Video: Inside Rehearsals for THE LUNCHBOX at Berkeley Repertory Theatre with Director Rachel Chavkin
The world premiere musical runs May 17 through June 28, 2026 at the Roda Theatre in Berkeley, California.
Berkeley Repertory Theatre has released rehearsal footage of THE LUNCHBOX, the world premiere musical adaptation of Ritesh Batra's internationally acclaimed film, now playing through June 28, 2026 at the Roda Theatre. The video features Tony Award-winning director Rachel Chavkin discussing the production.
With a book and co-lyrics by Ritesh Batra and music and co-lyrics by The Lazours, the new musical is set in bustling Mumbai, where a misdirected lunchbox delivery sparks an unlikely bond between a young wife longing to be seen and a widower nearing retirement. As notes pass back and forth with each meal, their words blossom into an unexpected romance. Chavkin, best known for her Tony-winning work on Hadestown, directs with choreography by Reshma Gajjar and music supervision by Nathan Koci.
Manu Narayan, known for Broadway's Bombay Dreams and Apple TV's Your Friends & Neighbors, leads the cast as Saajan, alongside Kuhoo Verma, seen previously at Berkeley Rep in Monsoon Wedding and Octet, as Ila. The cast also includes Anisha Nagarajan as Mrs. Deshpande, Aathaven Tharmarajah as Shaikh, and Shaarada Karthik and Caryna Shah alternating as Yashvi.
The creative team includes Mimi Lien (scenic design), Arjun Bhasin (costumes), Bradley King (lighting), and Justin Stasiw (sound), with Sheela Ramesh serving as music director.
Special performances include postshow discussions on June 5, 11, and 16, closed captioning at select performances, and an audio-described performance on June 27. For tickets and information, visit Berkeley Rep online or call the box office at 510-647-2949.
