With Artistic Director Sean Murray as Ebenezer Scrooge
Performances run December 1 through 30, 2023.
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Author: Nil Noyan
Cygnet Theatre Announces The Cast And Creative Team Of Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar & Grill
San Diego Artist Karole Foreman Returns to Cygnet as Jazz Icon Billie Holiday.
Performances run January 24 – February 18, 2024
SAN DIEGO, CA – Cygnet Theatre is pleased to announce the cast and creative team of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill by Lanie Robertson. This riveting one-act musical is directed by Wren T. Brown, the Artistic Director at Ebony Repertory Theatre. It runs January 24 – February 18 at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town. Opening Night for media is Saturday, January 27 at 7:00 PM. Tickets and information are available at CygnetTheatre.com.
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill recounts Billie Holiday’s life story through the songs that made her famous. 1959, in a small, intimate bar in Philadelphia, Holiday puts on a show that unbeknownst to the audience, will leave them witnesses to one of the last performances of her lifetime. Through her poignant voice and moving songs, one of the greatest jazz singers of all-time shares her loves and her losses.
Playing the jazz icon is San Diego native Karole Foreman, who has graced the Cygnet stage in A Little Night Music and Stupid F**king Bird. She said “I am looking forward to coming home to San Diego and to Cygnet Theatre to perform Lady Day. It’s been a profound opportunity to share Billie Holiday’s story with so many audiences, but I am particularly excited to be here in my hometown with this production. I also feel honored to be able to be a part of Cygnet’s final season in Old Town. It feels like a full circle moment.”
Artistic Director Sean Murray was thrilled to be able to include Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill in the Season 20 lineup. He said, “I’ve been dreaming of bringing Karole’s performance as the jazz legend Billie Holiday to our audience and to San Diego for some time. She has dazzled in this role since she debuted it in Los Angeles, and subsequently throughout the country for a couple of years now. Karole is one of Cygnet’s favorite performers and we are thrilled to share her take on Billie with San Diego.”
Karole will be accompanied by Damon Carter on piano as Jimmy Powers. Carter is also the musical director for the show.
In addition to direction by Wren T. Brown, the creative team for Cygnet’s production of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill includes original scenic design by Edward E. Haynes Jr., with Mathys Herbert as associate scenic designer. Sound design is by Evan Eason, lighting design by Donna Ruzika, costume design by Kimberly DeShazo, wig and makeup design by Peter Herman, and stage management by Craig Campbell.
Tickets for Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill are on sale now and may be purchased in person at the box office located at 4040 Twiggs Street in San Diego Old Town Historic State Park, by calling 619-337-1525, or by visiting cygnettheatre.com. Regular ticket prices start at $39.
Cygnet Theatre Company produces a year-round season of professional Off-Broadway-style theatre as well as thought-provoking and engaging educational programming. Cygnet is committed to maintaining high standards of artistic and fiscal integrity, and serves more than 40,000 patrons annually from San Diego and beyond. Cygnet performs its mainstage productions at the state-of-the-art theatre in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. An active member of the San Diego community, Cygnet has outreach programs serving tens of thousands of students and community members annually. For more information, visit www.cygnettheatre.com.
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill Fact Sheet
WHAT:
Cygnet Theatre presents Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill by Lanie Robertson
WHERE:
Cygnet Theatre
4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
WHO:
Director: Wren Brown
Music Director: Damon Carter
Original Scenic Design: Edward E. Haynes Jr.
Associate Scenic Designer: Mathys Herbert
Sound Designer: Evan Eason
Costume Designer: Kimberly DeShazo
Lighting Designer: Donna Ruzika
Wig and Makeup Designer: Peter Herman°
Stage Manager: Craig Campbell*°
CAST:
Karole Foreman: Billie Holiday*
Damon Carter: Jimmy Powers
*Member of Actors Equity Association, °Resident Artist
DATES:
Previews begin: Wednesday, January 24, 7:00 PM
Press Opening: Saturday, January 27, 7:00 PM
Closes: Sunday, February 18, 2:00 PM
Showtimes:
Wednesday – Saturday at 7:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM
PRICE:
Prices start at $39 with discounts for preview performances, student and military.
HOW:
Phone: (619) 337-1525
Online: www.cygnettheatre.com
In Person: Cygnet Theatre – 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego, CA 92110
Cygnet Theatre Announces the Cast and Creative Team of Other Desert Cities
Family Secrets Unravel During a Christmas Gathering in Palm Springs
Performances Run February 5 – March 2, 2025
Cygnet Theatre proudly presents the searingly funny drama Other Desert Cities penned by Pulitzer Prize finalist playwright and screenwriter, Jon Robin Baitz. Directed by Sean Murray, this production is set to enthrall audiences from February 5 to March 2, 2025 at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town. Opening night for media is Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM (Pacific Time).
