Danny Scheie: Leading man at last

I've written before about Bay Area actors whose names, just by appearing on a cast list in a program, excite certain expectations and delights.Danny Scheie (at right, photo by Henry DiRocco) is one of those actors. When I first started covering theater in San Francisco 17 years ago, he was better known as a director, but then I saw him as Hermes, the rollerblading imp in the Fifth Floor production of Orestes. From that moment on, whether behind the scenes or in front of the footlights, Scheie is a theater personality who always benefits whatever he's involved with.Graduating from supporting player to leading man, Scheie is starring in You, Nero, the new play by San Francisco playwright Amy Freed, at Berkeley Repertory Theatre.I had the chance to sit down with Scheie and talk to him for a San Francisco Chronicle article, which appeared in the May 17 Pink Section. Read it here.You, Nero continues through June 28 on Berkeley Repertory Theatre's Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. Tickets are $33-$71. Call 510-647-2949 or visit www.berkeleyrep.org for information.