Two Shows Developed at Berkeley Rep Bow in New York This Spring: AMELIE, A NEW MUSICAL and LATIN HISTORY FOR MORONS

This spring, two shows that were developed at Berkeley Rep last season will debut on the New York stage. Amélie, A New Musical, which had its world premiere in September 2015, is set to open on Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theatre on April 3, 2017. John Leguizamo's Latin History for Morons, which had its world premiere in July 2016, will open at the renowned Public Theatre on March 27, 2017.

Amélie, A New Musical, based on the Academy Award-nominated 2001 French film and directed by Pam Mackinnon, charmed the hearts of Bay Area audiences. The production was extended twice and the San Francisco Chronicle proclaimed it "A dreamy movie becomes a dream of a stage musical." With a book by Craig Lucas, the musical features a stirring score by Daniel Messé and lyrics by Messé and Nathan Tysen.Amélie, A New Musical is produced by special arrangement with Aaron Harnick, Triptyck Studios, and SBR Productions.

Developed at The Ground Floor: Berkeley Rep's Center for the Creation and Development of New Work, Latin History for Morons, directed by Michael Leibert Artistic Director Tony Taccone, follows up on Leguizamo's 2010 hit show, Ghetto Klown, which was workshopped at Berkeley Rep as Klass Klown, and later transferred to great acclaim on Broadway. Leguizamo returned to Berkeley Rep, and sold out performances, with this fiercely funny, satirical, and often over-looked version of American history. Latin History for Morons is a co-production with The Public Theater.

"Berkeley Rep has earned a reputation as a theatre that is committed to the development of new works," says Managing Director, Susan Medak. "I'm proud that we were a part of the evolution of Amélie and Latin History and pleased that our shows continue to attract acclaim and national attention."

Amélie, A New Musical and Latin History for Morons join American Idiot, Head of Passes, The Pianist of Willesden Land, No Man's Land and The Wild Bride as other acclaimed productions that have recently transferred from Berkeley Rep to New York. The world premiere ofMonsoon Wedding, a new musical adaptation of Mira Nair's celebrated film, will take place at Berkeley Rep in May 2017.

ABOUT BERKELEY REP

Berkeley Repertory Theatre has grown from a storefront stage to an international leader in innovative theatre. Known for its core values of imagination and excellence, as well as its educated and adventurous audience, the nonprofit has provided a welcoming home for emerging and established artists since 1968. In four decades, four million people have enjoyed nearly 400 shows at Berkeley Rep. These shows have gone on to win five Tony Awards, seven Obie Awards, nine Drama Desk Awards, one Grammy Award, and many other honors. In recognition of its place on the national stage, Berkeley Rep received the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre in 1997. Its bustling facilities - which include the 400-seat Peet's Theatre, the 600-seat Roda Theatre, the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, the Osher Studio, and a spacious new campus in West Berkeley - are helping revitalize a renowned city. Learn more at berkeleyrep.org

As the umbrella for all new play activity at Berkeley Rep, The Ground Floor is a bold initiative designed to raise the bar on the Tony Award-winning nonprofit's already successful record of artistic innovation. Think of it as an incubator for theatrical start-ups or a top-notch R&D facility for artists. The Ground Floor is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts; Bank of America; the Kenneth Rainin Foundation; supporters of Berkeley Rep's Create Campaign; and ArtPlace (artplaceamerica.org), a collaboration of top national foundations; and various federal agencies to accelerate creative place making across the U.S. For more information on each project, and for future announcements or opportunities to interact, visit berkeleyrep.org/groundfloor.

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