World Premiere of AMELIE Extends at Berkeley Rep

Due to an exuberant reception from critics and audiences alike, Berkeley Repertory Theatre has announced that Amélie, A New Musical, will extend for an additional week. Originally scheduled to close on October 4, the world premiere will now play through Sunday, October 11. Starting at noon today, tickets for the added eight performances can be purchased by phone at (510) 647-2949 or online at berkeleyrep.org.

Amélie captured our hearts in the five-time Academy Award-nominated 2001 French film. Now she comes to the stage in an inventive and captivating new musical directed by Tony Award winner Pam MacKinnon, who is known for her work on Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Clybourne Park. With a book by Craig Lucas (An American in Paris, Prelude to Kiss), the musical features a stirring score by Daniel Messé of the band Hem and lyrics by Messé and Nathan Tysen (The Burnt Part Boys). Amélie, A New Musical is produced by special arrangement with Aaron Harnick, Triptyck Studios, and SBR Productions.

The cast for Amélie, A New Musical in alphabetical order includes: David Andino (Blind Beggar/Garden Gnome), Samantha Barks (Amélie), Randy Blair (Hipoloto), Adam Chanler-Berat (Nino), Alison Cimmet (Amandine/Philomene), Savvy Crawford (Young Amélie), Carla Duren (Gina), John Hickok (Raphael/Bretodeaux), Alyse Alan Louis (Georgette), Shannon O'Boyle (Swing), Maria-Christina Oliveras (Suzanne), Tony Sheldon (Dufayel/Collignon), Perry Sherman (Lucien), Jacob Keith Watson (Swing), and Paul Whitty (Joseph).

The show features scenic and costume design by David Zinn, lighting design by Jane Cox, sound design by Kai Harada, and projection design by Peter Nigrini with music direction by Kimberly Grigsby and choreography by Sam Pinkleton. The orchestra includes Kimberly Grigsby (Conductor, Keyboards), Dana Bauer (Woodwinds), Kathy Marshall (Violin), Vanessa Ruotolo (Cello), Wendy Tamis (Harp), Schuyler McFadden (Guitar), Allen Biggs (Percussion), Richard Duke (Bass), and Kevin Porter (Contractor).

Photo Credit: Kevin Berne, kevinberne.com