Director

Berkeley Rep presents a dazzling world-premiere musical helmed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, American Idiot, Swept Away), written by two-time Emmy winner Danny Strong (Dopesick, Empire, The Butler). When maverick scientist Galileo Galilei makes celestial observations that challenge humanity’s understanding of its place in the universe, he’s summoned to Rome to defend his discoveries before the most powerful religious institution in the world, which is facing a rebellion of its own.

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Galileo

Berkeley Repertory Theatre

The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

Funny Girl

Shea's Performing Arts Center

WELCOME TO MUSICAL COMEDY HEAVEN! Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang! Featuring one of the greatest musical scores of all time, including classic songs “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People,” this bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

The world’s most ravenous plant has returned to its acclaimed, sold-out run at the Westside Theatre! Winner of the 2020 Drama League, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Awards for best Musical Revival, Little Shop of Horrors is “wildly exuberant” (The Hollywood Reporter), and a New York Times Critic’s Pick.

Little Shop Of Horrors

Westside Theatre

When a violent storm sinks their whaling ship off the coast of New Bedford, Mass., the four survivors face a reckoning: how far will they go to stay alive? And can they live with the consequences? With music and lyrics from The Avett Brothers (“America’s Biggest Roots Band,” Rolling Stone), whose 2004 “Mignonette” was inspired by an 1884 shipwreck and the struggle of four men to survive, Swept Away is an electrifying, soul-stirring new musical exploring how facing tragedy can open the door to forgiveness… if only we’ll let it.

Swept Away

Mead Center for American Theater

The Kennedy Center is thrilled to present the world premiere of "Grounded," a compelling opera that delves into the moral implications and psychological effects of virtual warfare. This groundbreaking production, commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera and developed by the Metropolitan Opera/Lincoln Center Theater New Works Program, features music by Tony Award-winning composer Jeanine Tesori and a libretto based on the award-winning play by George Brant. 

"Grounded" tells the story of Jess, an accomplished F-16 fighter pilot whose pregnancy reassigns her to a remote-controlled drone program. From a trailer in Las Vegas, Jess navigates the complex terrain of modern warfare, where the lines between the battlefield and home blur, challenging her perceptions of duty, warfare, and family. This opera explores Jess's internal conflict and the psychological toll of conducting war from afar, offering a poignant look at the human cost of technology in combat.

Starring mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo as Jess, the production utilizes massive LED-screen technology to immerse audiences in the psychological and social implications of virtual warfare, making a powerful statement that technological distance from war does not equate to emotional distance. 

The opera runs from October 28 to November 13, 2023, at the Kennedy Center's Opera House, with tickets available in subscriptions. This event not only marks a significant addition to the Washington National Opera's season but also represents a landmark moment in opera, bringing contemporary issues to the forefront of the art form.

The Washington National Opera and the Kennedy Center express their gratitude to all sponsors for their support, emphasizing that the programmatic choices reflect artistic independence, a value deeply respected by both corporate and individual donors. 

Don't miss this world premiere that bridges the gap between modern warfare and opera, promising an unforgettable experience that resonates with contemporary audiences.

Grounded

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Three captivating sopranos with many previous triumphs to their names—Nadine Sierra, Ermonela Jaho, and Angel Blue— star as the self-sacrificing courtesan Violetta, one of opera’s ultimate heroines. Tenors Stephen Costello, Ismael Jordi (in his Met debut), and Dmytro Popov share the role of her self-centered lover Alfredo, alongside baritones Luca Salsi, Amartuvshin Enkhbat (another debut), and Artur Ruciński as his disapproving father. Michael Mayer’s vibrant production also features three maestros: Daniele Callegari, Marco Armiliato, and Nicola Luisotti.

La Traviata

Lincoln Center

Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, Hedwig and the Angry Inch<) blew the roof off Berkeley Rep in 2009 with Green Day’s American Idiot. Now he returns with a captivating world premiere musical, this time featuring a book by Tony Award-winning stage and screen writer John Logan (Red Broadway’s Moulin Rouge!, Skyfall, Gladiator), and music and lyrics by “America’s biggest roots band” (Rolling Stone) and multiple Grammy Award nominee The Avett Brothers.

Michael Mayer

Director

Events

May 5 - Jun 16, 2024

Galileo · Berkeley Repertory Theatre

13 - 18 Feb, 2024

Funny Girl · Shea's Performing Arts Center

2 - 7 Jan, 2024

Funny Girl · Tennessee Performing Arts Center

12 - 23 Dec, 2023

Little Shop Of Horrors · Westside Theatre

Nov 25 - Dec 30, 2023

Swept Away · Arena Stage

About

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