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Aurora Theatre Company
Category: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Performing Arts [Edit]
2081 Addison St(between Milvia St & Shattuck Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94704
Neighborhood: Downtown Berkeley
(510) 843-4822
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 1 pm - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
25 reviews for Aurora Theatre Company
25 reviews in English
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Review from Anne K.
12/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
The thing I like about Yelp is the ability to discover hidden treasures in the community. Given how much I like small theaters like the Marsh, I am not sure why I didn't know about the Aurora Theatre Company sooner...
I enjoyed a standard evening performance of "A Soldier's Tale" with a handful of Yelpers. Sitting in the back corner, I had a really good view of the devil, who like the other characters kept me captivated the entire time. Muriel Maffre's dancing experience shone not only in her solo but in the way that she moved the puppet. And the music throughout was just phenomenal. I loved the absolute simplicity of most of the costuming and set. And of course, the contrasting colorful costuming of the devil.
If this is the standard caliber of production, I have noted to remember the upcoming 2012 shows - "Body Awareness" (Fri, 01/27/2012 - Sun, 03/04/2012), "Anatol" (Fri, 04/06/2012 - Sun, 05/13/2012), and "Salomania" (Fri, 06/15/2012 - Sun, 07/22/2012). I felt very privileged to get a free seat to "A Soldier's Tale" but would of happily paid ticket price.Listed in: Five Stars
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Review from Mercy D.
12/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oooweee talk about intimate. It is a small theatre and no matter what seat you end up in you'll have a good view of the show! Due to its small size the sound of the music seems to surround you as the acoustics bounce off the walls effectively. And you know what this means - hard for you to miss a word of the play!
I came to see "A Soldier's Tale", a puppet-type of play - my first! While the story was interesting, I don't think I am a huge fan of puppeteering... especially when the person controlling the puppet isn't the same voice of the main character, which happened to be the puppet (there is only one in this show). The narrator did an excellent job telling the story but I think I would've liked it more if he was also the same one who was holding and controlling the Soldier. Regardless, many people enjoyed this play and it is worth seeing at the Aurora Theatre.
This theatre is located in Downtown Berkeley so street parking may be a challenge but there's a garage within walking distance. Best of all, you don't even have to drive because Bart is right around the corner! -
Review from Joel E.
12/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came to Aurora Theatre Company's production of "A Soldier's Tale" earlier this week, for a YE Event. The facility is located in Berkeley's "theatre district" next door to the Berkeley Repertory Theatre and the Jazzschool. There is a parking garage entrance within the same block, on Addison just west of Shattuck. Aurora Theatre Co. is a very intimate facility set up as a "theatre in the round" (actually, a rectangle). For this particular production the "stage" was on 1 of the 4 sides, but with most of the show in the center of the seating area directly in front of the entire audience. If there ever was a facility where it could truly be said that "there is no bad seat in the house", this is it !! I didn't count but would estimate there are perhaps seats for only about 150-200. Obviously, intimate! If you're in the front row, watch your toes and definitely don't stretch your legs or you may trip the performers! (Ok, perhaps unlikely, but you get the picture.)
Aurora Theatre Co. put on a very creative and entertaining production of Igor Stravinsky's "A Soldier's Tale". The cast included (only) 3 very talented actors, & 4 musicians (violin, clarinet, piano & percussion). It can truly be said of this production that it completely embodied that "less is more" . . . as, even with such a small group of performers they were able to put on a very engaging production that included a unique combination of drama, comedy, puppetry/marionette, music, dance, movement, narration, emotion and (of course) in the end, tragedy.
Perhaps one of the most enjoyable aspects of this particular show in this particular facility, is that when I wasn't "emoting" myself as I watched the performance unfold directly in front of me, . . . then, when the actors (or puppet) turned towards the audience on the opposite side of the theatre, I thoroughly enjoyed watching their faces, expressions and reactions as THEY "emoted".
Thank you, Nique, for this very enjoyable YEE !!! -
Review from Uland W.
12/8/2011
12/07/11 -- A Soldier's Tale -- Y.E.E. that brought down the house; no puppet strings attached, cross my heart {insert heart photo}
How best to describe "A Soldier's Tale", but to post a quick link to their trailer.
http://www.auroratheat...
This small intimate stage (seats 150) captivated this guy into the fairy tale of theatre and showcase. Every dance stepped, musical beats', and theatrical twist of the performers resonates the heart string of old time Shakespearian theatre.
Abstain from the Hollywood box office and treat yourself plus your partner to a night out of disobedience and tomfoolery. The rhythmic rhyme and witty display of the English language makes this play worth the ticket price. 5 red stars!!
