A misdelivered meal. A world premiere musical. Based on the acclaimed film, THE LUNCHBOX comes to life on stage.
Hear from the creative team — Rachel Chavkin (Director), Ritesh Batra (Book and Co-Lyrics), the Lazours (Music and Co-Lyrics), Reshma Gajjar (Choreographer), and Berkeley Rep’s Artistic Director Johanna Pfaelzer — as they bring this story of love and unexpected connection to the stage.
Previews start May 17.
Something beautiful is taking shape around THE LUNCHBOX at Berkeley Rep.
In anticipation of the world premiere musical based on the hit film, we're bringing a full lineup of FREE community events to life — live music, celebration nights, and more — alongside @rootstock_arts , @dhoomsfpresents , and other beloved partners. Details dropping soon.
Some events will require a free RSVP — grab your spot via the link in bio when they go live.
And don't forget: RSVPs are separate from show tickets. Come for the community. Stay for the show. 🎟️
Introducing the cast of THE LUNCHBOX, a new musical based on the hit film! These incredible artists will be bringing this romantic world premiere to life on our stage from May 17 to June 28. Tickets available at berkeleyrep.org!
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
There is nothing quite like the moment a cast sees their world move from imagination to reality. Witness their first reactions to Mimi Lien’s breathtaking set for THE LUNCHBOX — a design that transports you halfway across the world to the vibrant streets of Mumbai. We can't wait for you to experience it. Previews begin May 17! Tickets at the link in bio.
In just two days, meet Ila (Kuhoo Verma), a young wife longing to be seen, and Fernandes (Manu Narayan), a widower nearing retirement. When a lunchbox meant for one man reaches another, they form an unlikely bond. Don’t miss this tender, humorous, and hopeful world premiere musical. Previews for THE LUNCHBOX start May 17. Link in bio!
Before the curtain rises on The Lunchbox, join us at Michael’s Second Act for an intimate evening of live Indian classical fusion music.
The first in a new musical series presented by Berkeley Rep and @rootstockarts , this special preshow gathering features the @bayraagis — a celebrated Bay Area collective known for their soulful sound and rich musical textures.
Slow down, listen closely, and connect over light refreshments before the 8pm performance of The Lunchbox. Free with RSVP. Ticket required for the performance.
#TheLunchboxMusical #BerkeleyRep #RootstockArts #BayRaagis #IndianClassicalMusic #LiveMusic #BayAreaArts #SouthAsianArts #FusionMusic #BerkeleyEvents #TheatreNight #BayAreaMusic
In a city of millions, Mumbai's dabbawallahs deliver over 200,000 home-cooked meals every day with legendary precision. Their error rate? Practically zero — until the day a single lunchbox goes astray.
Hear more about the delivery system that inspired THE LUNCHBOX from cast members Manu Narayan and Kuhoo Verma. Tickets are on sale now — grab yours at the link in bio!
Join us Friday, May 29 at 6:45pm in Berkeley Rep’s Narsai M. David Courtyard for a vibrant preshow celebration before the 8pm performance of THE LUNCHBOX.
In partnership with @ishamidancecompany , featuring artists @_amitdances & @ishika_dance , enjoy live dance performances blending Indian classical and global dance forms in bold, community-centered celebration. Come early for light bites from @vikschaat , refreshments, and local vendors including @bukkusboutique before experiencing THE LUNCHBOX.
Bring your friends, explore, eat, dance, and celebrate South Asian culture and community with us before the show.
FREE event. Ticket required for THE LUNCHBOX.
RSVP link in bio
#TheLunchboxMusical #SouthAsianHeritageNight #BerkeleyRep #IshamiDanceCompany "
Preparations: Recipes from THE LUNCHBOX
Welcome to Preparations — a series where our cast cooks their way through THE LUNCHBOX. Food is how we tell stories and share love. We hope you'll cook along with us.
First up: Spring Apple Subzi with Vaibu Mohan Recipe by her mother, Srimathy Mohan.
This no-cook apple dish is bright, tangy, and perfect for summer. Ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
For the Subzi
- Granny Smith apples — 2
- Achar (pickle) masala — 2 tsp
- Kashmiri red chili powder — 1/4 tsp
- Salt — 1/2 tsp
- Lemon juice — 2 tsp
For the Achar Masala
- Mustard seeds — 1 tsp
- Nigella seeds — 1 tsp
- Fenugreek seeds — 1 tsp
- Fennel seeds — 1 tsp
- Cumin seeds — 1 tsp
- Amchur powder — 1 tsp
- Turmeric — 1/2 tsp
- Kashmiri red chili powder — 1/2 tsp
- Hing (asafoetida) — 1/4 tsp
To Temper
- Mustard oil — 1 tsp
- Black mustard seeds — 1/2 tsp
- Hing (asafoetida) — 1/2 tsp
- Curry leaves — a few, finely chopped
Method
1. Wash and dry the apples. Core and cut into small cubes (about 1/4 inch).
2. Add salt, achar masala, Kashmiri chili powder, and lemon juice. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
3. Heat mustard oil in a small pan over medium heat. When hot, add mustard seeds — they'll pop, so stand back. Once they pop, add hing, remove from heat, and stir in the curry leaves.
4. Pour the tempering over the apple mixture and toss well.
5. Serve with yogurt, white rice, or dal.
Congratulations to Bess Wohl and the LIBERATION team for winning the 2026 Pulitzer Prize and earning 5 Tony nominations — well-deserved recognition for this extraordinary play that you can experience for yourself at Berkeley Rep this October 2026.
And another congratulations to Talene Monahon's MEET THE CARTOZIANS, coming to Berkeley Rep May 2027, for being named a finalist for this year's Pulitzer Prize. We’re proud to bring these bold, impactful works to our stage this coming 2026/27 season and invite audiences to experience them here at Berkeley Rep.
Join us next Friday, May 15 at 7pm, as we celebrate the hard work of our Young Writers of Color Collective! This past school year, four high school playwrights have studied under local Bay Area artists to deepen their craft and write their own original works. Our final sharing will consist of staged readings at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, so don't miss this opportunity to hear new work from the next generation of playwrights and theatre-makers! RSVP at our link in bio 👆
What happens when one misdelivered lunchbox changes everything?
Kuhoo Verma and Manu Narayan share what drew them to this story and why this world premiere felt like something they had to be part of. THE LUNCHBOX live on stage May 17–June 28 at Berkeley Rep. Save your seats today — link in bio!
The late Irrfan Khan in the 2013 film, The Lunchbox.
