Category: General

Campy Cult Classic Promises a Rollicking Good Time

Performances Run September 11 – October 20, 2024

SAN DIEGO, CA – Cygnet Theatre proudly presents Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show, directed by Sean Murray. This outrageous cult musical is a remount of one of Cygnet Theatre’s most popular productions, set to tease and delight audiences from September 11 through October 20, 2024. Opening Night for media is Saturday, September 14 at 7:00 PM. Tickets and information are available at CygnetTheatre.com.

A satirical tribute to the science fiction and B-list horror movies of the 20th century, the show centers around two naïve lovers, Brad and Janet. Seeking shelter from a thunderstorm in an old castle, they find themselves thrust into the laboratory of mad scientist Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter and his motley crew. Stripped of inhibitions – and their clothes – Brad and Janet embark on a wild, unforgettable journey of pleasure and self-discovery. Reality, fiction, and camp collide in this mash-up of comics, rock and roll, and late-night horror flicks.

Artistic Director Sean Murray, who played the libidinous mad scientist Dr. Frank N. Furter in Cygnet Theatre’s 2016 production, will once again helm the production. He says, “While I’m hanging up my fishnets once and for all, I am incredibly thrilled to direct this fresh, fierce, top-notch cast. One thing we are keeping is the down and dirty, grungy vibe that harkens back to the shows origins as a campy B-movie with a killer rock and roll score.” 

Stepping into Dr. Frank N. Furter’s stilettos this time around is Broadway’s Nathan Madden (An American in Paris, Hello Dolly, Chicago). The only returning cast member is Jacob Caltrider, formerly Brad, now taking a seat as Dr. Scott. The rest of the cast include Josh Bradford as Rocky, Drew Bradford as Brad, Faith Carrion as Eddie, Audrey Deubig as Janet, Jasmine January as Columbia,Linda Libby as the Criminologist, Allen Lucky Weaver as Riff Raff, Shanyeyah White: Magenta, and Eli Wood as Phantom.

In addition to direction by Sean Murray, the creative team includes music direction by Patrick Marion, choreography by Luke H. Jacobs, scenic design by Andrew Hull, projection design by Blake McCarty, sound design by TJ Fucella, lighting design by Chris Rynne, costume design by Jennifer Brawn Gittings, props design by Teresa Jove, wig and makeup design by Peter Herman, and stage management by Matthew Bantock.

Tickets for Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show 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 $44.

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. As it prepares to relocate to the ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station in 2025, the organization remains committed to enriching the community through transformative theatrical experiences. For more information, visit www.cygnettheatre.com.

Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show Fact Sheet

 

WHAT:

Cygnet Theatre presents Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show

 

WHERE:  

Cygnet Theatre

4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

 

WHO:

Director: Sean Murray

Music Director: Patrick Marion°

Choreographer: Luke H. Jacobs°

Scenic Designer: Andrew Hull

Projection Designer: Blake McCarty°

Sound Designer: TJ Fucella

Costume Designer: Jennifer Brawn Gittings

Lighting Designer: Chris Rynne°

Wig and Makeup Designer: Peter Herman°

Props Designer: Teresa Jove

Stage Manager: Matthew Bantock*°

 

CAST:   

Josh Bradford: Rocky

Drew Bradford°: Brad

Jacob Caltrider°*: Dr. Scott

Faith Carrion: Eddie/Phantom

Audrey Deubig: Janet

Jasmine January: Columbia

Linda Libby°*: Criminologist

Nathan Madden*: Dr. Frank N. Furter

Allen Lucky Weaver*: Riff Raff

Shanyeyah White: Magenta

Eli Wood: Phantom

*Member of Actors Equity Association

°Resident Artist 

 

DATES:     

Previews begin: Wednesday, September 11, 7:00 PM

Press Opening: Saturday, September 14, 7:00 PM

Closes: Sunday, October 20, 2:00 PM

Showtimes:

Wednesday to Saturday at 7:00 PM 

Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM

Weekday Matinee on Wednesday, September 25 at 2:00 PM

PRICE:       

Prices start at $44 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 

 

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The organization prepares for its 2025 move to ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station.

