GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE Extends at Berkeley Rep Through July 7

As its highly acclaimed production of Sarah Ruhl's Dear Elizabeth continues to captivate audiences, and theatregoers queue up in record numbers for its upcoming production of No Man's Land, Berkeley Repertory Theatre announces today additional performances of its latest show, George Gershwin Alone.Originally scheduled to close June 23, the Bay Area debut of Hershey Felder's international hit is now extended for an additional two weeks, through July 7. See George Gershwin Alone and prepare to be enthralled by the irresistible music of America's favorite composer, just like local critics:

"Simply glorious," raves Robert Hurwitt of the San Francisco Chronicle. "The incomparable genius of George Gershwin lights up Berkeley Rep... Felder's show, which he's been touring internationally since 2000 - including Broadway and West End runs - is a cavalcade of immortal standards: "I Got Rhythm," "The Man I Love," "Fascinating Rhythm," "'S Wonderful," "They Can't Take That Away From Me," "Our Love Is Here to Stay," not to mention selections from "Porgy and Bess," "An American in Paris" and "Rhapsody in Blue." ... Felder is a terrific musician. His fingers fly over the keys with pinpoint precision and Gershwin-like dynamism... He enriches the presentation with enlightening musicology material as well... A delight from beginning to end."

Karen D'Souza of the San Jose Mercury News hails the show as "A heartfelt valentine to the American songbook that goes down as smoothly as a bourbon Manhattan with a bright red cherry on top. As a tuneful antidote to a weary world, George Gershwin Alone... is pretty darn close to s'wonderful... The mind-boggling depth and breadth of Gershwin's catalog is reverently showcased here. Buoyantly directed by Joel Zwick ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding"), Gershwin zips along from the composer's salad days to his biggest triumphs... He's got rhythm, and he's got music as he channels the genius of Gershwin for almost two hours. Who could ask for anything more?"

Owing to audience response to George Gershwin Alone, as well as the extraordinary popularity of the great American songbook, Berkeley Rep also announces a Monday night sing-along: Hershey Felder: The American Songbook Sing-Along featuring maestro Felder leading the audience in a community singing of the greatest Broadway melodies ever. On Monday, June 17 at 7pm, audiences will get a chance to sing along with Felder as he guides us through classics by the Gershwins, Irving Berlin, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and many more.

Tickets for George Gershwin Alone start at only $34 - half that for anyone under 30 years of age; tickets for the sing-along are $50 each. Additional savings are available for groups, seniors, and students - meaning discounted seats can be obtained for as little as $17. The Thrust Stage is located at 2025 Addison Street, near bus lines, bike routes, and parking lots - and only half a block from BART. For tickets or information, call (510) 647-2949 or simply click berkeleyrep.org.

Photo by Mark Garvin

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