“Eureka Day,” which won the 2025 Tony Award for Best Revival, opening Friday April 10, runs through Sunday, May 3 at Murphys Creek Theatre (MCT).
Set at the Eureka Day School in Berkeley, the play, penned by American playwright Jonathan Spector, was staged by Aurora Theatre Company as a world premiere nine years back. MCT Artistic Director Todd Thomas, who saw it on Broadway, noted, “I have never laughed so hard and continuously in all my life…I knew that I wanted to bring this experience to Murphys as soon as it was available.”
He characterized “‘Eureka Day’ as a “culture wars” comedy about well-meaning people trying desperately to be collaborative and failing spectacularly. Set at a progressive private school, the action centers around the school’s Executive Committee, a group generally devoted to consensus, compassion, and allowing room for every voice to be heard. However, it all goes off the rails when a mumps outbreak strikes the school community, sparking heated public debate.
The play stars Dan Fitz, Jodi Vaccaro and Tom Fregosi, who have all previously appeared in MCT productions while Zhomontee Watson from Chicago and Arielle Uppaluri from Long Beach are making their local debuts. The theater company has brought on Gwen Diamond to be MCT’s properties master and graphic designer and Theresa Ballaines as the new head of costuming.
“Eureka Day” contains adult language throughout, including politically-charged and often passive-aggressive dialog. There is also a live Zoom chat scene where Thomas said comments are shown that might be considered “aggressive, vulgar or rude. Volatile discussions of social justice, vaccine skepticism, and nuances of liberal “woke” culture that reference racism and microaggressions are part of the thematic content. However, he added that personally, he did not find any of the script offensive. “I really want to encourage people to step outside of their comfort zone to experience life outside of their own lived experience,” he said. “I can’t control how people feel about the content they see, but if a script makes it all the way to Broadway and wins a Tony Award, enough people must have enjoyed it to justify producing it elsewhere despite the language used or subject matter tackled.”
For the 2026 season, MCT is still offering “pay-what-you-can-or-pay-it-forward” admission. “We mean it when we say professional theatre should be for everyone,” he explained. “So, if you are working two jobs and happen to have a free night, you and your family and friends can come to a show without disrupting your budget. On the other hand, those who want to support the theatre can do so by purchasing a patron ticket, and for those who wish to contribute to the community’s access to the arts, they can purchase a Pay-It-Forward ticket.”
Along with the mainstage productions, MCT is offering Summer on Stage: The Mirror Project, which pairs its upcoming June 12-July 5 “Henry V” production with a youth theatre program. It was funded this year by a California Arts Council grant. MCT has also partnered with Vallecito Union School District to provide after-school programming to grades K-5.
Other 2026 season shows are “What the Constitution Means to Me,” Aug. 7-30; “spiritsong,” Last year’s “Quill to Act” play winner Oct.7-25, and “An Act of God,” Nov. 27-Dec. 20.
Thomas said he is excited about where MCT is right now. “We are still growing, still learning, still building—but we’re doing it with real intention. I think this season reflects that. I’m proud that in a small town, we’re able to produce professional theatre that is artistically ambitious, accessible, and deeply rooted in the community.”
“Eureka Day” performances run April 10 through May 3 with evening shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and matinees on Sundays at 2 p.m.
Additionally, theatre goers can choose to attend a Community Night performance Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. and/or a weekday matinee on Wednesday, April 15 at noon. Run time for the show, which is recommended for ages 12 and up, is 105 minutes. There is no intermission. For more information about MCT’s 2026 season schedule,and to purchase tickets visit murphyscreektheatre.org