Public transportation is very accessible just a meager 3 blocks away or $5 parking on Center Street, brings the thespian to the door steps of Aurora.
To all the Elites that made it to this event: I sincerely hope you enjoyed the show as much as I did.
@ Nique as always; you open mindful doors that were once closed. Many thanks for setting up this special event, the shiny lights of New York City are within our community doorsteps.
Clapping until my hands fall off:
L. Peter Callender - Narrator/Voice of The Soldier
Muriel Maffre - Puppeteer/Daughter of the King
Joan Mankin - The Devil in Various Disguises -
Review from KJ P.
Hayward, CA
Updated - 11/23/2011
Aurora Theatre's presentation of The Soldier's Tale based on Igor Stravinsky's 1918 musical work is elegant and graceful - not works I usually associate with theatre. Yet, this is theatrical and well worth the time and ticket price.
The small intimate theatre space was filled with live music and the velvety voice of L. Peter Callender. Mureil Maffre's puppeteering and movement were a joy to watch. (I admit I am not normally a fan of puppets on stage... this was so well done, I was engaged from start to finish)
Joan Mankin's skills and talents made her perfect as the devil. All in all a show not to be missed. Another success for Aurora Theatre Company, a great Berkeley theatrical Treasure!4 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/10/2011
A Delicate Balance (Edward Albee) is Aurora Theatre's 20th Season Opening success. Veteran actors… Read more »
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Review from Terry T.
11/30/2010
This small and intimate theater-in-the-round is another five star venue in Berkeley. Why they deserve 5 stars:
Talented actors
No bad seats
Interesting mix of plays
Have applied for their liquor licenses
Often have two-for-one ticketsListed in: Theaters
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Review from Simone L.
Berkeley, CA
6/10/2011
Love this place. Their productions are always spot on. Great actors. Phenomenal performances. I love how they use very little in terms of set and costume and so on and instead of having them set that back, they use it to the fullest potential and really allow it to let their stellar acting shine through. I've seen three shows here and loved every single one!
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Review from gail p.
Mad River, CA
7/11/2011
I won two tickets and was highly entertained.
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Review from jill j.
Mill Valley, CA
9/20/2007
If there is anything at Aurora Theatre that even mildly strikes your fancy, go see it.
Acting and performances are consistently good. Ticket prices are quite reasonable (and less than Berkeley Rep.) And there is not a bad seat in this small intimate house! Really - do NOT get hung up on getting "good" seats; they're all great. You feel close to the performance without having to turn away for fear of being splattered by the performers' "annunciation". -
Review from Jeff D.
Oakland, CA
2/16/2007
I was the PR guy for this company for several years, and watched this company grow from tiny and good to not so tiny and great.
Under the brilliant tutelage of Barbara Oliver (then) and Tom Ross (now), the Aurora is putting out some of the best theatre to be found anywhere in the Bay Area.
Tom has given the company a little more edge and contemporary feel in its play selection. The acting has always been first rate.
I'm proud to have been associated with this place, and even prouder to see how beautifully it has grown -
Review from Randy H.
Castro Valley, CA
9/25/2011
I enjoy a bit of ogling on the sly - you know, a little peekaboo with your neighbor and what not. This place, however, takes it to a whole new level. It's a small theater and the stage is literally in the middle of audience - so, it's real up close, personal and intimate. Not only do you get a great view of the thespians playing their parts to perfection - you also get a clear view of your fellow audience members. We recently saw Edward Albee's "A Delicate Balance" - great show and we were also treated to another little show as well. There was some type of intense altercation with an obsessive knitter and the ushers. This woman simply refused to stop knitting until the exact moment that the play began. It was a really uncomfortable scene - a lady knitting with reckless abandon and several of the usher staff informing her that her skill with a needle was not welcome in the round. I never knew that one could knit as an act of defiance. This was a bit much - even for my own voyeuristic tendencies. Finally, when the show was over we saw several cast members walk out of the theater checking their cell phones and heading to their cars. Like I said, real intimate. I enjoyed the show and the theater - however, please leave your knitting needles at home.
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Review from Anirvan C.
Berkeley, CA
2/16/2008
Yum. I've watched three plays at Aurora over the past year, and they're my favorite new local discovery.
They tend to pick smart contemporary plays that make me think. The space is small and intimate, and productions tend to make great use of in-the-round staging; it's fun being able to literally reach out and touch the actors -- a far cry from being stuck twenty rows back at the Berkeley Rep next door.
I recommend the cheap $20 rush tickets, available at the box office half an hour before the show. -
Review from Irish L.
