Berkeley Playhouse Presents Teen Production, RETURN TO PLANET Z, 5/4-6

Berkeley Playhouse presents its next TeenStage production, RETURN TO PLANET Z, the sequel to the popular summer 2010 original TeenStage production PLANET Z.  Planet Z is a crazy planet where the scenery consists of old stage sets and the population is undead, hungry, and armed. When we last left our heroes, a space-traveling teen and a flesh-eating zombie, their true love had triumphed over the obvious complications. But what happens when their shipmates return to meet their human-zombie child and a new generation of undead presidential candidates? 

With an original script by Jon Tracy, music direction by Nick Adams, and direction by Nick Olivero, RETURN TO PLANET Z features a concert of classic eighties rock hits, including “Sweet Child of Mine” (Guns and Roses), “Two Tribes” (Frankie Goes to Hollywood), and “Born in The USA” (Bruce Springsteen) in a zany, Rocky Horror-esque musical that will leave audiences in stitches. RETURN TO PLANET Z will be performed by 17 teens enrolled in the Berkeley Playhouse TeenStage program.

Berkeley Playhouse believes that kids and teens have the ability to command their own audiences. The company’s acclaimed Youth Conservatory gives talented students the opportunity to participate in full-scale youth-only productions of the highest quality with some of the best professional directors, choreographers, and designers in the Bay Area. Cast members of Conservatory productions receive ongoing training in acting, voice, and movement.

Nominated for eight and winner of five BATCC Awards for 2011, Berkeley Playhouse was founded by actor, director, and teacher for over 20 years. Under the artistic guidance of McKoy, and Managing Director Lauren Hewitt, Berkeley Playhouse is a professional theater for all ages that presents a season of year-round musicals, providing children and families with unique and sophisticated musical theater experiences. In addition, Berkeley Playhouse has a music theater conservatory which offers a range of educational instruction classes in music performance skills. In 2009, Berkeley Playhouse made its permanent performance home at the historic Julia Morgan Theatre in Berkeley. 

DATES:           Friday, May 4, 7pm; Saturday, May 5, 2pm; Sunday, May 6, 4pm; Sunday, May 6, 7pm

WHERE:         Julia Morgan Theatre, 2640 College Avenue, Berkeley 

TICKETS:       For tickets ($20 Adults, $15 Youth) and more information, the public may visit berkeleyplayhouse.orgor call 510-845-8542x351