Rita Moreno Hosts Berkley Rep Gala, 3/28

On April 28, Berkeley Repertory Theatre presents its ONSTAGE gala! Actress Rita Moreno hosts an evening at the Four Seasons San Francisco, featuring a gourmet dinner, wines and spirits, and an opportunity to bid on getaways and culinary adventures. 

ONSTAGE is a theatrical extravaganza where theatre lovers, gourmands, and philanthropists gather to celebrate The Neighborhood Playhouse with the international reputation. Everyone knows that Berkeley Rep launches innovative shows for the Bay Area and beyond, press notes state, but most people don’t realize that the Tony Award-winning nonprofit earns only half its income through ticket sales. This gala helps make up the difference, ensuring that audiences continue to experience the artistic excellence they’ve come to expect.

“As we honor the artistic achievements of Berkeley Rep, we’ll also toast the 10th anniversary of our School of Theatre,” says Artistic Director Tony Taccone. “Over the last decade, the School has touched the lives of nearly a quarter of a million students with its arts education programs. As public funding for education continues to decrease, and the arts become less accessible to children, this outreach is essential to foster the creativity and ingenuity of tomorrow’s leaders.”

Get a ticket – or an entire table – for ONSTAGE! Feast on four courses prepared by the executive chef of the Four Seasons San Francisco, Mark Richardson. Dive into an exciting auction led by Fritz Hatton, chief vintner of Arietta and principal auctioneer for Zachys Wine Auctions. Win collectable wines and gift certificates for elegant hotels, restaurants, and arts organizations – or go home with exclusive tickets to incredible adventures like a VIP party in the owners’ box at Yankee Stadium, theatre trips to New York and Chicago, or a special visit to the Humana Festival of New American Plays with Les Waters, the new artistic director at Actors Theatre of Louisville.

ONSTAGE features exquisite wines from Match Vineyards, Mt. Brave Wines, Quady Winery, Raymond Vineyards, and Staglin Family Vineyard – as well as fine spirits from Blue Angel Vodka, Distillery No. 209, and St. George Spirits. Guests will take home delicious delicacies as well thanks to Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Semifreddi’s, and TCHO.

A list of local luminaries invites epicureans to attend. The honorary committee includes Gerson and Barbara Bakar, Rena Bransten, Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson and Maria Carson, Narsai and Venus David, State Senator Loni Hancock and Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates, Daniel Handler and Lisa Brown, Doug Housley, David Henry Hwang, U.S. Representative Barbara Lee, Michael Mayer, Mandy Patinkin, State Assemblymember Nancy Skinner, Garen and Shari Staglin, and Michael Tilson Thomas and Joshua Robison.

ONSTAGE is supported by nine Spotlight Sponsors: Chevron, the Ira & Leonore Gershwin Trusts, Nick & Mary Graves and Michael & Sue Steinberg, Julie McCray, Meyer Sound, Osterweis Capital Management, Marjorie Randolph, the Roda Group, and the Woytak-Rasmussen Family. Led by Jill Fugaro and Felicia Woytak, the planning committee for the event includes Daniel David, Rich Edwards, David Fleishhacker, Scott Haber, Sarah Kling, Pamela Nichter, and Jean Z. Strunsky.

Tickets for ONSTAGE begin at $500. Tables are priced between $5,000 and $20,000. All proceeds from the event support the nonprofit Berkeley Repertory Theatre and the organization’s education and outreach programs. For more information, contact Lily Yang, Berkeley Rep’s special events manager, at (510) 647-2909 or lyang@berkeleyrep.org – or visit berkeleyrep.org/onstage .

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