San Francisco, CA
9/21/2006
Possibly the best small-mid size theater company in the Bay Area, the Aurora Theater company presents consistently strong work in every show. The best actors of the bay area have mostly all worked here, as have the best directors from here and around the country.
It's also great that they kept their City Club format - intimate theater, with the audience participating in the show by virtue of their proximity to the action. -
Review from Mari H.
Berkeley, CA
10/14/2010
Saw Trouble In Mind by Alice Childress at the Aurora Theatre Company. Amazing performance, incredible acting. The theatre is very warm and intimate, which promotes an engaging academic atmosphere. Will definitely return in the immediate future -- Four stars.
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Review from Laura C.
Oakland, CA
12/1/2010
Love this little theater! There's not a bad seat in the house; and it's like you're right in the play.. so close. In two years there has only been one play that I didn't love.
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Review from Rebecca H.
San Francisco, CA
4/1/2007
This place is consistently excellent, and reasonably priced. I have seen shows at Berkeley Rep and ACT and found the quality and commitment of the actors at Aurora to surpass them both. And they pick interesting scripts. Highly recommended.
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Review from Benjamin K.
Oakland, CA
6/10/2010
Wonderful company with unbeleivable talent. I've never seen a show here I didn't love. I especially enjoyed Miss Julie which I beleive was last season.
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Review from Deb T.
San Francisco, CA
2/26/2005
High quality, interesting shows, a small, intimate space where most seats are "good" seats, friendly atmosphere, and close to BART and downtown Berkeley.
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Review from Paula M.
Walnut Creek, CA
7/5/2010
I've been to the Aurora twice now, enjoying both productions that I saw.
It's a tiny theater, so there are no bad seats. Note that the seating is "in the round," so sometimes a specific actor will have his or her back to you, but you quickly get used to that.
They seem to specialize in 20th century classics and new material and typically seem to attract decent reviews for their productions.
The prices are decent, and their shows often show up on Goldstar for even more affordable deals. -
Review from Gracie B.
Newark, NJ
9/27/2006
What a great theater. I went to see Salome here tonight and it was amazing. The space is very intimate and since you're so close, you can really connect with the actors and see their every move and expression. It's basically a small, full apron black box theater. I will definitely see more performances here.
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Review from Len S.
San Francisco, CA
4/22/2009
I've only been to this theater once but I was completely floored by the production: The Persians. The aurora is a theater in the round, seating on 3 sides of a stage that is at "ground floor". The staging of the play made wonderful use of the entry way and created for an amazingly intimate space for the power of Aeschylus's drama. If you get a chance to see a show there go as its really a different theater experience than sitting before a stage and proscenium.
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Review from Natalia B.
Berkeley, CA
5/21/2006
Consistently high quality productions in an intimate setting. We decided to subscribe after seeing several plays that left us thinking and talking about them long afterward - Lobby Hero, Blue/Orange, Small Tragedy are a few that come to mind. Unlike the Berkeley Rep, which has occasionally lost its way when trying to tackle something with a blindingly obvious, flashy "message", the Aurora distinguishes itself by crafting small gems. The brilliance of these jewel-like plays are revealed by the crafstmenlike actors and directors who understand that a character's flaws are what bring color and depth to each piece.
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Review from Tiffany C.
Oakland, CA
4/30/2007
I love this theatre...the space is intimate and yet comfortable and clean. The shows are smart and well produced. I did some AD work with this company last year, but overall just love to go as an audience member. There's generally no bad seat in the house and you know you are going to see a quality production, even if every piece they choose is not your cup of tea. It's definitely a company to check out.
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Review from Emily O.
Oakland, CA
11/5/2009
I saw Fat Pig on preview night. I've seen one previous LaBute play, Shape of Things, which has seared itself onto my consciousness, and this one is similar. You laugh and yet feel the excruciating pain/discomfort of the male lead character who says one thing and is feeling another. My favorite character is the vile, shallow "friend" of Tom (Jud Williford), whose last role was as the creepy Mephistopheles in Shotgun's Faust (Peter Ruocco as Carter). Here he plays the devil again; what a marvellous and logical idea to cast him here!
I have a rebuttal to LaBute though: his idea about librarians is laughably outdated and shallow, no more than a device (But Liliane Klein as Helen does great). Stereotyped librarians abound. Printed Word Specialist? Come on already. If you haven't woken up to the fact that libraries are about more than printed books, then you haven't been in a library for a few decades. -
Review from Margery E.
Berkeley, CA
11/9/2010
My husband and I love this theatre company, having been subscribers for years. Great acting, wonderful thought-provoking scripts. AND they hire local talent, using age appropriate actors. Always well directed and every seat is a winner. Season tickets are reasonable and ensure that you get a seat for ALL of their wonderful shows.
