Berkeley Rep scores again. Two plays that premiered at the theater— “American Idiot” and “In the Next Room (or the Vibrator Play)” — have scooped up six Tony nominations.
“American Idiot”, a musical based on the Green Day album of the same name, was nominated for best musical, best scenic design of a musical and best lighting design of a musical. While “In the Next Room” (pictured), a drama written by Sarah Ruhl about attitudes towards women in Victorian times, was nominated for best play, best featured actress in a play (Maria Dizzia, who originated the role at Berkeley Rep) and David Zinn for best costume design of a play.
The Rep has been associated with Tony winners in the past. “Passing Strange” , which had its world premiere there, won a Tony for Best Book; in 2006, Sarah Jones won a Tony for Best Special Theatrical Event with “Bridge & Tunnel”; Mary Zimmerman won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play with “Metamorphoses”, which made its West Coast premiere at Berkeley Rep on its way to New York; and the Rep received a Tony for Outstanding Regional Theatre in 1997.
Berkeley Rep spokesperson Terence Keane said the theater was delighted with the news. “We will be surprised and thrilled if we win the awards — it’s an honor to be worthy of them.”
