Confirmed! Samantha Barks to Headline Berkeley Rep’s Amelie; Adam Chanler-Berat & More Join Cast

As previously speculated, Samantha Barks will lead the world premiere musical Amélie at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. The cast will also include Broadway alum (and former Broadway.com vlogger) Adam Chanler-Berat as Nino. Performances will begin on August 28 and run through October 4. 

Barks, who takes on the title role, appeared on stage and screen as Eponine in Les Miserables. Her additional credits include City of Angels, Cabaret, Oliver! and Chicago. Chanler-Berat heads to the west coast after starring in The Fortress of Solitude off-Broadway. He has also appeared on Broadway in Peter and the Starcatcher and Next to Normal.

Based on the 2001 French film, Amélie features music by Daniel Messé, lyrics by Nathan Tysen and a book by Craig Lucas. It tells the story of a young girl who was home-schooled by her mother and cultivated a very active imagination. The show details her life in Paris as she helps those around her try to find love, and ultimately falls in love herself.

Barks and Chanler-Berat will be joined by Randy Blair as Hipolito, Alison Cimmet as Amandine/Philomene, Carla Duren as Gina, John Hickok as Raphael/Bretodeaux, Alyse Alan Louise as Georgette/Fluffy/Sylvie and Paul Whitty as Joseph. The production will feature set and costume design by David Zinn, lighting design by Jane Cox, sound design by Kai Harada and projection design by Peter Nigrini. Sam Pinkleton will choreograph.