Posted: KTVU.com - 5:22 pm PDT September 12, 2011

During her remarkable career, Rita Moreno has portrayed some tough women, from Anita in 'West Side Story' to Maria Callas in 'Master Class.' Now this legendary performer takes on the toughest woman of all – herself. The star of stage and screen returns to Berkeley Rep for the first time since a sold-out run in 'The Glass Menagerie.' She recounts her unlikely life in an irreverent and entertaining new show called 'Rita Moreno: Life Without Makeup.'

Written by Berkeley Rep Artistic Director and prolific writer/producer Tony Taccone ('Angels in America,' the acclaimed one-woman show 'Bridge & Tunnel' which won actress Sarah Jones a Tony, and Carrie Fisher's autobiographical show 'Wishful Drinking'), the piece showcases Moreno's gifts as an actress, singer and dancer while exploring intimate details of her life. Music director Cesar Cancino (piano) leads a lively band that includes Sascha Jacobsen (bass), Alex Murzyn (reeds), and David Rokeach (percussion) while two expert dancers – Ray Garcia and Salvatore Vassallo – join Moreno to perform choreography by Lee Martino. Expect another breathtaking performance from the lady who won the Oscar, the Tony, the Grammy, and two Emmys during this world premiere run of performances.

Rita Moreno: Life Without Makeup
Tuesday-Sunday through Oct. 30, times vary
Berkeley Rep's Roda Theatre