“In Other Desert Cities, we dive into a captivating family saga that explores deep themes of history and betrayal when a hidden secret comes to light,” says Director Sean Murray. “Experiencing this intense and humorous play is like unveiling layers of past secrets and regrets, revealing that ‘things may not always be as they seem.’ It’s filled with sharp, urbane characters grappling with their histories in a way that makes for truly great storytelling.”
When Brooke Wyeth returns to her family’s upscale Palm Springs home after a six-year absence to celebrate Christmas, she brings more than just holiday cheer. Armed with a tell-all memoir that resurrects a pivotal and tragic event from the family’s past, Brooke draws a line in the sand, daring her parents, brother, and aunt to confront their buried secrets. As the family unravels in the face of this explosive revelation, tensions soar and loyalties are tested. With biting wit and razor-sharp insight, Other Desert Cities promises a riveting exploration of family dynamics that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
The cast features Rosina Reynolds (Angels in America) as Polly; Melanie Lora Meltzer as Brooke; Alan Rust as Lyman; Debra Wanger (Angels in America) as Silda; and Geoffrey Ulysses Geissinger as Trip.
In addition to direction by Sean Murray, the creative team for Cygnet’s production of Other Desert Citiesincludes: Scenic design by Andrew Hull, sound design by George Ye, lighting design by Joshua Heming, props design by Heather Larsen, costume design by Brooke Nicole Kesler, wig and makeup design by Peter Herman, and stage management is Jared Blake Halsell.
Tickets for Other Desert Cities are on sale now and may be purchased in person at the box office, by phone at 619-337-1525, or by visiting cygnettheatre.com. Cygnet Theatre is located at 4040 Twiggs Street in San Diego Old Town Historic State Park. Regular ticket prices start at $34.
About Cygnet Theatre
Cygnet Theatre Company produces a year-round season of professional Off-Broadway-style theatre as well as thought-provoking and engaging educational programming. Cygnet is committed to maintaining high standards of artistic and fiscal integrity, and serves more than 40,000 patrons annually from San Diego and beyond. Cygnet performs its mainstage productions in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park but will be moving in to a state-of-the-art new theatre in Arts District Liberty Station in September 2025. An active member of the San Diego community, Cygnet has outreach programs serving tens of thousands of students and community members annually.
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Other Desert Cities Fact Sheet
WHAT:
Cygnet Theatre presents Other Desert Cities by Jon Robin Baitz
WHERE:
Cygnet Theatre
4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
WHO:
Director: Sean Murray
Scenic Designer: Andrew Hull
Sound Designer: George Ye°
Props Designer: Heather Larsen
Costume Designer: Brooke Nicole Kesler
Lighting Designer: Joshua Heming
Wig and Makeup Designer: Peter Herman°
Stage Management: Jared Blake Halsell
CAST:
Rosina Reynolds*°: Polly
Alan Rust*: Lyman
Melanie Lora Meltzer*: Brooke
Debra Wanger: Silda
Geoffrey Ulysses Geissinger: Trip
*Member of Actors Equity Association, °Resident Artist
DATES:
Previews begin: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 @ 7:00 PM
Press Opening: Saturday, February 8, 2025 @ 7:00 PM
Closes: Sunday, March 2, 2025 @ 2:00 PM
Showtimes:
Wednesday – Saturday at 7:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM
PRICE:
Prices start at $34 with discounts for preview performances, student and military.
HOW:
Phone: (619) 337-1525
Online: www.cygnettheatre.com
In-Person: Cygnet Theatre – 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego, CA 92110
CYGNET THEATRE ANNOUNCES THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL AT THE JOAN.
Performances Run From November 26 – December 28, 2025
A Joyful Return of A Christmas Carol, Featuring a New Scrooge for a New Season
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Cygnet Theatre Announces The Cast And Creative Team Of Christopher Durang’s Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike, The Inaugural Play in The Dottie
Performances run October 8 – November 9, 2025
SAN DIEGO, CA – (Sept 18, 2025) – Cygnet Theatre proudly presents the offbeat comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang. Directed by Anthony Methvin, the play will run from October 8 to November 9, 2025 and will be the inaugural production in The Dottie Studio Theater in Cygnet Theatre’s permanent home, The Joan in Arts District Liberty Station. Opening Night is Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 7:00pm (Pacific Time).
