Berkeley Playhouse Stages Immersive 'Once' Production

The East Bay theater brings the world of music to life through March 15th.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 3:55pm

Berkeley Playhouse is currently staging a production of the musical 'Once' that immerses audiences in a world of live music and engaging performers. The show, which runs through March 15th at the theater's 2640 College Ave location, follows the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant as they collaborate on an album and develop an unlikely romance.

Why it matters

The Berkeley Playhouse production of 'Once' highlights the theater's commitment to bringing high-quality, immersive musical experiences to East Bay audiences. The show's focus on the power of music to connect people from different backgrounds aligns with the Playhouse's mission of using the arts to foster community engagement.

The details

The Berkeley Playhouse production of 'Once' features a talented ensemble of actor-musicians who perform the show's folk-inflected score live on stage. Audience members are invited to interact with the performers and the set, which is designed to resemble a cozy Dublin music shop. The show's themes of pursuing artistic dreams and finding love in unexpected places have resonated with local theatergoers.

  • The production of 'Once' runs from February 28 to March 15, 2026.
  • Opening night was on February 28, 2026.

The players

Berkeley Playhouse

A nonprofit theater company in Berkeley, California that produces a variety of plays and musicals for the East Bay community.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Berkeley Playhouse production of 'Once' is a must-see for any fan of live, immersive theater. The music and performances truly transport you to another world.”

— Samantha Lee, Local theater critic

The takeaway

The Berkeley Playhouse's staging of 'Once' demonstrates the theater's commitment to bringing innovative, community-focused productions to East Bay audiences. By creating an immersive musical experience, the Playhouse is helping to foster a deeper appreciation for the power of live performance.