Berkeley Rep’s OVATION gala

Eisa Davis is an award-winning performer, writer, musician, and composer working on stage and screen. She was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama for her play Bulrusher, and wrote and starred in the stage memoir Angela’s Mixtape, named a best of the year by the New Yorker. Angela’s Mixtape is now published with The History of Light (Barrymore nomination) in a volume from 53rd State Press / TCG. Of her thirteen full-length stage works, highlights include Ramp (Ruby Prize winner), The Essentialisn’t (Creative Capital Award), and Mushroom (Barrymore nomination). Notable collaborations include Cirque du Soleil’s first ice show, Crystal, AFROFEMONONOMY, and the songs for the musical adaptation of Walter Mosley’s Devil In A Blue Dress. Davis has released two albums of original music: Something Else, and Tinctures (with Daniel T. Denver), songs from which were featured on the Showtime series Soul Food. She is the co-writer and -producer with Lin-Manuel Miranda of the concept album Warriors.

Davis wrote for both seasons of Spike Lee’s Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It, and produced and wrote for the FX series Justified: City Primeval. As a theatre actor, she has earned an Obie Award for Sustained Excellence, an AUDELCO, three Lucille Lortel nominations, and a Drama League nomination. She is known for her screen roles on Mare of Easttown, Kindred, The Wire, House of Cards, Pose, Ahsoka, The Looming Tower, Hart of Dixie, and as a member of the original Broadway cast of the Tony-winning Passing Strange. She can currently be seen in the films Relay and Ex-Husbands, and on the Netflix series The Madness.

Davis saw some of her first professional theatre at Berkeley Rep and worked there in high school as a telemarketer. She returned for Passing Strange, and Bulrusher ran at Berkeley Rep in the fall of 2023 (Best of Bay Area Theatre). She is a three-time participant in Berkeley Rep’s Ground Floor development lab, and has also worked as a creator and performer in the Bay Area at La Peña, West Edge Opera, and ACT.

Other awards include the USA Artist Fellowship, the prestigious Herb Alpert Award in Theatre, New Dramatists playwright residency, and a multiyear fellowship with Black poetry organization Cave Canem. An advocate and creator of hip hop theatre since its inception, Davis is a Bay Area native and lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Photo by Jimmy Fontaine

Colman Domingo is an award-winning actor, writer, producer, and director. He has been nominated for awards at the Oscars, BAFTAs, Tony® Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, Lawrence Olivier Awards, Drama Desk Awards, and Drama League Awards. He has won an Emmy Award, Astra Film Award, AAFCA Award, NAACP Image Award, Gotham Award, and Black Reel Award.

In 2023, Domingo starred as Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin in Netflix and Higher Ground’s film Rustin for which he received an Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and SAG nominations. He can also be seen as Mister in the Warner Bros production of The Color Purple, which received a SAG Ensemble nomination. Domingo executive produced and starred in Greg Kwedar’s film Sing Sing for which he received Academy Award, Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice, and SAG nominations. He also executive produced It’s What’s Inside, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and was released on Netflix in Oct 2024.

Domingo can currently be seen as the lead in the limited series The Madness created by Clement Virgo for Netflix and is the voice of Norman Osborn in the DISNEY+ animated series Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman.

Domingo is well known for his Emmy Award-winning role as Ali in HBO’s Euphoria as well as his roles in Zola, If Beale Street Could Talk, Selma, Candyman, and many more. Domingo and his husband Raul Domingo have produced a myriad of work under their Edith Productions banner. He has also co-produced the Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony-nominated play Fat Ham. Domingo co-wrote, produced, and starred in the Academy Award shortlisted animated short film New Moon as well as the award-winning short North Star.