This riotous comedy blends sibling drama with Chekhovian absurdity. When movie star Masha returns to her childhood home with her boy-toy Spike, she upends the quiet lives of her quirky brother Vanya and adopted sister Sonia. Chaos ensues in this whip-smart, laugh-out-loud play about family dysfunction, middle-aged angst, and the unexpected joys of life.
“There’s a reason this play won both a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize—it continues to speak to us in exciting ways,” says director Anthony Methvin. “It’s not only Durang’s most fun work, but also his most sincere and grounded. It’s a thrilling opportunity to bring it to life.”
The cast features Andrew D. Oswald as Vanya; Shana Wride as Sonia; Eileen Bowman as Masha; Sean Brew as Spike; Daisy Martinez as Cassandra; and Emma Nossal as Nina.
The creative team for Cygnet’s production for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike includes Yi-Chien Lee, Scenic Design; Curtis Mueller, Lighting Design; Evan Eason, Sound Design; Heather K. Nunn, Costume Design; Bonnie Durben, Props Design; Peter Herman, Wig/Makeup Design; Hannah Meade, Intimacy Consultant; Jared Blake Halsell, Stage Manager; and Jaz Villalino, Assistant Stage Manager.
Tickets for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike are on sale now and may be purchased in person at the box office, by phone at 619-337-1525, or by visiting CygnetTheatre.org. Cygnet Theatre is located at 2880 Roosevelt Road in Arts District Liberty Station. Regular ticket prices start at $58.
Photos and artwork can be found at CygnetTheatre.org/press-room
About Cygnet Theatre
Cygnet Theatre is one of Southern California’s premier professional theatre companies, now based at the state-of-the-art Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center—affectionately known as The Joan—in the heart of San Diego’s historic Arts District Liberty Station. Founded in 2003, Cygnet has built a reputation for bold, inventive productions and a commitment to both classic and contemporary works, presented with a distinctive Off-Broadway sensibility. Producing theatre year-round, Cygnet welcomes more than 50,000 audience members annually and is recognized for its artistic excellence, strong fiscal management, and deep community investment. Its robust education and outreach programs engage tens of thousands of students and residents each year, fostering meaningful access to the arts and cultivating the next generation of theatre lovers.The Joan provides an exceptional patron experience with world-class acoustics, advanced production capabilities, and beautifully designed indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.
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Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Fact Sheet
WHAT:
Cygnet Theatre presents Christopher Durang’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
WHERE:
Cygnet Theatre
The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center
Dottie Studio Theater
2880 Roosevelt Road
San Diego, CA 92106
WHO:
Director: Anthony Methvin
Scenic Designer: Yi-Chien Lee
Sound Designer: Evan Eason
Costume Designer: Heather K. Nunn
Lighting Designer: Curtis Mueller
Props Designer: Bonnie Durben
Wig/Make Up Designer: Peter Herman
Stage Management: Jared Blake Halsell
Assistant Stage Manager: Jaz Villalino
Intimacy Consultant: Hannah Meade
CAST:
Eileen Bowman: Masha
Sean Brew: Spike
Daisy Martinez: Cassandra
Emma Nossal: Nina
Andrew D. Oswald: Vanya
Shana Wride: Sonia
DATES:
Previews begin: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 @ 7:00 PM
Opening: Saturday, October 11, 2025 @ 7:00 PM
Closes: Sunday, November 9, 2025 @ 2:00 PM
Showtimes:
Wednesday – Saturday @ 7:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday @ 2:00 PM
Mid-week matinee on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 @ 2:00 PM
PRICE:
Prices start at $58 with discounts for preview performances, students, and military.
CYGNET THEATRE AWARDS 2026 DEE SILVER, M.D. COMMISSION TO PLAYWRIGHT CHRISTOPHER LYSIK
Partnership with the Iowa Playwrights Workshop brings Lysik’s new musical to San Diego for a free public reading on January 17.
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Teacher Testimonial – Linda Libby (Teacher and Cygnet Resident Artist)
I’ve taught 5th grade through graduate school students, and for more years than I can count I have heard teachers struggle to teach empathy. How do we impress upon our young people that they matter – that their choices matter – that what they choose to do or to not do – to be or not to be – they have impact on the world.
The theater is where choices are made public, questioned and challenged. We see the consequences of characters’ actions. We discuss these passionate people and compare our stories to theirs. Through the lens of the play, we talk about taboo subjects we would otherwise avoid. We can talk about ourselves and our own struggles by spending a few hours with characters we relate to on stage. The theater reminds us that we are all human.
So, when I have the opportunity for my classes to be visited by a teaching artist who prepares students to attend a professional production at Cygnet Theatre, we crack open students’ minds. Once they have experienced the production, they are inspired by the craftsmanship of the designers, directors and actors. In talkbacks and post-production workshops they get an understanding of the process that moved them. Years later, they refer back to a moment from the play or a particular artist they connected with.
