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So many Berkeley Rep shows have landed on Broadway, it’s nearly impossible to contemplate “Paradise Square” — now in previews, with opening night set for Jan. 10 — in any way other than Broadway bound. Jumping the gun a bit? Perhaps. But it’s helmed by Broadway alums, a Pulitzer finalist, a Tony winner and a Tony nominee, and the plot has a certain “Hamilton” aura.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go, from where to dine — hello, Comal! — to how to score reserved parking near the theater. And, of course, the answers to the biggest questions of all: What’s the show about? Is it any good? And — wait. “Hamilton” what?? (OK, shameless tease, but bear with us.)
Pre-show dining (and post-show drinks!)
What’s happening on stage is important, sure. But theater-going is a whole experience, a night on the town. There’s dinner before and drinks or dessert afterward, so you can talk through the plot twists and sensational songs — and debate the whole “is it Broadway bound?” thing.
Here are five of our favorite restaurant options — from margaritas and albondigas at Comal to the best burger ever at Revival’s bar — all within walking distance of Berkeley Rep (and the Aurora Theater and Freight & Salvage, too).
The parking dilemma
BART is less than two blocks from Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theater — where “Paradise Square” is playing — and its Peet’s Theater next door. Take. BART. But if you’re driving, here’s how to score reserved and discount parking near the theater. Yep.
What is “Paradise Square” and why all this fuss?
The world premiere of a new musical is always noteworthy, but this one is particularly so. (See Broadway, Tony, Pulitzer mentions above.) The story was written by Pulitzer finalist Craig Lucas (“An American in Paris”), Larry Kirwan (“Mad Angels”) and Oakland native Marcus Gardley, whose Homeric “black odyssey” made such waves at Cal Shakes last summer, it returned this fall for an encore run. His “The House That Will not Stand” premiered at Berkeley Rep, ran off-Broadway this summer and is headed for the big screen. (And you can read an entire interview with Gardley here.)
Inspired by true events, “Paradise Square” is set in 1863 in Five Points, a racially diverse 20-block stretch of lower Manhattan, where black and Irish Americans lived harmoniously, until the Civil War draft began threatening friendships and communities. The music and dance productions bring a wide array of traditions into play, from Irish step-dancing and African Juba to tap, and the characters’ stories are billed as uplifting, heartbreaking, passionate and true.
Is it any good?
The show officially opened on Jan. 10. The production is “stirring” and the choreography by Tony award-winning Bill T. Jones (Spring Awakening) “is well worth the price of admission in itself, stunningly dynamic, evocative and unconventional,” our theater critic reports. Here’s what else he thought of the show, the acting and the music.
So what’s the “Hamilton” connection?
Both “Hamilton” and “Paradise Square” are based on true stories. They’re both set in New York City — “Hamilton” in various Manhattan venues, “Paradise Square” in Five Points — in important historic eras. They both boast diverse casts with stories that resonate today.
And, er … Alexander Hamilton had a Five Point Economic Plan. OK, we’re just desperate for another musical that stirs our souls as much as “Hamilton” did. This one looks promising.