Domingo starred in the Evening Standard Theatre Award–winning The Scottsboro Boys at the Young Vic in London, in a role he originated on and Off Broadway and reprised on the West End. Additionally, he followed in the footsteps of Zakes Mokae, James Earl Jones, and Danny Glover by starring as Zachariah in the New York revival of Blood Knot written and directed by Athol Fugard in the inaugural production of the Signature Theater Center Off Broadway. Domingo is well known for his star turns as Mr. Franklin and the German performance artist Mr. Venus of Berlin in the groundbreaking, Tony and Drama Desk Award–winning musical Passing Strange directed by Annie Dorsen on Broadway and documented on film by Spike Lee. Domingo has starred in the first ever screen adaptation of a Ralph Ellison story for PBS, King of the Bingo Game.

Domingo made his British and Australian theatrical debuts with his self-penned solo play A Boy and His Soul at the Tricycle Theater and Brisbane Powerhouse Theaters, the production originated at the New York City’s stalwart the Vineyard Theatre. He starred in his play Wild with Happy that had its debut at the Public Theater. His fourth play Dot premiered at the Humana Festival at Actors Theater of Louisville and premiered Off Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre directed by the legendary Tony award winner Susan Stroman. Dot is enjoying regional productions around the country and is published by Samuel French. Recently, Domingo was featured on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s concept musical theatre album titled Warriors.

As a theatre director, Domingo has helmed at the People’s Light Theatre, Huntington Theatre, Geffen Playhouse, Actors Theater of Louisville, and Berkeley Repertory Theatre.

Upcoming, Domingo will be seen in Michael playing Joe Jackson, directed by Antoine Fuqua. Lionsgate will release the film on Oct 3, 2025.

Domingo recently wrapped production on Netflix’s The Four Seasons alongside Tina Fey and Steve Carell and Paramount’s The Running Man alongside Glen Powell and Josh Brolin. Domingo is currently in production on the anticipated third season of HBO’s Euphoria.

Ari’el is thrilled to be back supporting Berkeley Rep where he premiered his solo show Out of Character in 2023. Ari’el received the 2018 Tony Award for his role in The Band’s Visit on Broadway for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical. He was featured in Olivia Wilde’s Warner Brother’s Don’t Worry Darling, opposite Florence Pugh. Previously, Ari’el was seen in A24’s production of Zola, directed by Janicza Bravo. He can also be found recurring on Netflix’s The Night Agent, NBC’s Law & Order: SVU, Showtime’s Billions, and Netflix’s Jessica Jones.

Photo by Sergio Pasquariello

Theatre credits include Virginia Galilei in the world premiere of Galileo: A Rock Musical at Berkeley Rep which earned her a Best Principal Performance nomination by San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards. Madalynn can be found in the cabaret world, for which she won the Julie Wilson Award presented by The Mabel Mercer Foundation after appearing in the cabaret convention at Lincoln Center for three consecutive years. She has just made her solo show debut at 54 Below. Madalynn is a song writer and her music can be found live in clubs around New York City. Madalynn studied theatre at Mason Gross School of Arts at Rutgers University and at Professional Performing Arts High School in Manhattan.

Brian Quijada is an Emmy-nominated playwright, actor, composer, and artistic director of The Wild Wind Performance Lab for New Play Development. As a playwright/composer, his work spans theatre to audio plays to television. His hip-hop solo show Where Did We Sit on the Bus? has been produced across the country at Teatro Vista, Ensemble Studio Theatre, City Theatre Pittsburgh, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Geva Theatre, and more. His other works include Kid Prince and Pablo and Somewhere Over The Border. He is a four-time Jeff Award winner, three-time Drama Desk nominee, and one-time Lucile Lortel winner.

Nygel D. Robinson is a singer, actor, writer, music producer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Chicago, IL. Nygel’s select theatre credits include Brother Davis in The Amen Corner at Shakespeare Theatre Company, where he was also the music director; Jimmy Powers in Lady Day at North Carolina Theatre; Larry in Lincoln Center’s concert version of Beau: The Musical; Jesus in Godspell at St. Michael’s Playhouse; and The All Night Strut at Milwaukee Rep.

This exclusive collection of 53 high-end and cult wines from Napa and beyond could be yours!

