Carrie Fisher strikes back, `Spelling Bee’ extends
We already knew that Carrie Fisher's autobiographical solo show, Wishful Drinking, was headed to Broadway. What we didn't know was that Fisher will be Drinking at Berkeley Repertory Theatre before heading for New York.
Wishful Drinking, a humorous re-telling of Fisher's celebrity upbringing as the spawn of Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher as well her life as a space princess and acclaimed novelist and bipolar human, runs July 9-23 at Berkeley Rep in association with Jonathan Reinis, Jamie Cesa and Eva Price. Tickets go on sale May 24.
Visit www.berkeleyrep.org or call 510-647-2949 for information.
Can you spell H-I-T?
San Jose Repertory Theatre's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has found the correct answer: produce a charming musical with a charming cast and crowds will come. The show has been extended through June 14.
The cast includes Molly Bell, Marc de la Cruz, Alison Ewing, Mark Ferrell, Clifton Guterman, James Monroe Igelhart, Steve Irish, Dani Marcus and Sophie Oda. Timothy Near, former SJ Rep artistic director, is in the director's chair.
"We are delighted by the overwhelming public response to this production that has prompted us to extend its run," said new artistic director Rick Lombardo in a statement. "Coming on the heels of the extended run of The Kite Runner, it's clear the Rep has some incredible momentum right now, and that our community is responding very positively to the work on our stage this season. I've also been especially pleased to see so many young people attending the Bee and having a great theatre experience, and this extension will allow even more families and young people to share this experience."
For information visit www.sjrep.com or call 408-367-7236.