Colman Domingo Lends Star Power to Berkeley Rep’s Annual Benefit Gala

It was a star-studded evening on March 29th, when the Berkeley Repertory Theatre welcomed friends and supporters to its annual Ovation Gala, this year held at San Francisco’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel. This year’s gala trained its spotlight on honoree Eisa Davis, the acclaimed playwright, actor and composer, who brought a VIP as her plus-one: 2024 Oscar nominee longtime friend Colman Domingo. Davis, currently collaborating with Lin-Manuel Miranda on turning a concept album into a new musical, joined guests in enjoying a night of unforgettable food, music and celebration. 

Attendees convened in the elegant Ritz-Carlton ballroom for a dinner of crispy sweet potato with avocado crema, followed by flat iron steak with kale and chimichurri. After heartfelt speeches from Domingo and others, guests were treated to live performances from Brian Quijada, Nygel D. Robinson and Madalynn Mathews, who brought down the house with excerpts from Eisa’s many projects. This year’s event raised over $750,000 to support Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s artistic and educational programs.