Backstage Blog

Cygnet Theatre Announces Season 16

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Cygnet Theatre Announces Season 16

We are excited to announce our next season!
Join us for another wild ride as we explore different themes, different communities and different stories…all designed to support our mission to “startle the soul, ignite debate and embrace the diversity of the community” 

Irreverent Cult Comedy
Monty Python’s SPAMALOT
Book and Lyrics by Eric Idle
Music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle
Directed by Sean Murray
Music Direction by Terry O’Donnell
Jun. 27 – Aug. 5, 2018, Opening Jun. 30, 2018

This highly irreverent parody tells the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons you’ll be eating up Spamalot. Winner of three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the show elevates silliness to an art form.

“Even when it’s wrong, Spamalot is oh so right” – Hollywood Reporter

Immersive Storytelling Experience
San Diego Premiere:
EVERY BRILLIANT THING
By Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe
Directed by Rob Lutfy
Aug. 22 – Sep. 16, 2018, Opening Night Aug. 25

You’re six years old. Mom’s in the hospital. Dad says she’s “done something stupid.” She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a list of everything that’s brilliant about the world. Everything worth living for: 1. Ice cream. 2. Kung Fu movies. 3. Staying up past your bedtime and being allowed to watch TV. 4. The color yellow. You leave it on her pillow. You know she read it because she’s corrected your spelling. Soon, the list will take on a life of it’s own. A play about depression and the lengths we will go to for those we love. What’s on your list?
Featuring: Ro Boddie

“Every Brilliant Thing may be the funniest show about depression you’ve ever seen…” -New York Post

Dark Comedy
Southern California Premiere:
HIR
By Taylor Mac
Directed by Sean Murray
Oct. 3 – Oct. 28, 2018, Opening Night Oct. 6

Somewhere in the suburbs, Isaac, a veteran, has returned from Afghanistan to help take care of his ailing father, only to discover a household in revolt. The insurgent: his mom. Liberated from an oppressive marriage, with Isaac’s newly out transgender sibling as her ally, she’s on a crusade to dismantle the patriarchy. But in Taylor Mac’s sly, subversive comedy, annihilating the past doesn’t always free you from it.
Featuring: Deanna Driscoll

“A remarkable, audacious, uproarious black comedy with a daring combination of realism and madcap absurdity.” –New York Times

Favorite Holiday Musical
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Adaptation & Lyrics by Sean Murray
Original Score by Billy Thompson
Directed by Sean Murray
Musical Direction by Patrick Marion
Nov.28 – Dec. 30, 2018, Opening Night Dec. 1

Cygnet’s holiday smash hit is back for its fifth season! Bring the family back to enjoy the holiday classic adapted from Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption. This re-imagined, fully staged production features original new music, creative stagecraft and puppetry, and live sound effects. Step into a Victorian Christmas card for a unique storytelling experience that is sure to delight the entire family!

“It’s not Christmas without ‘A Christmas Carol’ and this is the best one around.’ –SDGLN.com

Play with Music
West Coast Premiere:
MARIE AND ROSETTA
By George Brant
Directed by Rob Lutfy
Jan 16. – Feb. 17, 2019, Opening Night Jan. 19

Get your front-row seat to music history in the making! Bringing fierce guitar playing and swing to gospel music, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a legend in her time and a huge influence on Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, and Ray Charles. Marie and Rosetta chronicles her first rehearsal with a young protégée, Marie Knight, as they prepare to embark on a tour that would establish them as one of the great duos in musical history. This story of letting loose, finding your voice, and freeing your soul is a soaring music-theatre experience chock full of roof-raising performances.

“Wonderful, touching, and empowering!”  -The Daily Beast

Rotating Rep
ANGELS IN AMERICA: A GAY FANTASIA ON NATIONAL THEMES
PART ONE: MILLENNIUM APPROACHES, PART TWO: PERESTROIKA
By Tony Kushner
Directed by Sean Murray
Mar. 6 – Apr. 20, 2019,
Opening Night Mar. 9 (Millennium Approaches) and Mar. 24 (Perestroika)

America in the mid-1980s. In the midst of the AIDS crisis and a conservative Reagan administration, New Yorkers grapple with life and death, love and sex, heaven and hell. Alternately hilarious and heartbreaking, it was awarded two Tony Awards for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

“Daring and dazzling! The most ambitious American play of our time.” -Newsweek


Playful New Adaptation
Southern California Premiere:
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
By Kate Hamill
Directed by Rob Lutfy
May 15 – Jun. 16, 2019, Opening Night May 18, 2019

The outspoken Elizabeth Bennet faces mounting pressure from her status-conscious mother to secure a suitable marriage. But is marriage suitable for a woman of Elizabeth’s intelligence and independence? Especially when the irritating, aloof, self-involved… tall, vaguely handsome, mildly amusing, and impossibly aristocratic Mr. Darcy keeps popping up at every turn. Literature’s greatest tale of latent love has never felt so theatrical, or so full of life than it does in this effervescent new adaptation.

“a Pride and Prejudice that is funny and whimsical, but still captures the essence of Austin’s captivating novel.” – Huffington Post

New subscription sales will be available beginning March 12th. For more information regarding subscriptions packages please contact the box office at 619-337-1525 or visit www.cygnettheatre.com.