By giving students the chance to see “how art is really made,” the bar for their own work raises. Seeing excellent art inspires them. And when we are inspired, we each become better at what we do.
I’m not sure that I can aptly articulate the importance of the educational theatre experience. Beyond building the theatre audiences of the future, we demonstrate the essence of connection. Our youth, now more than ever, need to know that they are seen, that they matter, and what better way to do that then to bring them to the theater where their experiences are reflected on the stage and the artists “hold the mirror – as ‘t’were – up to nature.”
CYGNET THEATRE ANNOUNCES THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM OF CYGNET’S A MAGICAL HOLIDAY: CHRISTMAS AT THE JOAN.
Performances Run From December 10 – 28, 2025
SAN DIEGO, CA – Cygnet Theatre celebrates the holiday season with its second production, Cygnet’s A Magical Holiday: Christmas At The Joan. This joyful holiday spectacle, directed by Carlos Mendoza, runs from December 10 – 28 in the Dottie Studio Theater. Opening Night for media is Saturday, December 13 at 7:00pm.
This festive production is a vibrant, all-singing, all-dancing celebration featuring live renditions of classics including “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “We Need a Little Christmas” and “Feliz Navidad.” Bursting with energy and colorful production design, the dazzling show evokes the spirit and spectacle of the iconic Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. Audiences are invited to bring the whole family to this joyful event filled with music, dance and cheer — the perfect way to light up the season.
“We’re thrilled to bring this high-energy holiday spectacular to the stage,” said Director Carlos Mendoza. “It’s a joyful explosion of song, dance and color that captures the excitement of the season. I can’t wait for audiences to experience the warmth and spirit this show brings — it’s the perfect companion to A Christmas Carol and a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays at Cygnet.”
The cast features singers Richard Bermudez, Stephanie Burkett Gerson, Ryan Fahey and Courtney Fero, with dancers Danielle Airey, Ashley Chavarria and Tamara Rodriguez; Rodriguez also performs as a vocalist. The live band includes Martin Martiarena on bass, Danny Chavarin on percussion and Lyndon Pugeda on conductor/keyboard.
Under the direction of Carlos Mendoza, the creative team includes lighting design by Sammy Webster, sound design by Patrick Hoyny, costume design by Janet Pitcher, co-choreography by Kristel Nichols, musical arrangements by Justin Gray, musical direction by Lyndon Pugeda and stage management by Stanley D. Cohen.
Tickets for Cygnet’s A Magical Holiday: Christmas at The Joan and A Christmas Carol are on sale now and may be purchased in person at the box office, by phone at 619-337-1525, or by visiting CygnetTheatre.org. Cygnet Theatre is located at 2880 Roosevelt Road in Arts District Liberty Station. Regular ticket prices start at $73 for adults and half off for children.
ABOUT CYGNET THEATRE
Cygnet Theatre is one of Southern California’s premier professional theatre companies, now based at the state-of-the-art Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center—affectionately known as The Joan—in the heart of San Diego’s historic Arts District Liberty Station. Founded in 2003, Cygnet has built a reputation for bold, inventive productions and a commitment to both classic and contemporary works, presented with a distinctive Off-Broadway sensibility. Producing theatre year-round, Cygnet welcomes more than 50,000 audience members annually and is recognized for its artistic excellence, strong fiscal management, and deep community investment. Its robust education and outreach programs engage tens of thousands of students and residents each year, fostering meaningful access to the arts and cultivating the next generation of theatre lovers.The Joan provides an exceptional patron experience with world-class acoustics, advanced production capabilities, and beautifully designed indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.
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Cygnet’s A Magical Holiday: Christmas at The Joan Fact Sheet
WHAT:
Cygnet Theatre presents Cygnet’s A Magical Holiday: Christmas at The Joan
WHERE:
Cygnet Theatre
The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center
The Dottie Studio Theater
2880 Roosevelt Road
San Diego, CA 92106
WHO:
Director/Creator/Co-Choreographer: Carlos Mendoza
Lighting Designer: Sammy Webster
Sound Designer: Patrick Hoyny
Music Director: Lyndon Pugeda
Music Arrangements: Justin Gray
Co-Choreographer: Kristel Nichols
Stage Management: Stanley D. Cohen
Assistant Stage Manager: Aaronne Louis-Charles
CAST:
Danielle Airey: Dancer
Richard Bermudez: Singer
Stephanie Burkett Gerson: Singer
Ashley Chavarria: Dancer
Ryan Fahey: Singer
Courtney Fero: Singer
Tamara Rodriguez: Dancer/Singer
DATES:
Previews begin: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 @ 7:00 PM
Opening: Saturday, December 13, 2025 @ 7:00 PM
Closes: Sunday, December 28, 2025 @ 2:00 PM
Showtimes:
Wednesdays – Fridays at 7:00 PM
Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Sundays at 2:00 PM
Additional Performances on Tuesday, December 23 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
No performance scheduled for Thursday, December 25
PRICE:
Prices start at $73 for adults and half off for children. Discounts available for students and military.
