berkeley repertory theatre

We came, with our San Francisco neighbors, to see the play, "X's and O's, a love story," and were blown away by the experience... The theatre is very well designed, and comfortable, and production values were incredible... We arrived quite early, and enjoyed the very well appointed bar area in the theatre... The acoustics inside the house were astounding, the acting highly professional, and the story very well told and entertaining... We were impressed, and look forward to bringing neighbors, friends, and family members to future productions...

I love going to Berkeley Rep as the theater is small and the seats are angled so you always have a good view. The actors see really close even if you're in one of the back rows!

We happened upon this lovely theater during our Holiday 2014 visit to Berkeley - what a treat! It was walking distance from our Hotel on Shattuck - and a few short blocks from the BART. As a NY Broadway 'regular' I can honestly say this performance was absolutely wonderful!!!

FIrst visit to the rep, and loved everything from the building itself, to the intimate feeling close to the performer. The theatre provides hearing assist devices for those who need them (excellent!) but for those of us with normal hearing abilities, the acoustics were great. We sat mid theatre about 12 rows form the stage and heard every word. Kathleen Turner was amazing. What a powerful message. After the play we found a wonderful used book store and walked the main street. CHarming town, wonderful play.

We've been to the Berkeley Rep several times over the past five years. We saw American Idiot, Ruined and, most recently, Kathleen Turner in Red Hot Patriot. The Berkeley Rep does a lovely job with their shows. Their choices are current, thought-provoking and well-produced. The theater is comfortable and intimate (we've sat in the orchestra and one of the private balconies). Plus, the Rep is right downtown with easy access to great restaurants and nightlife. Parking is easy ($3 with validation) and BART is right around the corner. The bar right off the courtyard has a great lounge feel and delicious cocktails. We'll keep coming back!

I am a long time season subscriber to Berkeley Rep and a big fan. It produces plays that are sometimes cutting edge, sometimes favorites, and sometimes nice tries that fail. But it is a highly professional theater company that keeps trying to do new, innovative, and well done theater. There have sometimes one and sometimes two plays going at a time, often have before play lectures or after play discussions, and quite comfortable seating. You will find it an evening well spent (or a matinee) and usually a conversation starter. Plus it is near to the Downtown Berkeley dining scene for a good meal before that play. Curtain time varies between 8 pm (usually) and 7 pm (Wednesday and Sundays, I believe).

I know we're in the minority here, criticizing the highly acclaimed Berkeley Rep, but that's just how it is. We saw "The Glass Menagerie" featuring Rita Moreno, and it was played as a comedy! I went with a friend to see a period comedy and it was so bad and so long that we left at intermission. We're from Chicago, which has excellent small theatre and this just isn't up to the standards we're used to.

Berkeley Rep has never let me down, and I am always amazed at both the talent and the sets. Skip the movies and try some live theater, you will be amazed at the experience. Latest show I saw was Party People, looking at the Black Panthers. Combination of musical and challenging historical look back!

A wide range of current and traditional shows. Excellent casting sets and stage. Both theaters are relatively small presenting excellent seating and view lines. The "Thrust" theater allows the viewer to almost be a part of the play.

We are subscribers to Berkeley Rep, and I don't think we've ever been disappointed in a play we've seen--pretty much a sure thing if you're in town and would like to see great local theater. Really fine acting, directing, sets and lighting. Some great visiting companies call it home too (like Kneehigh Theatre). They commission original works from great playwrights too. In addition, there's the occasional speaker or special program (e.g., Science in the Theatre, which brings scientists from nearby Lawrence Berkeley Labs to discuss important science topics with a lay audience).

One of my favorite theaters. Polished, professional, quirky, intelligent and always fun and thought-provoking.

One of the best theatre companies. Always amazing shows. Great location. Easy parking. Lots of restaurants around to eat before the show. What a gem.

Great theater with original productions right in the heart of the Berkeley theater district. It is really nice that downtown Berkeley is growing with more interesting things to see and do, including Berkeley Repertory Theater, Freight and Salvage, Jazz Cafe, and soon the new Berkeley museum and Pacific Film Archive just up the street.

Recently enjoyed "Monsieur Chopin" in their Thrust Theater and was reminded why I love the Rep so much. They always deliver on their reputation for quality, original theater productions, and there really isn't a bad seat in the house. And compared to many theater productions, totally affordable. (They also offer half price tickets for those under age 30.)

As a subscriber since College Avenue days I've come to expect topnotch, world class theater and am almost never disappointed. Excellent casts, superb directing and always a creative, exciting program chosen by Tony Taccone.