THE WILD BRIDE Returns to Berkeley Rep, January and February 2013

Today Berkeley Repertory Theatre announced that The Wild Bride is coming back. The holiday hit that ran away with hearts last winter returns for a honeymoon engagement in 2013. A splendid reception of standing ovations and rave reviews ensured that this enchanting Bride enjoyed a three-week extension of its original run. Now Kneehigh Theatre comes back to America to reprise the show in a special presentation – 26 performances only – from January 26 to February 17, 2013. Don't miss this devilish mix of vivid music and sweet romance from Britain's extraordinary theatrical troupe.

"With a wide range of theatrical techniques, Kneehigh creates magic," says Tony Taccone, artistic director of Berkeley Rep. "Our audiences absolutely embraced the rough and wondrous world that they conjure in The Wild Bride, and we are delighted to bring them back."

"My! We cannot wait to return to Berkeley Rep!" remarks Emma Rice, Kneehigh's artistic director. "We had such an amazing time on our previous visit and came away with Berkeley firmly etched in our hearts, minds, and souls. We made friends with the staff, crew, and audience alike and are counting the days until our return to the Bay Area. Who knows, we might even be plotting and dreaming for the future!"

Adapted and directed by Emma Rice, The Wild Bride is a grown-up fairy tale that follows a girl's journey through a visual wonderland. What happens when your father accidentally sells you to the devil? What do you do when your prince goes off to war? Hearts break, hearts heal, and happily ever after still may be possible. Expect gorgeous storytelling, wicked humor, and down-home blues when Kneehigh unveils The Wild Bride.

"Bride is a gift that keeps on giving," raves Robert Hurwitt in the San Francisco Chronicle. "What starts in an enchanted, bluesy folktale world dips into creepy nightmare terrain and sails aloft on wings of grit, resolution and fantasy. It's a fairy tale for adults."

"The Wild Bride will steal your heart from start to finish," promises Karen D'Souza in the Mercury News, Oakland Tribune, and Contra Costa Times, "Rice makes the adventure magical and unexpectedly moving [with] an ingenious marriage of dance, theater, puppetry, and music."

"Devilishly entertaining," declares Georgia Rowe in the San Francisco Examiner. "Rice and company – who made Brief Encounter a Broadway hit – perform the work in song, rhymed speech, dance and stylized gestures. Six actors, singing and playing multiple instruments – guitars, fiddles, accordion and banjo – play all the roles… Anyone who believes in magic should see it!"

Created using Kneehigh's trademark collaborative process, The Wild Bride features text and lyrics by Carl Grose, music by Stu Barker, and choreography by Etta Murfitt. The design comes courtesy of Bill Mitchell (scenic design), Myriddin Wannell (costume design), Malcolm Rippeth (lighting design), and Simon Baker (sound design).

Renew your vows and buy tickets now. Seats go on sale today to Berkeley Rep's donors and subscribers; the remaining seats become available to the public on August 10. Tickets range from $17.50 to $99 (subject to change).

The Roda Theatre is located at 2015 Addison Street, near bus lines, bike routes, and parking lots – and only half a block from BART. In fact, BART and Wells Fargo serve as the official sponsors of Berkeley Rep's season for the eighth straight year. The season producers are Marjorie Randolph, Jack and Betty Schafer, and the Strauch Kulhanjian Family.

To purchase seats, or for more information, call (510) 647-2949 or simply click berkeleyrep.org.

More Articles by This Author...