Berkeley Playhouse to Celebrate Summer Nights with GREASE

Berkeley Playhouse closes their tenth anniversary season of professional theater for family audiences with a "wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-wop-bam-boom!" and an all new production of the perfect summer nights musical, Grease. It's 1959, and the kids from Rydell High are back from summer vacation for their senior year-and what a memorable one it will be! One of the most popular musicals of all time, Grease will have audiences hand-jiving all summer long as Sandy, Danny, Rizzo, Kenickie, and the entire gang take to the Julia Morgan stage for this rock-n-rolling 50s celebration of teen spirit. Performances run Friday through Sunday, and select Thursday evenings, beginningJune 22, 2018. Press night will be held on Saturday, June 23 at 7pm. Tickets (ranging from $22-$40) are available by calling (510) 845-8542 x351 or by visiting online at www.berkeleyplayhouse.org. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

"We kicked off our tenth anniversary season with an 'AMEN!' and our stellar production ofSister Act!-and it only feels right to close it with a 'womp bam boom' and one of the great theatrical parties-Grease," says director / co-choreographer-and Berkeley Playhouse Producing Artistic Director-Kimberly Dooley. "As a lover of musical theater, a director, and a mom-how could I not be excited to jump into the hallways of Rydell High? Grease is not only one of the most iconic youth musicals of all time, it also has an inexplicable power to bring sheer happiness to generations of audiences, and we have the opportunity to bring our own spin to it. We wanted to celebrate this incredible season, and the Julia Morgan Theater is going to be bopping all summer long!"

Adds Managing Director Gretchen Feyer, "our tenth-anniversary season has seen record audiences. With over 30,000 patrons having attended performances this season before we begin Grease, we've already surpassed last season's stellar attendance. We want to thank our audiences for joining the celebration and making our tenth anniversary a true milestone."

Continuing their goals of making theater affordable for all community members, Berkeley Playhouse includes two low-cost preview performances (June 22 at 7pm and June 23 at 1pm), and offers two Pay What You Can performances, Thursday, June 28 and July 5 at 7pm.

Founded in 2007 by professional theatre actor, director, and teacher for over 25 years, Elizabeth McKoy, Berkeley Playhouse's mission is to create theatre and programs that engage, ignite, and celebrate diverse Bay Area audiences through a thriving conservatory, a professional main stage season, educational outreach, and a commitment to the development of new family musicals. In support of our mission, we maintain and enhance the historic Julia Morgan Theater. A commitment to community, diversity, inclusion, and empowerment is at the heart of our work.

Performances: Due to the unique performance schedule, please check the website for specific dates and times. All performances at Berkeley Playhouse at The Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704.

TICKETS: For tickets ($22 for previews, $22-$40 for regular performances) or more information, the public may call (510) 845-8542 x351 or visit berkeleyplayhouse.org. Group rates available for 10 or more people. Ticket prices are subject to change at any time.

PAY WHAT YOU CAN: There will be two "Pay What You Can" performances, Thursday June 28 and July 5 at 7pm. The promotion is CASH ONLY at the door one-hour prior to performance time. We request a donation of $20 per ticket but are able to accept a minimum of $5 per ticket.

FAMILY GUIDE: Education is central to the mission at Berkeley Playhouse. Guide created by Berkeley Playhouse staff for each production have been created to enrich the learning experience of all patrons both young and seasoned. Links to the free Family Guides can be found online at BerkeleyPlayhouse.org.

Berkeley Playhouse gratefully acknowledges support from Madonna Estates Winery; City of Berkeley Civic Arts Commission, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., Peet's Coffee, Extreme Pizza, The Imagination Foundation, and individual donors.

Photo: Sandy (RACHEL SUE), Doody (Kris Anthony Williams), Rizzo (ELIZABETH CURTIS), Danny (SAM LEEPER) and Marty (VIDA MAE FERNANDEZ) pose together in Berkeley Playhouse's production of Grease, directed by Kimberly Dooley. Performing at the Julia Morgan Theater from June 22 - August 5. Photo by Ben Krantz Studio.

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