This summer, Actors Ensemble will be bringing a new musical to the John Hinkel Park Amphitheatre, Faeries of the Moonlight, with Book and Lyrics by Mercedes Cohen, Music Composed and Arranged by Aoife Ni Conchobhair O’Connor, Pamela Connolly, and Kara S. Poon, and directed by Michael Cohen.  Free-of-charge, reservations encouraged (especially for those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility) but not necessary.

Faeries of the Moonlight is a musical play that follows the delightful and daring adventures of a rebellious teenager, Sunny, who crosses over to the fairy realm after she has a fight with her errant mother, a Celtic punk rocker. Trapped behind the portal that connects the faery and human worlds, two faeries Rory and Maddie come to Sunny's aid. The teen's fate hangs in suspense as magic, betrayal, and sacrifice shape the events that catapult the characters into a life and death struggle. It’s a modern fairy tale told with humor and heart, suitable for all ages, with music derived from classic Irish melodies with a modern touch.

Performances will be weekend afternoons at 4 p.m. at John Hinkel Park Amphitheatre, 41 Somerset Pl., Berkeley, CA 94707, from August 19th through September 3rd, plus Labor Day, Monday, September 4th.

With: Kate Bolton-Schumaker, Natalie Buck-Bauer, AnneJelika Ong Cortez, Maureen Coyne, Laszlo Horner, Grace Liu, Flannery Mays, Jacob Miller, Grace Paxton, Hana Rachel-Gerry,  Jerome Solberg and Vicki Victoria.  Creators : Mercedes Cohen, Aoife Ni Conchobhair O'Connor, Pamela Connolly, Leif Pearson, Kara S. Poon, Jerome Solberg, Mary Tran.

The amphitheatre seats well over 300 people and consists of a series of stone steps. Low lawnchairs are acceptable, or bring pillows and/or blankets.  The amphitheatre is wheelchair accessible with 5 spot, s for wheelchairs or those who cannot climb steps and need a special chair, and 8 benches for wheelchair companions or folks who cannot climb ysteps but can sit on benches , all at ground level - please make a reservation so we can reserve these spots.  In addition, for those with limited mobility we will reserve places in the first few rows, which requires climbing a few steps (there are railings).  No chairs are provided, please bring your own and/or pillows/blankets.  For all others, we encourage you to make a reservation (and make a donation!) so we have some idea of who is coming (helps to plan concessions), but seats are on a first-come/first-served basis.   There a single handicap parking spot close to the amphitheatre and some additional spots along Somerset which are reasonably accessible for wheelchairs - we encourage folks to be dropped off.

John Hinkel Park Amphitheatre is at 41 Somerset Pl., Berkeley, CA 94707.  Access is via Arlington Avenue, turn right on Southampton, then continue straight onto Somerset.  Note that Google Maps will direct you to locations at the top of the park along San Diego Road - quite a hike down.  There is very limited parking at the amphitheatre, due to the addition of a playground which swallowed up most of the existing parking.  There is some parking along Arlington, Somerset, Southhampton, and San Diego Road - we encourage folks to ride bicycles or use ride services.  The closest BART station is the North Berkeley BART.  Unfortunately, the #7 AC Transit bus which stops right at the corner of Arlington and Southampton has been discontinued on weekends and holidays - the closest bus stop is at the intersection of Solano Avenue and the Alameda, about an 11 minute walk.

The production lasts about two hours, including a short intermission where hot dogs, veggie dogs, and corn-on-the-cob will be served.