NOT A GENUINE BLACK MAN Extends Through 6/28 at Berkeley Rep

Due to resounding praise from critics and an enthusiastic reception from audiences, Berkeley Repertory Theatre announces that Brian Copeland's 10th anniversary presentation of Not a Genuine Black Man will extend for a month. The critically acclaimed show recounts Copeland's compelling and moving story of growing up black in the 1970s in San Leandro, California, a city once nationally known as one of the most racist in America. With wit and heartfelt passion, he explores the themes of racial identity and, ultimately, belonging. Directed and developed in part by David Ford, Not a Genuine Black Man will now run through June 28 for an additional eight performances at the Theatre's Osher Studio.

Brian Copeland has been in show business since he first stepped on the comedy stage at the tender age of 18. Soon he was headlining clubs and concerts across the country and opening for such artists as Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Ringo Starr, and the queen of soul Aretha Franklin in venues from the Universal Amphitheater to Constitution Hall in Washington, DC. Soon, Copeland branched out into television, appearing on comedy programs on NBC, A&E, and MTV. He spent five years as co-host of San Francisco FOX affiliate KTVU's breakfast program Mornings on 2 and two years hosting San Francisco ABC affiliate KGO's Emmy Award-winning afternoon talk show 7Live. In 1995, ABC affiliate KGO Radio premiered The Brian Copeland Show. Its unique mix of talk and entertainment soon made it the most listened to program in its time slot. In 2004, Copeland premiered his first solo play, Not a Genuine Black Man, at the Marsh. This critically acclaimed exploration of race and identity created an audience-pleasing blend of laughter, tears, and sociology that led to the show becoming the longest-running solo play in San Francisco theatrical history.

Successful runs in Los Angeles and off Broadway and a bestselling book adaptation followed. Copeland's other theatrical work includes The Waiting Period, a solo play about his lifelong struggle with depression, and the Christmas play The Jewelry Box, which opened November 2013 at the Marsh.

Director David Ford is a Goldie Award-winning playwright who has worked on countless solo shows over his 25-year career in the business. Frequently working on projects at the Marsh, Ford has collaborated with many Bay Area favorites including Charlie Varon, Marilyn Pittman, Geoff Hoyle, and Cherry Terror.

Tickets start at only $35 - half that for anyone under 30 years of age. Additional savings are available for groups, seniors, and students - meaning discounted seats can be obtained for as little as $14.50. For tickets or information, call (510) 647-2949 or simply click berkeleyrep.org.