Theater News

Amélie, Based on the Beloved French Film, Makes World Premiere

The new musical, directed by Tony winner Pam MacKinnon, opens Berkeley Rep’s 2015-16 season tonight.

Award winning-actress Samantha Barks plays Amélie in Berkeley Rep's production of Amélie.
Award winning-actress Samantha Barks plays the title role in Berkeley Rep's production of Amélie.
(courtesy of the production)

Amélie, a new musical based on the award-winning movie, begins performances tonight at Berkeley Repertory Theatre.

In the show, Amélie, a shy but charming girl, sets out on a mission to create moments of joy and wonder for those around her by secretly orchestrating meet-ups between old friends and potential love matches, and even by giving a man a memento that allows him to relive his childhood. She takes to the street of Monmartre in a world enhanced by her own imagination. On this quest, however, she may discover more about herself and what she wants than she expected.

Tony Award winner Pam MacKinnon directs the show, with book by Craig Lucas, score by Daniel Messé, and lyrics by Messé and Nathan Tysen. Samantha Barks leads the cast as Amélie, with David Andino as Blind Beggar and Garden Gnome, Randy Blair as Hipoloto, Adam Chanler-Berat as Nino, Alison Cimmet as Amandine and Philomene, Savvy Crawford as Young Amélie, Carla Duren as Gina, John Hickok as Raphael and Bretodeaux, Alyse Alan Louis as Georgette, Maria-Christina Oliveras as Suzanne, Tony Sheldon as Dufayel and Collignon, Perry Sherman as Lucien, Paul Whitty as Joseph, and Shannon O’Boyle and Jacob Keith Watson as swings.

"We’re thrilled to kick off the season with Amélie," said Tony Taccone, Berkeley Rep’s Michael Leibert artistic director. "We have tapped an incredibly talented team of collaborators to create a charming, theatrical production. It is a fanciful sensory experience with its own voice, yet respectful of the original film. I can’t think of a better way to start the season…Amélie is very much an ensemble piece and, ultimately, a hyper-romantic coming-of-age story. I’m excited for Berkeley Rep audiences to be the first to see this love story about a girl with a huge imagination."

The creative team includes David Zinn (set and costume design), Jane Cox (lighting design), Kai Harada (sound design), Peter Nigrini (projection design), Kimberly Grigsby and Daniel Messé (vocal arrangers), and Bruce Coughlin (orchestrations).

Performances will run through October 4.

For tickets and more information, click here.