Berkeley Rep Extends RITA MORENO: LIFE WITHOUT MAKEUP

Berkeley Repertory Theatre announced a two-week extension for the spectacular show running next door in its Roda Theatre. Originally scheduled to close on October 30, Rita Moreno: Life Without Makeup will now play through November 12! Don't miss this popular production, which has pulled in great reviews, sold-out houses, and standing ovations.

"I was relieved to hear the show was extended and that I will not increase the unemployment numbers," Moreno remarks. "I am so grateful for the amazing work of everyone at Berkeley Rep. It will be wonderful to see even more friends and patrons at the Theatre."

The new schedule is as follows:

· Fri 10/14 @ 8 PM

· Sat 10/15 @ 2 PM

· Sun 10/16 @ 7 PM

· Tue 10/18 @ 8 PM

· Wed 10/19 @ 7 PM

· Thu 10/20 @ 8 PM

· Fri 10/21 @ 8 PM

· Sat 10/22 @ 2 PM

· Sun 10/23 @ 2 PM

· Tue 10/25 @ 8 PM

· Wed 10/26 @ 7 PM

· Thu 10/27 @ 2 PM

· Fri 10/28 @ 8 PM

· Sat 10/29 @ 8 PM

· Sun 10/30 @ 2 PM

· Wed 11/2 @ 7 PM

· Thu 11/3 @ 8 PM

· Fri 11/4 @ 8 PM

· Sat 11/5 @ 2 PM

· Sun 11/6 @ 7 PM

· Wed 11/9 @ 7 PM

· Thu 11/10 @ 2 PM

· Fri 11/11 @ 8 PM

· Sat 11/12 @ 2 PM

During her remarkable career, Rita Moreno has portrayed some tough women, from Anita in West Side Story to Maria Callas in Master Class. Now this legendary performer takes on the toughest woman of all - herself. The star of stage and screen returns to Berkeley Rep for the first time since a sold-out run in The Glass Menagerie. She recounts her unlikely life in an irreverent and entertaining new show called Rita Moreno: Life Without Makeup. Expect another breathtaking performance from the lady who won the Oscar, the Tony, the Grammy, and two Emmys.

The show was written by Artistic Director Tony Taccone, developed by Rita Moreno and Tony Taccone, and staged and directed by David Galligan. Music director Jesse Micek (piano) leads a lively band that includes Sascha Jacobsen (bass), Alex Murzyn (reeds), and David Rokeach (percussion). Two expert dancers - Ray Garcia and Salvatore Vassallo - join Moreno to perform choreography by Lee Martino. The show also features designs by Anna Louizos (scenic design), Annie Smart (costume design), Alexander V. Nichols (lighting and video design), and Phil Allen (sound design).

The executive producers for Rita Moreno: Life Without Makeup are John and Helen Meyer and Jean and Michael Strunsky; the production sponsors are the East Bay Community Fund, the Bernard Osher Foundation New Play Development Fund, and the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Philanthropic Fund. For the seventh straight year, BART and Wells Fargo serve as the official sponsors of Berkeley Rep's season. The season producers are Wayne Jordan and Quinn Delaney, Marjorie Randolph, and Jack and Betty Schafer.

The Roda Theatre is located at 2015 Addison Street, near bus lines, bike routes, and parking lots - and only half a block from BART. Tickets range from $17 to $78. To purchase seats, or for more information, call (510) 647-2949 or toll-free at (888) 4-BRT-Tix - or simply click berkeleyrep.org.