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Cygnet’s Tenth Season!

By Manny Fernandes. Posted on 02/03/12

Nine years ago when we opened the doors of Cygnet Theatre in a strip mall near La Mesa, we were presenting the birth of a new theatre company whose mission was to offer exciting and provocative live theatre as its niche.

Today, we’ve grown from an idea budding around our kitchen table into the fifth largest professional theatre in San Diego. We’ve gone from welcoming 37 subscribers our first season to 2,400 subscribers today. After nine years, we’ve settled into our beautiful home in Old Town; produced 58 plays, created jobs for 367 actors, 98 Equity contracts, 190 designers, 58 stage managers, 39 backstage technicians and 41 musicians; and it hardly seems possible that we are making preparations for our 10th Anniversary Season!

Cygnet’s season opens with MAN OF LA MANCHA, starring Sean Murray as  Miguel de Cerventes.  Considered one of the most enduring works of musical theatre, MAN OF LA MANCHA tells the story of Cervantes, a failed author, actor, soldier and tax collector awaiting trial by the Spanish Inquisition.  His desperate attempt to prevent attacking fellow prisoners from destroying his novel leads to a unique agreement. Cervantes is permitted to act out the story within the novel, and the prisoners will decide if the tale is worthy of saving.  What follows is a play within a play of a delusional man who believes himself to be the noble knight, Don Quixote.  With book by Dale Wasserman, lyrics by Joe Darion and music by Mitch Leigh, LA MANCHA opened on Broadway in 1965, ran for 2,323 performances and won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The principal song “The Impossible Dream” is now a classic of the stage. Cygnet Theatre’s MAN OF LA MANCHA will run July 5th through August 26th, 2012.

In late September, Cygnet Theatre is pleased to present beloved, veteran actor Phil Johnson in the West Coast Premiere of MISTAKES WERE MADE by Craig Wright.  This hilarious, fast-paced story of a B-list Off-Broadway producer and his messy quest for success was described by New York Magazine as “Ninety furious, fulminating, very funny minutes of American hucksterism in extremis.”  San Diego Critics Circle Award Winner Shana Wride (Private Lives) will direct Johnson in Cygnet’s side-splitting tour-de-force.  MISTAKES WERE MADE runs September 20th through October 21st, 2012.

At Cygnet Theatre, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a trip to WCYG, Cygnet Playhouse of the Air.   But this year, audiences will be treated to a new holiday classic, Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL, adapted by Sean Murray.  Once again the 1940′s radio actors of “WCYG Theatre of the Air” will delight audiences with a “live radio broadcast” filled with music, sound effects and a wide array of treasured characters from the family-favorite.  A CHRISTMAS CAROL visits Cygnet’s Playhouse of the Air November 23rd through December 30th, 2012.

The new year offers something truly surprising! Cygnet has to hold off on announcing our 2013 kick-off, but stay tuned for all the upcoming details of our January/February slot.  The TBA production runs January 24th through February 24th, 2013.

Taking place in Spring 2013, Cygnet Theatre is proud to announce ASSASSINS, with book by John Weidman and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.  Artistic Director Sean Murray has had a long-time love-affair with Sondheim’s tricky musical scores and ASSASSINS has topped his list of productions for Cygnet’s stage.  The uniquely dark and funny musical, which explores the motives and inner-workings of nine individuals who assassinated or attempted to assassinate the President of the United States, is Sondheim’s off-kilter exploration of the American Dream.  Cygnet Theatre has staged two concert-readings of the show during its history and both received raves from Cygnet audiences.  Murray is pleased to bring a full production to the stage during Cygnet’s 10th Season.  ASSASSINS will run March 14th through April 28th, 2013.

Cygnet Theatre will close its season with the San Diego Premiere of Joe Calarco’s SHAKESPEARE’S R & J.   Part Dead Poets Society, part Lord of the Flies, Calarco’s work takes its audience to a parochial boarding school where four schoolboys discover Shakespeare’s most famous love story.  The NY Times described it as “A vibrant, hot-blooded new adaptation of Romeo and Juliet…pulsat(ing) with an adolescent abandon and electricity of which Romeo himself might approve,”  and the Wall Street Journal declares it “A gem, the most inventive reimagining of a classic in years.”  The stunning drama comes to Cygnet Theatre May 22nd through June 16th, 2013.

