2010/11 season > A new show for Rita Moreno
A new show for Rita Moreno
written by tony taccone
directed by david galligan
limited season | roda theatre
may 13–june 12, 2011 
world premiere
the play
During her spectacular career, Rita Moreno has portrayed some tough women, from Anita in West Side Story to Maria Callas in Master Class. Now this legendary performer takes on the toughest woman of all—herself. The star of stage and screen returns to Berkeley Rep to tell her tale in an irreverent and entertaining new show that’s full of surprises and songs. Expect another breathtaking performance from the lady who won the Oscar, the Tony, the Grammy and two Emmys. Artistic Director Tony Taccone makes his debut as a playwright with this touching script, drawing on decades of experience developing shows with leading solo artists, and he hands the reins for this world premiere to a renowned director: David Galligan. Don’t miss the rollercoaster ride as Rita Moreno takes you through the highs and lows—and solos—of her improbable life.
the players
Rita Moreno is one of a select group of performers who have won all four of the foremost awards in show business. She starred in two previous hits at Berkeley Rep: Master Class and The Glass Menagerie.
Tony Taccone creates award-winning shows with solo performers such as Carrie Fisher, Danny Hoch and Sarah Jones, which begin in Berkeley and end up on Broadway, off Broadway and around the world.
David Galligan is a Los Angeles director (and San Francisco native) known for his work on musicals, revues and cabarets.
the buzz
“Do not even think about typecasting Rita Moreno. She’s done everything every other actress ever dreamed of, sometimes twice, and almost always better.”—New York Observer
“Tony Taccone may very well be the most prominent artistic director in America right now.”—Playbill
“One could see this string of accomplishments as inevitable, given the quality of the artists who seek out Taccone’s talent, or as the hard-earned culmination of a career as one of American theatre’s most versatile and generous collaborators.”—American Theatre
“There are few other directors who have the kind of name recognition with producers and track record with audiences that David Galligan has.”—Back Stage West
Legendary performer Rita Moreno returns to Berkeley Rep for the world premiere of a new show written by Artistic Director Tony Taccone.
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