'Heartbreak House' Opens Berkeley Rep's 40th Season, 8/31

Berkeley Repertory Theatre celebrates its 40th season with a fresh look at a classic text: Obie Award-winning director Les Waters stages George Bernard Shaws' Heartbreak House, beginning previews in the Roda Theatre on August 31, opening September 5, through October 14.

"In the passages of Heartbreak House, ridiculous aristocrats, eccentric suitors, and iconoclastic women grapple with unlikely romance in a world on the brink of war. Shaw's incisive wit and intellectual pyrotechnics light up the stage as his irascible characters challenge social conventions, sexual mores, moral hypocrisy, and political folly."

Heartbreak House features Chris Ayles, Stephen Caffrey, David Chandler, Matt Gottlieb, Michelle Morain, Lynne Soffer, Allison Jean White, Susan Wilder, Michael Winters, and Michael Ray Wisely. Designed by Annie Smart (sets), Anna R. Oliver (costumes), Alexander V. Nichols (lights), and Obadiah Eaves (sound).

Previews are August 31 through September 4. Opening September 5 with performances through October 14. Show times are Tuesdays & Fridays at 8PM; Wednesdays at 7PM; Thursdays & Saturdays at 2 & 8PM; Sundays at 2 & 7PM.  No performance on Friday October 12. No matinees during previews or on September 6, 15, 20, 29 & October 4.

Preview tickets are $27-$37; Regular performance tickets are $33-$69. For tickets call 510-647-2949 or visit www.berkeleyrep.org. Discount tickets are available for students and seniors one-hour before curtain. Half-price tickets are available for those under 30 (some restrictions apply). Groups of 15 or more may contact 510-647-2918.

Berkeley Repertory's Roda Theatre is located at 2015 Addison Street (at Shattuck), Downtown Berkeley.