The Tony Award-honored not-for-profit theatre presents actress-writer Fisher's "hilarious solo show about her Hollywood hangover" now through April 12 (it was originally announced to play to March 30).
A recent performance had Fisher's mom, Debbie Reynolds, in the house, to riotous effect. Also checking out recent performances have been dad Eddie Fisher, former co-star Harrison Ford, actor Al Pacino, actress Beverly D'Angelo, Peter Mayhew (who played Chewbacca in "Star Wars"), singer Bonnie Raitt, actress Rita Moreno and more.
"Carrie Fisher is the life of the party on Berkeley Rep's birthday with Wishful Drinking, an uproarious and sobering look at her Hollywood hangover," according to notes from the Rep, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. "Alone on stage, Carrie tells a true and intoxicating story with the strong, wry wit that she poured into bestsellers like 'Postcards from the Edge.' Born to celebrity parents, she was picked to play a princess in the original 'Star Wars' when only 19 years old. Aside from a demanding career and her role as a single mother, she spends her free time battling addiction, weathering the wild ride of manic depression, and lounging around various mental institutions. It's an incredible tale — from having Elizabeth Taylor as a stepmother, to marrying (and divorcing) Paul Simon, from having the father of her daughter leave her for a man to ultimately waking up one morning and finding a friend dead beside her in bed."
Berkeley Rep artistic director Tony Taccone (who staged the solo shows Taking Over by Danny Hoch and Sarah Jones' Tony-winning Bridge & Tunnel) directs the Fisher show. Reviews and audience response are so strong that insiders suggest the show could have a wider life in commercial theatre.
Designers for the production include Alexander V. Nichols (scenic/lighting/projections) and Christina Wright (costume). Nicole Dickerson serves as stage manager. Fisher debuted her solo at Los Angeles' Geffen Playhouse where it enjoyed an extended run from November 2006 into January 2007. The Berkeley run is presented in association with Jonathan Reinis Productions.
For more information, call (510) 647-2949 or 888-4-BRT-Tix or click berkeleyrep.org.
