Seven Shows Ranging from Classic Comedy to World Premiere

Do you remember when you were fifteen years old? Everything was exciting, emotional and life or death. That’s exactly like our 15^th season, without all those annoying “changes”.  Here at Cygnet, in the last fifteen years, we’ve learned to push boundaries, explore the new, and stay relentlessly passionate. Join us, because when you’re fifteen the best is yet to come!

Season XV: 2017 – 2018
List of Plays

Animal Crackers
July 5 – Aug. 13
Book by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind
Music and Lyrics by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby
Directed by Sean Murray
Music Direction by Terry O’Donnell
Hooray for Captain Spaulding! When a celebrated painting goes missing from Mrs. Rittenhouse’s fancy house party in honor of African explorer Captain Spaulding, her guests set out to find the thief in a series of madcap antics and exploits. Based on the original Marx Brothers Broadway hit and film classic, this adaptation of Animal Crackers is an outrageous, rollicking, laugh-out-loud musical comedy, complete with audience participation! Featuring a cast including Josh Odsess-Rubin and Bryan and Katie Banville.

“Delicious…A nonstop riot – a profusion of puns, gags, and hysteria with only an occasional pause (or maybe, gasp) for breath.” – The Washington Tribune

The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds
Aug. 30 – Sept. 24
By Paul Zindel
Directed by Rob Lutfy
This Pulitzer Prize-winning lyrical drama tells the story of a wounded family unraveling at the age of innocence and at the age of no return.  Life in the 1960s with Beatrice, an embittered single mother, resembles a hell more than a home for her two daughters.  But Tillie, the youngest, finds her own way to connect to the world with resilience and hope. Tillie — keeper of rabbits, dreamer of atoms, true believer in life, hope, and the effect of gamma rays on man-in-the-moon marigolds.

“The play itself is one of the lucky blooms; it survives, and is beautiful.” —NY Times.

The Legend of Georgia McBride
Oct. 11 – Nov. 12
By Matthew Lopez
Directed by Sean Murray
San Diego Premiere
He’s young, he’s broke, he’s just found out his wife is going to have a baby, and now Casey has lost his gig as an Elvis impersonator. When his club brings in a drag act led by Miss Tracy Mills, Casey is given the opportunity to trade one sequined outfit for another. This music-filled comedy celebrates finding your voice and singing your own song.  Featuring San Diego favorite David McBean.

“A stitch-in-your-side funny first-rate production full of sass and good spirits.” –The New York Times
“A highly-entertaining, genuine crowd pleaser.” — Hollywood Reporter

 A Christmas Carol
Nov. 29 – Dec. 24
Adaptation & Lyrics by Sean Murray
Original Score by Billy Thompson
Directed by Sean Murray
Musical Direction by Patrick Marion
Cygnet Theatre invites you to start your own family tradition with one of ours. This season welcomes the return of the holiday classic adapted from Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption. Featuring original 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!

“Critics Pick” in 2014 & 2015 – San Diego Union Tribune

The Last Wife
Jan. 17 – Feb. 11
By Kate Hennig
Directed by Rob Lutfy
West Coast Premiere
This contemporary re-imagining of the compelling relationship between Henry VIII and his last wife, Katherine Parr, is a witty and powerful examination of sexual politics and women’s rights. It’s a high stakes game of chess, with Henry’s offspring, Mary, Elizabeth, and Edward as pawns.

“The show is stimulating… Surviving a tyrant was far from her only achievement. – The Chicago Tribune

A Little Night Music
Mar. 7 – Apr. 22
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Hugh Wheeler
Directed by Sean Murray
Cygnet is thrilled to revisit one of its favorite musicals. Desirée Armfeldt has always captured the hearts of men. When both of her lovers—and their wives—show up for a weekend in the country, a tangled web of love and desire lead to humorous and heartbreaking revelations. Sophisticated, literate and stylish, but also disarmingly warm, funny, charming and very human. Featuring the hit song, Send in the Clowns and starring Karole Foreman, Sandy Campbell, David Humhrey, and Sean Murray.

“sumptuous and triumphant production” –SD Union-Tribune (2008 review, original mounting)
Critics Circle Winner – Outstanding direction of a musical, Sean Murray

The Wind and the Breeze
World Premiere
May 16 – Jun. 10
By Nathan Alan Davis
Directed by Rob Lutfy
Sam, the legendary, undisputed, greatest emcee in Rockford, IL, plans to rest on his laurels all winter and, if possible, stake out an early spot to watch the Independence Day fireworks -but his closest mentees and their outsized dreams challenge him to a battle he can’t win. The Wind and the Breeze explores the politics of place, the unspoken expectations of friendship and what happens when we choose to stand our ground on shifting sands.

 “Because ultimately what makes it soar is Davis’ uniquely lyrical script, and its thematic veracity and original authorial voice floats us past fleeting new-play issues.” -LA Times
“I wish that other playwrights…could be as skillful as Nathan Alan Davis.” -DC Theatre Scene

Tickets and new subscriptions will be available for purchase on March 1st.