Berkeley Playhouse's 2016-17 Season to Swing to a Close with TARZAN

Closing out the record-breaking 2016-17 season at Berkeley Playhouse is Tarzan, the pulse-pounding musical adventure based on Disney's Oscar winning animated film and the classic novel, by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

Featuring a score from seven-time Grammy Award-winner Phil Collins (including the 2000 Oscar winner for Best Song, "You'll Be In My Heart"), and book by Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Yellow Face), Tarzan is the story of a unique family drawn together by fate and bound by love. Audiences will journey to the African jungles in this vibrant and heartfelt new production that ultimately explores what it means to be a family.

A limited run begins July 7 at the Julia Morgan Theater in Berkeley. Press night will be held on Saturday, July 8 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.

"It's been a thrilling season at Berkeley Playhouse-the musicals we produced this year explored exceptional and diverse characters that were faced with singularly unique challenges. They were characters who broke conventions and exceed expectations of their family, their community, and even themselves," says Berkeley Playhouse producing artistic director Kimberly Dooley. "Tarzan is the perfect musical to close this journey. First and foremost, it's a fantastic adventure-the perfect summer musical. But also, it explores family in unexpected ways-Tarzan is clearly not like those who raised him, yet when he meets and interacts with those that he most physically resembles, he comes to realize that values come from within, and stem from those whom you love and respect, regardless of physical appearance or blood relation. Ultimately, you choose those you call family."

Berkeley Playhouse will be partnering with Oakland based Hopalong and Second Chance Animal Rescue throughout the production. Hopalong & Second Chance Animal Rescue are committed to eliminating the euthanasia of adoptable animals in Northern California through adoption and prevention services. Working with partners at shelters in the Bay Area and Central California counties, they identify and remove animals at risk of immediate euthanasia and facilitate their adoption into loving homes. Adds Berkeley Playhouse managing director Gretchen Feyer, "In Tarzan, we experience this incredible respect and love for animals through the characters of Jane and her father. We wanted to bring that forth, and I'm excited to introduce the wonderful work of Hopalong to our audiences. In the coming weeks, we'll be announcing an adoption day following a Sundaymatinee performance to be held on our College Avenue porch-front that will be open to all."

Featuring a cast of over two-dozen actor / singers, Tarzan will be directed by Berkeley Playhouse founder Elizabeth McKoy, and will feature choreography by Staci Arriaga and musical direction by Dan Feyer.

IF YOU GO:

TARZAN

Previews: Friday, July 7 at 7pm, and Saturday, July 8 at 1pm.
Opens: Saturday, July 8 at 7pm.
Closes: August 13, 2017 at 5pm.

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

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.

Note: There will be two "Pay What You Can" performance, Friday, July 7 at 7pm and Thursday, July 13 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.

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.