Berkley Rep Announces Page To Stage Talkbacks

As Berkeley Rep's 40th season blazes to a close, theatre fans losing their heads over Figaro and the French Revolution have two unique opportunities to interact with the play: a Page to Stage talkback with the show's stars and a meeting of the Berkeley Rep Book Club.

"We feel incredibly lucky to share our 40th birthday with enthusiastic audiences and talented artists like Theatre de la Jeune Lune," says Susan Medak, managing director of Berkeley Rep. "I love that our free events give people a different way to engage with the work on our stage. As our birthday season ends, let's all eat cake!"

On Friday, May 9, the Berkeley Rep Book Club gathers at 6:30 PM to discuss The Life and Times of the French Revolution by Christopher Hibbert. This page-turning take on the events surrounding Napoleon, Mirabeau, Marat, and Robespierre provides a colorful backdrop for the theatrical antics of Figaro and the Count. You don't have to see the show to participate, but the text has been selected to deepen your appreciation of the play. To join the discussion, RSVP at 510.647.2916 or bookclub@berkeleyrep.org.

Then David Gockley of the San Francisco Opera moderates a conversation with the leading lights of Theatre de la Jeune Lune. On Monday, May 19, he interviews the stars and creators of Figaro – Dominique Serrand and Steven Epp – for Page to Stage. Sponsored by Peet's Coffee and Tea, this series of discussions offers audiences insight into the plays produced at Berkeley Rep and the eminent artists behind them. No tickets are necessary for these free events, but seating is limited. Page to Stage begins at 7:00 PM; general-admission seating starts at 6:45. Donors in Berkeley Rep's Supporter Circle enjoy an exclusive post-talk reception with Gockley, Serrand, and Epp, catered by Maritime East.

After bringing us a delicious date with The Miser in 2006, the Tony Award-winning Theatre de la Jeune Lune returns for another eccentric take on a timeless text. Figaro marries music from Mozart's magnificent opera with famous characters from the plays of Beaumarchais to create an accessible and exceptional new show. In this West Coast premiere, an aging Figaro and the Count recall their rivalries years later amidst the bloodshed of the French Revolution. Steven Epp – the Miser himself – tackles the title role, while director Dominique Serrand portrays his fallen master. Lush video and live music set the scene as a cast of accomplished singers surrender to intrigue and seduction. In Figaro, juicy love triangles bed down with ruthless satire of a class-conscious culture. It's a revolutionary experience that's the perfect birthday gift for Berkeley Rep.

Figaro runs through June 8 in Berkeley Rep's Roda Theatre, which is located at 2015 Addison Street, one block from Berkeley's downtown BART station and close to AC Transit bus lines. Tickets start as low as $27, with additional discounts for groups, seniors, students, and anyone under 30 years of age. For more information, call 510.647.2949 or toll-free at 888-4-BRT-Tix – or simply click berkeleyrep.org.

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