Current Subscribers can renew their subscriptions now by contacting the box office at 619-337-1525 or returning the renewal forms that have already been sent out.  Sales for New Subscribers will begin March 1st.

We look forward to sharing these productions with you!

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Reading Between the Lines…

By Jessica John. Posted on 08/11/11

(How Literature and the Local Library Turned Me into an Actress)

There is an oft-told family story about one of my trips to the pediatrician.   Only 4 years old and unable to read, I sat in the waiting room with my favorite book – a Little Golden entitled, Bugs Bunny…Something’s Fishy.   I loudly “read” it to the antsy parents and feverish children, whether they cared to listen or not.  Each character had its own unique voice; each page provided a new set of madcap capers, deft drama and screwball comedy.  The Looney Tunes were a wacky bunch and I suppose, in the mind of a toddler, the perfect diversion for the circumstances at hand.  I felt I was donating a much-needed service.  Anyway, I could hardly be held responsible for the “medical drama” I provided.  You see, my mother read to me.

My twin sister and I grew up with the standard fare of Goodnight Moon, Caps for Sale and The Pokey Little Puppy.   My mother animated every page… enlivening each drawing with a distinctive importance.  Each writer had a new, glorious story to tell, and each one was told by a brand new cast…puppies and moons and spoons and cap-sellers.   By the time my twin sister and I were 8 years old, my mother had moved on to over 1500 page novels like Sacajawea (The Lewis and Clark Expedition) by Anna Lee Waldo.  My sister and I would climb into bed and listen to tales about terrifying treks through precarious terrains, a papoose strapped to the Indian woman’s back, lean strips of buffalo jerky – her only source of nourishment for days.  The stories my mother read were as good as any movie.  Better, in fact, because the “visuals” (the teepees and bison and feather headdresses) were mine alone.  The stakes were as high as I made them, the cliffs as steep…

My mother imported her love for reading to her children.  Many hot summertime days were spent in the local library.   With my sister by my side, we’d choose one book a piece – conferring with one another for trade upon our own completion.  Then off to the bay, with books in hand, my mother and sister and I would eat picnic lunches in silence – each of us deep within our own individual saga, epic or comic adventure.  Sometimes we’d ask one another to listen as we read a particularly intriguing section from our library loaner and then, after a bit of conversation, we were back to world of our own selection – separately experiencing new dramas, love stories, history lessons – all within each other’s company.

My conversion from reader to performer started early and my love and connection to the written story has never left me.  I owe so much to my mother and to the libraries where I spent so many of my days.  For this reason, it has been a particular honor to head Cygnet’s TUESDAY ON TWIGGS STREET Event.  These quarterly free theatre parties (aimed at supporting local libraries) have been delightful introductions to others who, like me, are in love with stories and great books.  They too understand the excitement, the escape and the unique perspective these penned pieces can provide.  In my life it has only been matched by the magic of live theatre.  Both fill me with same sense of joy, emotion and awe.  Both invite me to participate in the story being told.  Both pay respect to my own uncapped resource…my imagination.

So this is my personal invitation to those of you who remember being read to, appreciate the gift of good storytelling or who simply owe your local library a “thank you” for years of free reading.  I hope you’ll join us at one of our TUESDAY ON TWIGGS STREET Events.  Cygnet provides the food, the drinks, the enter-to-wins, backstage tours and a nice group of like-minded company.  All YOU need to bring is a new or gently used book or a cash donation (of any size) for our specified neighborhood library.   In turn, our libraries will provide you unlimited days of travel, riches, poetry, laughter and drama; a private world of untouchable props, scenery, characters and costumes.  And you will be the producer, right in your very own living room.