SAN DIEGO, CA – Cygnet Theatre, a cornerstone of San Diego’s cultural landscape, is thrilled to announce significant advancements within its leadership team. These developments are part of the theatre’s ongoing expansion and preparation for its highly anticipated move to a new, state-of-the-art home – The Joan at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station – in 2025.

Today, Cygnet Theatre unveiled key promotions aimed at enhancing its artistic vision and operational capabilities. Craig Campbell, serving as Production Manager since 2017, has been promoted to the role of Producing Director. In his new capacity, Campbell will collaborate closely with Artistic Director Sean Murray to shape the artistic direction of each season, playing a pivotal role in the selection of plays and fostering community engagement to expand Cygnet’s commitment to providing work for local artists.

Simultaneously, Eric Clark, who has excelled as Associate Production Manager, steps into Campbell’s vacated role of Production Manager, assuming greater responsibilities in the day-to-day management of productions. Joining the team as a permanent, full-time staff member is Mathys Herbert in the role of Technical Director. Herbert brings valuable expertise that will further bolster Cygnet Theatre’s capabilities during this transformative period. These appointments underscore Cygnet Theatre’s commitment to elevating its artistic and operational standards as it expands its footprint in San Diego.

Autumn Doermann-Rojas, who joined the organization in 2014 as Marketing Director, will now serve as General Manager, overseeing not only Marketing and Communications but also Human Resources and other administrative and business functions. Doermann-Rojas’ expanded role will enhance leadership and organizational capabilities, essential as Cygnet Theatre prepares for its enhanced presence in the community.

“These strategic staff changes mark a significant milestone in Cygnet Theatre’s journey,” said Bill Schmidt, Executive Director. “As we prepare to expand our presence as one of the leading producing theatres in San Diego, these promotions and new appointments are pivotal in fortifying our artistic vision and operational effectiveness. We are confident that these leaders will drive Cygnet Theatre to new heights of artistic excellence and community engagement.”

In summer 2025, Cygnet Theatre will move from its long-time stage in Old Town to The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center–The Joan–its new, permanent home being brought to life in partnership with NTC Foundation at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. The contemporary space will include a 289-seat proscenium theatre, a 150-seat flexible studio space, as well as top-of-the line back-of-house support spaces and more. These staff changes and new performance space mark a new era for Cygnet Theatre, allowing the theatre to further elevate productions, community engagement opportunities and more.

In addition to these key promotions, Cygnet Theatre is actively hiring for several positions within its marketing and development departments, further enhancing its organizational capabilities ahead of the upcoming move. Listings can be found at www.cygnettheatre.com/about/jobs/.

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. As it prepares to relocate to the ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station in 2025, the organization remains committed to enriching the community through transformative theatrical experiences. For more information, visit www.cygnettheatre.com.

Jonathan Larson’s Iconic Work Comes to San Diego this Summer.

