Hoch springs eternal

It's always good news when Danny Hoch announces his return to the Bay Area.The solo performer behind Jails, Hospitals & Hip-Hop (which had its world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in 1997) will be back at Berkeley Rep in March with his latest work-in-progress. As the press release says: ``There's no set, no costumes, no fancy light cues...just Danny and his trademark torrent of words.''Berkeley Rep artistic director Tony Taccone says he's been trying to get Hoch back to Berkeley for three years. ``While he's here, Danny's workshopping both a solo show about gentrification in New York City and a new musical about the birth of hip-hop.''Hoch himself says he's happy to be heading back to the Bay Area: ``The audience has always been very supportive and a great meter with which to gauge whether things are working or not. Plus the food is slammin'!''Since he was last here, Hoch has written the well-received show Flow, made a movie out of Jails and appeared in movies such as American Splendor, Blackhawk Down, War of the Worlds and the upcoming Lucky You and We Own the Night.Hoch's workshop performances are open to the public only four evenings: March 9, 11, 12 1nd 13 at the Gaia Arts Center, 2116 Allston Way, Berkeley. Tickets are $15 general, and high school students with ID get in for $7. Call (510) 647-2949 or visit www.berkeleyrep.org.