Posted in 2011-2012 Season, General | No Comments »

The Set Design of Cabaret: Part 1

By Sean Fanning. Posted on 02/28/11

Cabaret as an Alcoholic Beverage

Last year, Sean Murray asked me to work with him on Sweeney Todd.  It was our seventh production together.  Working with Sean and co-director James Vasquez was

possibly the most freeing experience that can be asked of a designer for a musical theatre setting: we threw out all preconceived notions of the staging, we started from scratch and found our own voices in the piece.

And I discovered that doing a musical on a thrust stage means that, despite the amount of decorative flourishes I may apply to a setting, my eye always becomes inexorably riveted to the performer.  Out there on that thrust surrounded on three sides by a rapt audience, and commanding a story.  In one breathless moment, I can forget about everything I’ve been hired or trained to do as a designer, as I sit back and watch energy flow. (more…)

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Inside the 4-Color Way

By Manny Fernandes. Posted on 02/07/11

We asked playwright Lance Arthur Smith a couple of questions regarding his new play Truth, Justice and the 4-Color Way, which will be presented as a staged reading as part of Cygnet’s Playwrights in Process Series.

Cygnet: What was the inspiration for Truth, Justice and the 4-Color Way?

Lance Arthur Smith: I originally conceived of this piece in early 2008 after learning my wife Colleen was pregnant. The 1954 Senate Subcommittee hearings have been on my radar for years due to my love of comic books. But with my daughter Scotland on the way, I felt compelled to explore parental themes in a play, and the backdrop of this 1950s comic book “war” felt like the right way to do it.

It focuses on an oft-overlooked event in our country’s history as well as on the major personalities surrounding it. The parallels to today’s video game industry, and the Hollywood machine, strike me as I figure out where I stand as a father.

Cygnet: What it means to have your play workshopped at Cygnet.

Lance Arthur Smith: Cygnet’s “Playwrights in Process” fosters playwrights in a program that, sadly, exists in very few places. Many theatre companies say they make a commitment to new work, but Cygnet commits itself fully to cultivating new work through a series of readings and interactions.

Fran championed this piece, and to have his backing and support has been a refreshing experience. Both he and Sean have been actively involved throughout several rewrites, and we’ve had meetings outside of rehearsal halls, through email, and over dropped phone calls (thanks to my unreliable carrier).

Joining a playwright the caliber of Stephen Metcalfe (whose Tragedy of the Commons was refined during “Playwrights in Process”), is a joy and I’m looking forward to continuing the theatrical conversation of 4-Color Way with a live audience.

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Come to the Cabaret – Cygnet’s Gala

By Lynne Thrope. Posted on 02/26/10

What is it about leading a fundraiser’s auction that makes it so appealing?

Interacting with Sean and Bill, Veronica and Manny, Jason and Jessica (a theatre’s dream team) off stage, behind the scenes, sharing a common vision of providing this little theatre with the means to produce big, relevant and important works is so satisfying.

It’s my raison d’etre. In addition, it’s provided me a grand occasion to meet people in my broader San Diego community with whom I normally would not cross paths.

Wow! What I am experiencing through this fundraising process has far exceeded any expectation.

Like everyone these days, I’m a busy person with way too much on her plate. Besides being haunted by a daunting calendar, auction canvassing is time spent on activities that don’t directly increase my bottom line. Never mind that! More importantly, it compromises family time, which is primo to me. But being on this auction committee and having the opportunity to support something for which I passionately believe is just plain irresistible! I’m a sucker for a good time. That’s why I do it. (more…)

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Cygnet’s 8th Season!

By Manny Fernandes. Posted on 02/14/10

We are delighted to announce our 2010/2011 line-up. Our eighth season will offer productions ranging from a world renowned classic to a world premiere and kicking it all off will be something never before done at Cygnet Theatre – a trilogy of connected plays performed in repertory!