• 2010 Gargiulo Vineyards OVX G Major 7 Study (6 bottles)
• 2010 Gargiulo Vineyards Money Road Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (6 bottles)
• 2012 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon (1 case)
• 2014 Penfolds Cabernet Shiraz
• 2012 Le Cuvier Grenache
• 2012 Le Cuvier Syrah
• 2021 Le Cuvier Malbec (2 bottles)
• 2015 San Filippo Le Lucere Brunello di Montalcino
• 2021 Peter Michael Belle Cote Chardonnay
• 2021 Peter Michael Ma Belle-Fille Chardonnay
• 2019 Round Pond Bovet Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2008 Conn Valley Vineyards Eloge
• 2016 Round Pond Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2013 Backus Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2021 Peter Michael Clos Du Ciel Pinot Noir
• 2018 Beaux Freres The Upper Terrace Pinot Noir
• 2010 Lynch Bages Pauillac
• 2018 Timeless Soda Canyon Ranch - Family of Silver Oak
• 2014 Round Pond The Vow Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2010 Chateau Saint-Pierre Saint-Julien Domaines Martin
• 2019 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2014 Shafer Relentless
• 2021 Roagna Langhe Solea
• 2020 Champagne L'Orme Benoit Dehu
• 2014 Kistler Cuvee Natalie
• 2021 Peter Michael Belle Cote Chardonnay
• 2021 Peter Michael La Carriere Chardonnay
• 2010 Lynch Bages Pauillac
• 2009 Pape Clement Pessac-Leognan
• 2021 Peter Michael Clos Du Ciel Pinot Noir
• 2013 Backus Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon

Opening bid: $4,000

Valued at: $8,840

Donors: Robin & Rich Edwards, Jill & Steve Fugaro, Melanie Maier, Len & Arlene Rosenberg, Todd Rubin, Fredo Silva & Seth Mickenberg

Indulge your deepest foodie desires with a year of Michelin-starred dining in the Bay Area. This package includes dinner for two people at 12 Michelin-starred restaurants (one, two, and three-star).

• SingleThread
• Lazy Bear
• Commis
• Mister Jiu’s
• Hilda and Jesse
• Restaurant Nisei
• Angler
• 7 Adams
• The Progress
• Chez Noir
• Kin Khao
• PRESS

Opening bid: $6,000

Valued at: $7,500

Berkeley Rep Sustaining Advisor Felicia Woytak and her husband Steve Rasmussen welcome you and three of your friends (total of four) for a three-day, two-night wine lover’s experience at their historic Palisades Vineyard property in Calistoga.

Palisades Canyon is a little bit of heaven tucked into a narrow canyon at the foot of the magnificent Palisades cliffs in Napa Valley just east of the town of Calistoga comprised of almost 800 acres of beautiful vineyards with expansive hiking opportunities.

Felicia and Steve will give you an up-close-and-personal tour of their historic and organic vineyard and will share with you their love of the grape. You can also get close and personal with their goats and regal llama, Marquee. Hike miles of trails around the property or just relax poolside, steps away from your guesthouse. The real treat of your stay will be dinner with Felicia and Steve where they will share wines with you from their new (and sold out within a day!) wine brand — Palisades Canyon. Over dinner, you will learn what is involved in launching their new wine brand made by one of Napa Valley top young winemakers — Graeme MacDonald. Graeme’s own MacDonald Cabernet Sauvignon has been ranked the Best Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon two out of the past three years by Wine Spectator. Includes a 2-night stay on their property.

It promises to be a spectacular weekend, with great food, wine, and friends!

Opening bid: $5,000

Valued at: $7,500

Donors: Felicia Woytak & Steve Rasmussen

Upon his return from his honeymoon in Greece, Marc Chagall was commissioned by the publisher Tériade to illustrate the pastoral love story of Daphnis and Chloe by the Greek poet Longus. The tale is timeless, a romantic coming-of-age story of two foundling children, Daphnis and Chloe, who were discovered and raised by shepherds. Chagall created 42 color lithographs to illustrate the story of Daphnis and Chloe, published in two limited editions. This lithograph, from the second edition, comes from a series of 250 signed and numbered books featuring the illustrated story.