PLAYWRIGHTS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2025 BILL AND JUDY GARRETT FINISH LINE COMMISSION
In Partnership with the UCSD MFA Playwriting Program, Cygnet’s New Play Commission Returns with Three New Playwrights at their New Home in Liberty Station, The Joan
SAN DIEGO, CA – Cygnet Theatre announces its lineup of playwrights for the 2025 Bill and Judy Garrett Finish Line Commission. In partnership with the UCSD MFA Playwriting Program, the commission supports Cygnet’s commitment to new theatrical works, written by groundbreaking local and nationally recognized playwrights. The 2025 artists include MFA Playwright Katie Đỗ and local playwrights Jonah Gercke and Christopher Oscar Peña. The Finish Line Producer is Kian Kline-Chilton. Free public readings of all three plays will take place November 14-15, 2025 at Cygnet Theatre.
Playwrights awarded The Finish Line Commission receive a week-long developmental workshop, culminating in a public reading, financial support, and the opportunity for a world premiere production at Cygnet Theatre.
“Finish Line has always been a cornerstone of joy in San Diego’s new work landscape: a defining celebration of the incredible talent in our community,” said Commission Producer Kian Kline-Chilton. “What a perfect group to inaugurate the first festival at the Joan. As we approach the festival’s 10-year anniversary, I feel deeply honored to be at the helm, supporting these artists and the vibrant community that makes it all possible.”
The Finish Line Commission is made possible thanks to the contribution of long-time donors Bill and Judy Garrett. “We happily support the nurturing of new playwrights who are exploring provocative, entertaining, contemporary stories and topics to add to the vast lexicon of theatrical works currently available to performers and audiences. We’re delighted to be able to continue to help create new works for today’s world,” explained Judy Garrett.
The Bill and Judy Garrett Finish Line Commission provides:
- Financial support to the playwright, actors, and director
- A Finish Line Commission grant for a local playwright and right of first refusal
- Rehearsal space and production support
- Public in-person readings of all plays
- A series of public talk-backs and a playwright reception
The readings and surrounding events are FREE to the public. Seats may be reserved in person at the box office located at 2880 Roosevelt Rd. at The Joan in Arts District Liberty Station, by calling 619-337-1525 or online at https://cygnettheatre.org/show/upcoming-shows/the-finish-line/
PLAYS AND PLAYWRIGHTS
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Interview with Mars Lorens
Q: What was it like rehearsing in the new space for the first time, especially with a cast this large, and how did that compare to Cygnet’s old rehearsal space?
A: Don’t tell any of the other rehearsal spaces around town, but this new rehearsal studio is one of the nicest I’ve worked in. Having the space to comfortably fit a cast of 27 in one rehearsal room feels luxurious, and I don’t like to think about what rehearsing a show of this size in the old rehearsal space would look like. And it isn’t just the space! We are also very lucky to have nice big windows all around the room with beautiful views of Liberty Station and lots of natural light streaming in. A big step up from the old closed-off garage!
Q: How many shows have you stage managed for Cygnet and how has this experience differed?
A: This is my 10th show I’ve worked on at Cygnet! I have been Production Stage Manager for 7 shows and Assistant Stage Manager for 3. This production in particular feels different just because of the newness of it all. It’s been an honor to be the first team to start puzzling out how to work in a brand-new building. There are little things you take for granted when you’re settled in a building like we were in Old Town – such as being able to find the light switches in the dark, with my eyes closed.
Q: How was the tech process for you as Stage Manager? Any challenges or pleasant surprises?
A: Surprisingly enough, the tech process went far smoother than I think anyone anticipated. Shout-outs to the production team’s prep work to get us to tech, but once we were in it, it felt just like any other tech process. The best part of tech was having a rehearsal room nearby that we could work in while we were teching onstage.
Q: Favorite thing about this show or process overall?
A: My favorite part of this process is seeing all the hard work of so many people come together to bring this show to life.
Q: Anything you’d like to say to Cygnet’s donors?
A: Thank you for your support of live theatre! Theatre is nothing without its audiences and your support is so important in keeping this art form thriving.