To start the season, we will revisit the works of Alan Ayckbourn, author of our immensely popular production of Communicating Doors. This time instead of traveling through time, we will visit the same time as seen in three different rooms, all of which get their own play! The Norman Conquests – which includes Table Manners, Round and Round the Garden and Living Together – revolve around Norman a charming library assistant, and the women in his life. Each play stands on its own, however, the fun is in seeing the entire trilogy as each play reveals unique secrets, surprising answers and loads of laughs. Directed by Artistic Director Sean Murray and Francis Gercke, The Norman Conquests will run in rep with the same six actors from July 28th through November 2nd, 2010.

(more…)

Posted in 2010-2011 Season, Cabaret, General, It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Living Together, Our Town, Round and Round the Garden, Table Manners, The Norman Conquests, The Tragedy of the Commons | No Comments »

Cygnet Holiday Recipes, part 2

By Manny Fernandes. Posted on 12/18/09

As promised, we have one more recipe for you this holiday season. This one comes from Veronica Murphy, who along with serving as our Development Director is currently appearing as Ma Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Please enjoy.

When I was a young bride and not very kitchen adept (I put butter in the pan to fry bacon!!! and my first jello salad was more like jello soup), this is the first cake I ever made. It turns out I could bake!! This cake immediately became our family ‘Birthday Cake’ tradition, affectionately known as ‘Aunt Vicki’s Chocolate Cake.’ WARNING – When I made it for my youngest son’s 15th birthday, I mistakenly left out the baking soda. Not recommended!! It was tasty but very chewy, more like a giant Oreo cookie than a cake.

(more…)

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Cygnet Holiday Recipes part 1

By Manny Fernandes. Posted on 12/10/09

We thought we do something fun and different this week. Many of us here at Cygnet are fans of cooking shows such as Top Chef, so we’d thought we’d offer up a couple of our favorite Holiday Recipes. First up – Sean Murray’s Holiday Turkey Cranberry Chipotle Chili. Next week… Aunt Vicki’s Chocolate Cake. Enjoy!

Sean Murray’s Holiday Turkey Cranberry Chipotle Chili

This is my red and green Holiday Chili. The green comes from the tomatillos in the sauce (although it isn’t really all that green!) and the red from the fresh cranberries floating on the top of the chili. Make it as spicy as you desire. It’s great with cornbread.

(more…)

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Five Things You Didn’t Know About Cygnet Theatre

By Jessica John. Posted on 12/03/09

CygLogo_bug1. The Cygnet Theatre Name has a Cheeky Origin.

As most theatre buffs will tell you, the Globe Theatre in London has long-been considered one of the “most magnificent” theatres the city has every seen.  Shakespeare’s legendary theatre was built in the 16th century by carpenter Peter Smith and his workers, and most arts-lovers of the day felt that no other theatre would ever match its accomplishments or stature.  Nor did many dare try.  The Swan Theatre became the Globe’s one major rival, continually striving to reach new heights in theatrical achievements, despite its later eminence.  Artistic Director Sean Murray was inspired by this driven-and-able historical theatre, and has held in the highest regard Craig Noel, the founding director of San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre.   As cygnet is the name for a baby swan, Sean liked the tongue-and-cheek title for his theatre.   Cygnet Theatre may have begun as a fledgling playhouse in a strip-mall, but we’ve got some big ambitions and some real cheek.

2. There’s a swan in every Cygnet set.

We at Cygnet love our namesake.  For this reason, every Cygnet set pays tribute with a swan hidden (and sometimes not so hidden) within the scenery.  The very first Cygnet show – Hedwig and the Angry Inch – included a giant paper mache swan head made entirely of paper plates which guarded the band’s drummer.  Copenhagen’s swan was displayed on the multiple chalk-boards. Set designer, Sean Fanning hand-drew a swan, along with notes, phone numbers and doodles on the Mauritius set’s bulletin board.  Escanaba in da’ Moonlight featured crates with a company logo swan stamped on their sides and A Little Night Music continued the tradition with a swan carved into Frederick’s elaborate bed.   Although they’re sometimes challenging to spot, the Cygnet swan will make its appearance in each and every season’s show.  Just another reason to enjoy a look around your next Cygnet set.

