Katy Owen
Through January 15 - 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips at Berkeley Rep. Depend on a Cornish theater company to present one of the more inventive productions I've seen recently. Kneehigh brings Michael Morpurgo's young adult novel to glorious life in their play by blending in music, puppetry, and some trademark British quirkiness. Set in the tiny seaside town of Slapton during World War II, 946 starts out as a story about young Lily Tregenza and her cat Tips but expands to include a tragic forgotten chapter of military history. The stagecraft is just amazing throughout, with a magical array of props and puppets, and all of the actors seamlessly play multiple roles and take turns on various instruments besides. It's intense going at times, especially in the second half, but it's well worth it.