Mikhail Baryshnikov Brings MAN IN A CASE to Berkeley Rep; Begins Tonight

Berkeley Repertory Theatre welcomes legendary performer Mikhail Baryshnikov in his return to the Bay Area to star in Man in a Case, adding yet another electrifying show to its 2013-14 season.

Man in a Case is based on two of Anton Chekov's 1898 short stories, "Man in a Case" and "About Love." In Big Dance Theater's adaptation, two hunters trade stories both witty and haunting: one about a reclusive man's courtship of a carefree young woman, which forces him to closely examine his own rigid nature; the other about a man who relives the story of lost love. Annie-B Parson and Paul Lazar, the creative masterminds behind the Obie Award-winning Big Dance Theater, bring their signature style of cutting-edge theatre to create a high-tech performance filled with movement, music, and video to illuminate those rare occasions when we're offered life-changing possibilities.Baryshnikov is joined onstage by a stellar cast of four veteran performers from Big Dance Theater including its co-director Paul Lazar, who joins the cast for the Berkeley run.

Man in a Case plays only 20 performances at Berkeley Rep's Roda Theatre. It previews today, January 25, and opens tomorrow, January 26, playing through February 16, 2014. Tickets are on sale now to Berkeley Rep donors and subscribers to its 2013-14 season; the general public can access seats beginning on October 13, 2013.

"Baryshnikov was last seen at Berkeley Rep in the sold-out production of In Paris. We're thrilled to welcome him back," remarks Artistic Director Tony Taccone. "He is an artist who is always exploring new territory, consistently pushing the boundaries of artistic exploration. This time he has partnered with Big Dance Theater. Together he and directors Annie-B Parson and Paul Lazar have created a compelling theatrical presentation melding a panoply of elements - video, dance, and movement- to create an immersive experience that we look forward to sharing with our audience."

"I grew up reading Chekhov's stories and plays," says Baryshnikov. "I have wanted to explore a Chekhov story for the stage for some time and I'm delighted to bring Man in a Case to Berkeley Rep. Both tales are about solitary men and their self-imposed restrictions. We know very little about the character in the first story, 'Man in a Case,' except that he teaches classical Greek and he's kind of eccentric and conservative. But then something happens to him that is unexpected. The second story, 'About Love,' provides an arresting contrast to the first work. At their core both stories are about love. And I think it's a romantic show in many respects that is perfect for Berkeley Rep's audience."

Tickets to Man in a Case range from $45 to $125 (subject to change). Additional savings are available for groups, seniors, students, and anyone under 30 years of age - meaning discounted seats can be obtained for as little as $22.50. The Roda Theatre is located at 2015 Addison Street, near bus lines, bike routes, and parking lots - and only half a block from BART. For tickets or information, call (510) 647-2949 or click berkeleyrep.org.