3. There’s a Ghost in the House.

Sure we’re theatre people and drawn to the dramatic, but we can’t deny the feeling that we’re not alone in here.  Our move to Old Town not only provided us some new digs, it seems that it came with a complimentary company member.  Nothing to worry about, of course.  The Old Town ghost – or Charlie, as he’s been named – seems to appreciate the entertainment.  We assume it’s why he’s stuck around and made his presence known to other theatre companies who made their home at the Old Town Theatre before us.  But he also seems to love a practical joke or two.  While we’ve become accustomed to his slamming doors and bumps in the night, we do wish he’d return the various props and costume pieces that have gone missing from our latest Cygnet productions.

The artist formerly known as Thom with Marci Anne Wuebben in A Little Night Music

The artist formerly known as Thom with Marci Anne Wuebben in A Little Night Music

4. Sean Murray isn’t His Real Name.

Artistic Director Sean Murray isn’t who he says he is.  His real name is Thomas Murray, but you tell that to Equity.   In order to get his Equity card, he had to choose a name that wasn’t already in their system, and his middle name seemed to be the next best choice.  Plus, Mama Murray was all for it.  When he asked her what she thought his Equity name ought to be, she told him that although he was a fifth generation “Thomas Murray”, if she’d had her druthers, his name would have been Sean anyway.  Of course, we love him as “Sean” as much as we’d love him as “Thom” but we DO wonder what else he’s not telling us.

5. Cygnet Theatre’s Wonderful Life Includes Some Real Radio Royalty.

Lovers of Cygnet Theatre’s It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, have come to recognize actor Jonathan Dunn-Rankin as cantankerous, old “Mr. Potter.”   But listen closely and you’ll hear the golden pipes of real radio royalty in his between-scene radio announcements.

Jonathan Dunn-Rankin in It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Jonathan Dunn-Rankin in It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

At only 17 years old, Jonathan began working in radio in 1940s Florida.  He grew up to become one of the recognized, big-voiced 40s radio announcers of the era.  That broadcast history eventually brought Jonathan to San Diego where he spent many years as KFMB’s principle television newscaster. Artistic Director Sean Murray remembers watching him on Channel 8 regularly, never realizing they would one day work together.  Now Jonathan has become part of Cygnet’s annual holiday tradition.  This will be his third year of bringing his life experience to the stage.  As the station chimes play and he opens the show into the radio mike, don’t be surprised if you feel as though you’ve slipped back in time.

Posted in General, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, It's A Wonderful Life, Mauritius | 1 Comment »

Cygnet Tech Pancake Breakfast

By Sean Murray. Posted on 11/22/09

We enjoyed treating the cast to our tech pancake breakfast this morning. It is a way to start tech stress free, full of food, and time to bond.
Here’s my pancake recipe. No Bisquick for this one!

Sean’s Pancake Recipe
 1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup Ground Flax Seed (optional)
1/2 cup Oat Bran (optional)
Sprinkle of Wheat Germ (optional)
2 tsp. Baking Powder
2 Tbs. Sugar (or Splenda)
1/4 Tsp. Salt
Dash of Cinnamon

1 Large Egg
1 Tbs. Melted Butter
Vanilla to taste
1 Cup Milk (more or less to create the batter consistency you prefer)
Chopped Walnuts
Fresh Blueberries

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add the Flax and Oat Bran to taste. I eye it.

Add the egg, vanilla, and milk. For thinner pancakes go with a thinner batter (more milk), for thicker pancakes, a thicker batter (slightly less milk) Stir the liquids into the drys until the batter looks like you like it. Add the melted butter. Mix well.

Add the walnuts and blueberries.

Let it sit for a few minutes while the griddle gets hot.

Spray the griddle with Pam or something like that. You don’t want too much butter on the griddle.
Spoon the batter onto the griddle. When the edges begin to look cooked and small bubbles begin to form in the middle of the pancake, flip it over and let it finish cooking. Don’t let it burn!!

Add butter, of course and real maple syrup.
and above all, enjoy.

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