Temptations, ‘Angels’ on tap at Berkeley Rep
Berkeley Repertory Theatre celebrates its artistic director Tony Taccone’s 20th anniversary season with two landmark productions, the world premiere of “Ain’t Too Proud — The Temptations” musical and an epic revival of “Angels in America.”
“The Temptations” is the latest splashy musical developed by the Rep; earlier ones included “Amelie,” “Monsoon Wedding” and “American Idiot.” Directed by Des McAnuff (“Jersey Boys”) and written by Dominique Morisseau, this is the finger-snapping story of five young guys from Detroit who became “the greatest R&B group of all time” after being discovered by Berry Gordy. Hits include “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” The Motown homage will run in August.
Kushner’s two-part masterpiece “Angels” will get its first major Bay Area production in 20 years, directed by Taccone, who was one of the original directors and commissioners of the groundbreaking political drama at San Francisco’s Eureka Theatre. Taccone has announced that he plans to retire as artistic director in 2019. The marathon theater piece is slated for March 2018.
The season also includes Daniel Handler’s undoubtedly whimsical “Imaginary Comforts, or The Story of the Ghost of the Dead Rabbit.” Although Handler is best known for the children’s uber series “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” this is a mischievous tale for adults, directed by Taccone. The world premiere is scheduled for October.
Rounding out the 20172018 season will be Julia Cho’s explosive drama “Office Hour,” directed by Berkeley Rep’s associate director, Lisa Peterson; virtuoso artist Nilaja Sun in the West Coast premiere of her latest solo show “Pike St.”; and Lillian Hellman’s classic “Watch on the Rhine,” also directed by Peterson. Subscriptions, ranging $131 to $612, go on sale March 23. Exact run dates have yet to be announced. Check www. berkeleyrep.org.