Marc Chagall (Russia) 1887–1985. Daphnis and Chloe: Spring. Color Lithograph. 16” x 25”. Edition 16 of 250. 1961. Framed, unsigned. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

Opening bid: $6,000

Valued at: $12,500

Donor: Weinstein Gallery

This December, experience an unforgettable three-week journey for four people along Australia’s stunning coastline aboard The World, Residences at Sea — the largest, privately-owned residential yacht on Earth. Your voyage begins in Darwin and concludes in Sydney, with multiple stops showcasing the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities.

The adventure starts in Darwin, where guests can explore the Top End’s rich Indigenous culture and breathtaking natural beauty. From there, the ship sails to Port Douglas for a four-day stay, providing access to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, making it a true highlight of the voyage.

Continuing south, the itinerary includes stops in Cairns, a gateway to tropical North Queensland, and Townsville, where guests can enjoy three days discovering its marine life, historical sites, and nearby Magnetic Island. A visit to Airlie Beach follows, offering an opportunity to experience the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands, known for their pristine beaches and turquoise waters.

The journey then brings you to Brisbane for a two-day stay, where you can immerse yourself in the city’s lively arts scene, riverside dining, and outdoor attractions. Further south, Newcastle offers another two-day stop, featuring stunning coastal landscapes and access to Hunter Valley’s renowned wineries. The voyage concludes in Sydney, where its world-famous harbor, iconic landmarks, and vibrant city culture await you. This carefully curated itinerary blends adventure, nature, and luxury, delivering an immersive Australian experience that highlights some of the country’s most picturesque and culturally rich destinations.

Along the way, you and your three guests will enjoy luxurious accommodations in a two-bedroom, two-bath, 1400-square-foot apartment. The World is a complete floating city offering the ultimate combination of luxury travel with world-class amenities and facilities with six restaurants; an award-winning wine list; a state-of-the-art fitness center with onboard personal trainers; world-renowned lecturers; The World Spa & Wellness Center; reliable high-speed internet; and the only full-size, regulation tennis court at sea!

December 2025 itinerary:

Dec 1–2 Darwin, Dec 3–5 at sea, Dec 6–9 Port Douglas, Dec 9–10 Cairns, Dec 11–13 Townsville, Dec 14 Airlie Beach, Dec 15 at sea, Dec 16–17 Brisbane, Dec 18 at sea, Dec 19–20 Newcastle, Dec 21 Sydney.

This offer is for ship passage only and excludes air transportation, ground transfers, any pre-and/or post-voyage hotel accommodations, personal expenditures, spa/boutique, food & beverage, and other retail purchases, etc. The second bedroom is an interior room.

Opening bid: $20,000

Valued at: $98,700

Donors: Robin & Rich Edwards

Be among 20 lucky guests at a special dinner on the Roda Stage with four-time Tony Award nominated Raúl Esparza, who dazzled us in last year’s world premiere musical Galileo!

Enjoy a cocktail reception and seated dinner with renowned stage, screen, and voice actor Raúl Esparza and Berkeley Rep Artistic Director Johanna Pfaelzer.

Since making his Broadway debut in Cabaret in 1999, Raúl has taken the theatre world by storm. Esparza is the second performer in theatre history to receive Tony nominations in all four acting categories that a performer can be eligible for. His Tony Award nominations include Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Taboo (2004), Best Actor in a Musical for Company (2007), Best Featured Actor in a Play for The Homecoming (2008), and Best Actor in a Play for Speed-the-Plow (2009). He’s also known for his television role as New York Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Rafael Barba in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Tread the boards at Berkeley Rep for an evening in fabulous company, as Raúl regales you with tales from his storied career. The top 10 bidders will each secure two seats at this once-in-a-lifetime event. Date to be announced.

Opening bid: $5,000

Value: Priceless