Berkeley Playhouse continues its 2025/26 Season with the unforgettable love story, Once, beginning February 20, 2026.
ABOUT ONCE:
Book by Enda Walsh, with music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. Directed by Josh Marx, music directed by Michael Patrick Wiles, and choreographed by Erin Rose Solorio.
From the very first note, Once pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Set in Dublin, an Irish busker and a Czech immigrant meet and instantly find connection through their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, sparks and chords fly, and their chemistry leads to a new level of songwriting they couldn’t reach alone. Their friendship quickly evolves into a beautiful but complicated love story, underscored by a bevy of gorgeous melodies, emotionally charged pleas, and passionate collaboration.
Based on the 2007 film, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, “Falling Slowly,” this Tony Award-winning musical reminds us of the power of music, the intricacies of relationships, and the chances you take for a love that only happens Once.
FROM THE DIRECTOR:
“I’ve always loved Once because it digs into something I think about a lot: what music really is and how it connects us as human beings,” said Marx. “I loved the movie Once when I first saw it – and then the Broadway production pulled me in even deeper, especially the way it evoked a sense of community; similar to drinking a pint of Guinness in an Irish pub while patrons play music together. For Berkeley Playhouse’s production, we’re looking to put something truly special together; each actor plays their own instrument (sometimes more than one!), and we want to create an unforgettable experience that capitalizes on the amazing talent that we’re bringing into the room.”
THE ANNIE CAST:
Jake Gale as Guy
Gillian Eichenberger as Girl
John Mannion as DA
Dyan McBride*as Baruska
Cassidy Hill as Eamon
Nicholas Conrad as Svec
Michael Doppe as Andrej
Christina Walton as Ex GirlfriendSean Hoffman as Bank Manager
Billy Raphael as Emcee
Michael Barrett Austin* as Billy
Sarah Jiang as Reza
Kay Kawashima and Selma Jeyathurai White as Ivonka
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
PREVIEWS: Friday, February 20, at 7pm, and Saturday, February 21, at 1pm
OPENS: Saturday, February 21, at 7pm
PRESS: Saturday, February 21, at 7pm, through Sunday, March 8, at 2pm
PERFORMANCES: Performances run Friday through Sunday, and select weekday evenings, beginning February 20, 2026. Press can reserve comps for performances running February 21 (opening night) to March 8, 2026, by emailing press@berkeleyplayhouse.org.
TICKETS: For tickets ($29 for previews, $19–$55 for regular performances, $40-$66 for special pub-style seating plus $3.95 ticketing vendor fee per ticket) or more information, the public may call (510) 845-8542 x351 or visit berkeleyplayhouse.org. Group rates are available for 10 or more people. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. Due to the unique performance schedule, please check the website for specific dates and times. All performances at Berkeley Playhouse, located at 2640 College Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704.
