Another eight performances have been added to the run, taking the local hit to Jan. 18, 2009, prior to a tour to Kansas City and Chicago.

"Every time Mary Zimmerman has worked her magic on our stage, audiences have responded enthusiastically," stated Tony Taccone, artistic director of Berkeley Rep. "But at this particular moment in time, when the world can seem so dark, people really appreciate the humor, and humanity in her work. I am extremely pleased that this play has touched so many people, and glad that we can reach a larger audience."

Since opening in November, The Arabian Nights has earned rave reviews, standing ovations and sold-out houses. Tony Award winner Zimmerman (Metamorphoses) made her career as a writer-director by reanimating ancient myths and classic tales. In Arabian Nights, "to save her life, a beautiful bride must spin hypnotic tales of genies, jesters, thieves, and kings — winning her freedom by eventually winning her husband's heart."

A co-production with Kansas City Repertory Theatre, The Arabian Nights will travel to Missouri and to Chicago's Lookingglass Theatre Company in 2009.

Arabian Nights is designed by Daniel Ostling (sets), Mara Blumenfeld (costumes), TJ Gerckens (lights) and Andre Pluess and Ben Sussman (sound). The cast features Alana Arenas, Barzin Akhavan, Ryan Artzberger, Ari Brand, Noshir Dalal, Allen Gilmore, Sofia Jean Gomez, Melina Kalomas, Ramiz Monsef, Jesse J. Perez, Nicole Shalhoub, Louis Tucci, Pranidhi Varshney, Stacey Yen and Evan Zes.

Tickets to The Arabian Nights start at $33 (or $16.50 for anyone under 30 years of age). Performances play Berkeley Repertory Theatre's Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison Street at Shattuck, in downtown Berkeley, CA.

For more information call (510) 647-2949 or (888) 4-BRT-Tix or visit berkeleyrep.org.