Everything about Berkeley Repertory’s current play invites questions and the need for further discovery. Even its name — “Here There Are Blueberries” — provokes speculation. Why is a play about the holocaust titled in such a way? The first thing you see upon entering the theater on 2025 Addison St. is a Leica camera on a pedestal — inviting more questions.
This dramatized documentary certainly answers your questions and more as it recreates the notorious Auschwitz concentration camp. Playwrights Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich surprise by focusing on the Nazis who ran the camp rather than the victims.
A co-production with Tectonic Theater Project, “Here There Are Blueberries” takes place at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in the early 2000s. Museum archivists guide us through the play transforming into various characters throughout the 90-minute, no-intermission performance.
This fascinating work, which runs through May 11, focuses on the Höcker album, donated to the museum in 2007, which focuses on the daily life of the Nazis — from the commander and his staff to the young women typists and telegraph operators. The closest you get to victims is one photo of the commandant’s adjutant (Höcker) at his home relaxing outside with his family as smoke from the gas chambers rises in the distance.
Seeing ordinary people (Commandant Höss ran a tea and coffee business while Höcker was a bank teller before the war) gives an idea of what can happen when people become ruled by racism and hatred.
A large screen behind Derek McLane’s minimal set shows the actual photos from the Höcker album as the excellent cast sets the scene or interviews relatives who came forward after the album was published.
Moisés Kaufman directs this powerful production with a stellar cast featuring Scott Barrow (Höcker) and Delia Cunningham (archivist who discovered the Höcker album).
For tickets, call 510-647-2949 or go to berkeleyrep.org.
Walnut Creek: It always amazes me when theaters, unbeknownst to each other, select the same show for their seasons. In this case, it’s “Chicago” — which, in my opinion, easily deserves two productions.
Up first is I Can Do That! Performing Arts Center bringing a teen version of “Chicago” to Walnut Creek’s Del Valle Theatre at the beginning of May.
With music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and a book by Ebb and Bob Fosse, “Chicago” tells a thrilling tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz. Set in the roaring 1920s, the show follows Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two ambitious women caught in a media frenzy as they fight for their place in the spotlight and to gain freedom from jail.
“Our cast of dedicated teens are ready to bring this iconic Broadway musical to life with big production numbers and Fosse-inspired choreography,” said Director Jarusha Ariel. “Every actor has been working hard to pour their talent into each moment.”
The production features a double cast alternating in the various roles with Charlotte Thomas/Addison Au (Velma Kelly), Joelle Moon/Aria Perez (Roxie Hart), Eli Cohen/Matthew Maier (Billy Flynn), Jackson Evans/Matthew Randolph (Amos Hart) and Isabella Arechaederra/Scarlet Shinkle (Mama Morton).
“Chicago” runs May 2-11 at Del Valle Theatre on 1963 Tice Valley Road in Walnut Creek, with showtimes Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays/Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday matinees are just $10. Use the code “SATMAT10” at checkout.
For tickets, go to simpletix.com/e/chicago-the-musical-tickets-205303.
Pittsburg: The iconic musical also hits the stage in a Pittsburg Theatre Company production on May 9-18 at the California Theatre on 351 Railroad Ave.
You’ll get lots of “razzle-dazzle” with Meghan Hornbacker (Roxie) and Shelly McDowell (Velma) as they manipulate the media and the justice system to get out of prison.
Director Dianna Schepers promises a fresh approach while maintaining the spirit of the original. McDowell does double duty as actress and choreographer with Jed da Roza as musical director.
For tickets, call 925-427-1611 or go to tickets831.com.
Pt. Richmond: Christmas at the well-to-do Wyeth home appears to be a joyous family gathering. A closer look, however, finds a time bomb ticking under their Palm Springs Christmas tree.
Not a real time bomb of course, but one just as deadly. It seems daughter Brooke has written a memoir of her brother’s death. A memoir that if published would cause untold destruction as the family tragedy goes public.
Unexpectedly funny, Jon Robin Gaitz’s “Other Desert Cities” blends humor with weighty subjects as long-held secrets come to life.
I had the privilege of doing this show at Roleplayers many years ago. While it was emotionally draining, it was also incredibly satisfying for both performers and audience members.
Masquers Playhouse on 105 Park Ave. in Pt. Richmond presents this finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize beginning Friday through May 18. Dylan Russell directs a cast featuring Jen Halsing, Jim Rupp, Michele Morgen, Tyler Aguallo and Allson Lustbader.
For tickets, call 510-232-4031 or go to masquers.org.
Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.