Cygnet Theatre’s Season 17 takes you UP CLOSE: close to the heart, close to the action, close to the edge. It’s also FAR REACHING: travel across oceans, across time, and across the tracks. New subscription sales will be available at the beginning of March 2019. For more information regarding subscriptions packages please contact the box office at 619-337-1525 or visit www.cygnettheatre.com.

Hit Musical Comedy
ROCK OF AGES
By Chris D’Arienzo
Directed by Sean Murray
Music Direction by Patrick Marion
Choreography by Katie Banville
Jul. 2 – Aug. 25, 2019, Opening Jul. 6, 2019

Journey back to the sexy 1980s era of big: big bands, big egos, big guitar solos and big hair! Aqua Net, Lycra and liquor flow freely on the legendary Sunset Strip rock music scene. Amidst the madness, aspiring rock star Drew longs to become the next big thing in music, and longs for fresh-off-the-bus newcomer Sherrie, a Kansas kid with stars in her eyes. This musical comedy lovingly nudges the fashion of the 1980s and features some of the best rock hits from the time with music from Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and many more.

“Rock of Ages is the power-ballad decade in all its glory, tricked out with big perms, bigger dreams, and the kind of operatic ecstasy you read about only in bathroom stalls.” – Entertainment Weekly

Racy Political Thriller
THE VIRGIN TRIAL
By Kate Hennig
Directed by Rob Lutfy
Sept. 11 – Oct. 6, 2019, Opening Night Sept. 14, 2019

In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, the young princess Elizabeth navigates a labyrinth of political and sexual intrigue in the Tudor court that threatens her freedom – and even her life. After the death of both her parents, 15-year-old Elizabeth I must defend herself against cutting accusations of plotting to kill her brother, the king, and having an illicit affair with her stepfather. Don’t miss this eagerly awaited companion piece to the runaway hit The Last Wife.

“The Virgin Trialweaves complex tale of innocence and guilt.” – The Calgary Herald

Ingenious Modern Musical
THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Directed by Rob Lutfy
Music Direction by Patrick Marion
Oct. 23 – Nov. 17, 2019, Opening Night Oct. 26, 2019

Written by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade),The Last Five Years is an emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over half a decade. Made up mostly of solo turns, with beautiful music and alternately humorous and heartfelt lyrics, it is only in the middle of the show that Jamie and Cathy come together as Jamie proposes and the two are wed.

“Bittersweet and nearly perfect.” – Variety

Favorite Holiday Musical
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Adaptation & Lyrics by Sean Murray
Original Score by Billy Thompson
Directed by Sean Murray
Music Direction by Patrick Marion
Nov. 27 – Dec. 29, 2019, Opening Night Nov. 30, 2019

Cygnet’s holiday smash hit is back for its sixth season! Bring the family back to enjoy the holiday classic adapted from Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption. This imaginative production features 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!

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

Sharp-witted New Drama
Southern California Premiere
THE GREAT LEAP
By Lauren Yee
Directed by Rob Lutfy
Jan. 22 – Feb. 16, 2020, Opening Night Jan. 25, 2020

When an American basketball team travels to Beijing for an exhibition game in 1989, the drama goes deeper than the strain between countries. For two men with a past and one teen with a future, the game is a chance to claim personal victories on and off the court. Tensions rise right up to the final buzzer as a pivotal moment in history collides with the action in the arena. Driven by rapid-fire dialogue, this perceptive new play explores the cultural and political risks of raising your voice and standing your ground.

“[This] imaginative vault over the decades . . . asserts a quiet, beautifully unexpected power”– Denver Post

Flamboyant Musical Fun
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
Book by Harvey Fierstein, Lyrics and Music by Jerry Herman
Directed by Sean Murray
Music Direction by Terry O’Donnell
Choreography by Luke Harvey Jacobs
Mar. 11 – May 3, 2020, Opening Night Mar. 14, 2020

After twenty years of un-wedded bliss Georges and Albin, two men partnered for better-or-worse get a bit of both when Georges’ son (fathered during a one-night fling) announces his impending marriage to the daughter of a bigoted, right-wing politician. Further complicating the situation is the ‘family business’: Albin and Georges run a drag nightclub in St. Tropez, where Albin is the “star” performer Zaza. Georges reluctantly agrees to masquerade as “normal” when he meets the family of the bride-to-be. But Albin has other plans, with hilarious results. Featuring David McBean as Albin and Lance Arthur Smith as Georges.

“A glittering, fast stepping extravaganza.”– New York Daily News

Powerfully Resonant Drama
TWO TRAINS RUNNING
By August Wilson
Directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg
May 20 – Jun. 14, 2020, Opening Night May 23, 2020

It’s 1969 and the Civil Rights Movement is sending tremors through Pittsburgh’s Hill District. At the center of the community is Memphis Lee’s diner, slated to be demolished — a casualty of the city’s renovation project. Confronted with a rapidly changing world, Memphis and his regular customers struggle to maintain their solidarity and sense of pride. From Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson comes this masterpiece about everyday lives in the shadow of great events, and of unsung citizens who are anything but ordinary. This will bring Cygnet to a total of six of the ten Century Cycle plays produced.

“Wilson’s most adventurous and honest attempt to reveal the intimate heart of history.” – The New York Times