of delectable delights and surprise entertainment! Tickets for OVATION begin at $750. Tables are priced between $7,500 and $18,000. For more information, contact Lily Yang at (510) 647-2909 or lyang@berkeleyrep.org - or simply click berkeleyrep.org/ovation.

"The gala is a chance to celebrate all that is great about Berkeley Rep but also an opportunity to invest in its future," says Michael Leibert Artistic Director Tony Taccone. "We're asking the community to bolster two very important initiatives - new works by emerging artists and access to our productions to underserved youth in our community. We strongly believe that it is through these platforms the future of theatre will emerge. Join us for an unforgettable evening."

The evening begins at 5:30 PM with a cocktail reception and silent auction. At 7:00 PM guests will sit down for five-star meal and an evening full of surprises. Guest will participate in live bidding led by expert auctioneer DawnMarie Kotsonis for a chance to win collectible wines and gift certificates for elegant hotels, restaurants, and arts organizations. Other spectacular auction items include a South American Adventure on The World, the largest privately owned residential yacht on earth; an idyllic seven-night stay at the Maison Dovalle in the heart of the Loire Valley; a seven-night stay at Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris, voted "Best Luxury Hotel" in France by TripAdvisor; a private dinner for eight at the home of Chef Narsai David and his wife, Venus, for an exceptional evening of food, wine, and conversation; and a New York getaway for four with tickets to Broadway shows and a weeklong stay in a spectacular Midtown Manhattan condominium.

OVATION features exquisite wines from C.G. Di Arie Vineyard and Winery, Dashe Cellars, Domaine Carneros by Taittinger, Hafner Vineyard, Match Vineyards, Quady Winery, and spirits from St. George Spirits. Guests will take home delicious delicacies, thanks to Coco Libre, Miette Pâtisserie and Confiserie, Peet's Coffee and Tea, and Semifreddi's. They'll also receive special gifts from Autumn Press, Dolphin Graphics, Farm League Design and Management Group, and Fossil, which has a long history of supporting Berkeley Rep.

OVATION is made possible by Limelight Sponsors, including: Fossil, Bruce Golden and Michelle Mercer, and Stewart and Rachelle Owen; and Spotlight Sponsors: Edward D. Baker, Martha Ehmann Conte, Forest Creatures Entertainment, Meyer Sound, Osterweis Capital Management, and the Strauch Kulhanjian Family. The planning committee for the event includes Daniel David, Thalia Dorwick, Rich Edwards, Robin Edwards, David Fleishhacker, Kerry Francis, Elisheva Gur-Arieh, Brenda Leff, Pamela Nichter, Deborah Taylor, and Felicia Woytak.

Berkeley Repertory Theatre has grown from a storefront stage to an international leader in innovative theatre. Known for its core values of imagination and excellence, as well as its educated and adventurous audience, the nonprofit has provided a welcoming home for emerging and established artists since 1968. A not-for-profit organization, the theatre welcomes an annual audience of 200,000, serves 23,000 students, and hosts dozens of community groups, thanks to 1,000 volunteers and more than 330 artists, artisans, and administrators. Its bustling facilities - which include the 400-seat Thrust Stage, the 600-seat Roda Theatre, the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, the Osher Studio, and a spacious new campus in West Berkeley - are helping revitalize a renowned city.