The Secret in the Wings

Theatre Lunatico presents The Secret in the Wings

Written by Mary Zimmerman
Directed by Michael Barr

Descend down to La Val’s Subterranean Theater and delve into a vivid story woven from several lesser-known European fairy tales that reflect the dark and dangerous undercurrents of childhood and all of its enchantment. In Mary Zimmerman’s The Secret in the Wings, a child is left with a frightening ogre, a basement becomes an enchanted kingdom, and one strange story gives way to the next in a kaleidoscopic unfolding of fairy tale as nightmare, memory, and theatrical spell. Embracing Lunatico’s physical, ensemble-driven style, director Michael Barr, creates a grimy, beautiful, and unsettling dreamscape that emerges from the shadowy corners of La Val’s Subterranean Theater. Underneath the macabre humor and lingering images lies the haunting feeling of childhood danger–the things we feared before we had words for them, and the stories that stayed with us. This Halloween season, join Lunatico in the basement for a night of fairy-tale lunacy…if you dare.

The ensemble cast includes Liam Blaney, Eileen Fisher, Jennifer Greene, Sarah Eli Hampton, Christian Jimenez, Shawn Oda, Erin Perry, Lauri Smith, and Umut Yalcinkaya

October 10 - Nov 1, 2026
Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30PM | Sundays at 3PM
La Val’s Subterranean Theater: 1834 Euclid Ave., Berkeley, CA
Below La Val's Pizza
*Post-performance talkbacks on Sunday, October 18 and Sunday, October 25

Lunatico Pricing – Pay what you can, no one turned away for lack of funds, but donations gladly accepted. Suggested donations: $15-$50 to help pay for production costs

PRODUCTION TEAM: Michael Barr, Liam Blaney, Rachel Brown, Gendell Hing-Hernandez, Aella Ney, Owen Parry, Daynna Rosales and Elana Swartz

Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French. 

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This show contains themes that may be sensitive to some viewers, particularly young audience members. Age recommendation: ages 13 & up.

Unfortunately La Val’s Subterranean Theatre is not wheelchair accessible. Access via the alley is possible when pre-arranged with 48 hours notice, but still requires navigating several steps and walking on an uneven surface through the alley behind the pizzeria. Call ‭510-610-1214‬ to arrange.

🎟️ Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
Come early to enjoy the vibe, grab your favorite seat, and take advantage of La Val’s Happy Hour specials for pre-reserved ticket holders.

🎟️ We cannot guarantee late seating. Our shows are dynamic, interactive experiences that can make late seating difficult and disruptive to other audience members. Once the show begins, the doors will be closed. No refunds for latecomers.

Theatre Lunatico is a fully vaccinated and boosted company. All audience members are requested to be fully vaccinated. Masking is optional inside the theater. Performers will be unmasked during the performance. We reserve the right to change our policy in order to comply with federal, state and local requirements.