Performances Run July 3 – August 4, 2024

SAN DIEGO, CA – Cygnet Theatre proudly presents the heartfelt and uplifting musical tick, tick…BOOM! by celebrated composer Jonathan Larson. Directed and choreographed by Katie Banville, this dynamic production is set to captivate audiences from July 3 to August 4, 2024, at Cygnet Theatre. Opening Night for media is Saturday, July 6 at 7:00 PM. Tickets and information are available at CygnetTheatre.com.  Before he electrified the world with Rent, Jonathan Larson was a young man struggling to make his mark in the theater. While he waits tables and seeks his big break, the pressure to give it all up grows as Jon approaches his 30th birthday. Will he sell out to keep the lights on? Will he lose the love of his life? Will he finally write the soaring song that can change everything? And if he does, will anyone be there to see it? Set in 1990 and scored by the music that redefined a genre, tick, tick… BOOM! cracks open the ticking-time-bomb world of creating theater to celebrate the power of finding your voice and holding on to a dream. Director Katie Banville shared her thoughts on the production saying, “Tick, Tick… Boom! pulls me in and holds my curiosity by directly questioning how we find fulfillment as artists in tandem with how we live our lives. How are we choosing to spend our time? Do our creative pursuits stand at odds with the rest of our lives or are they inextricably intertwined? My life as a person and an artist have changed so dramatically over the last few years — I transitioned from performing to being on the creative team, I became a parent — and I’m constantly wrestling with these questions.” She continued, “This show is an opportunity for all of us to pause for a moment and consider these big life questions. I’m also incredibly grateful to be working on this show at Cygnet, where so much of my artistic and personal development has taken shape.” The cast of three includes LA-Based singer/songwriter AJ Rafael as Jon in his Cygnet Debut. Returning to the Cygnet stage are Leo Ebanks (Mud Row) as Michael and Emma Nossal (Rock of Ages) as Susan. Rafael shared his excitement about joining the production saying “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to tell the story of Jon, through the perspective and experiences of what I have personally been through as a songwriter and storyteller myself. Also, to do this musical in San Diego feels serendipitous, as it was also the first city that I performed at as a young artist back in the MySpace days. To be in “Tick, Tick… Boom!” at this moment in time feels like a full circle moment to me in a lot of ways.” In addition to direction and choreography by Katie Banville the creative team includes music direction by Dr. Randi Roberts, scenic design by Yi-Chien Lee, sound design by Salvador Zamora, lighting design by Joshua Heming, costume design by Regan A. McKay, props design by Jaeonnie Davis-Crawford, wig and makeup design by Peter Herman, and stage management by Matthew Bantock. Tickets for tick, tick…BOOM! 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.

tick, tick…BOOM! Fact Sheet   WHAT: Cygnet Theatre presents tick, tick…BOOM! by Jonathan Larson   WHERE: Cygnet Theatre 4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park   WHO: Decenic Designer: Yi-Chien Lee Sound Designer: Salvador Zamora Costume Designer: Regan A. McKay Lighting Designer: Joshua Heming Wig and Makeup Designer: Peter Herman° Props Designer: Jaeonnie Davis-Crawford Stage Manager: Matthew Bantock*   CAST: AJ Rafael*: Jon Leo Ebanks*: Michael Emma Nossal: Susan *Member of Actors Equity Association, °Resident Artist   DATES: Previews begin: Wednesday, July 3, 7:00 PM Press Opening: Saturday, July 6, 7:00 PM Closes: Sunday, August 4, 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

Experience Love, Intrigue, and Revolution in this Tony-Nominated Electropop Opera

Performances Run April 10 – May 19, 2024

SAN DIEGO, CA – Cygnet Theatre proudly presents the electrifying musical Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 by celebrated and award-winning composer Dave Malloy. Directed by Sean Murray, this spellbinding theatrical experience has already been extended by a week. It is set to captivate audiences from April 10 to May 19, 2024 at Cygnet Theatre. Opening Night for media is Saturday, April 13 at 7:00 PM. Tickets and information are available at CygnetTheatre.com.  Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is an electropop opera based on a scandalous slice of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Young and impulsive, Natasha Rostova arrives in Moscow to await the return of her fiancé from the front lines. When she falls under the spell of the roguish Anatole, it is up to Pierre, a family friend in the middle of an existential crisis, to pick up the pieces of her shattered reputation. The show features a vibrant score that infuses classic literature with modern sensibilities, drawing on an eclectic mix of musical styles including folk, indie-rock, electro-pop and techno, making it a unique and form-defying musical! The entire theatre will be transformed for an immersive experience, with sixteen stage seats per performance available for purchase for theatregoers who really want to be part of the action. Audiences can expect to see actors weaving through the aisles, blurring lines between audience and cast.They may even get caught in the crosshairs of a duel. “I fell in love with the show when I first heard its title! Such a unique title led to a truly unique show. It is such a highly theatrical experience to share with our audience. I knew we had to do it. ” says Artistic Director Murray “The show on Broadway was an enormous circus and thrilling. But the show started life as a small intimate surprise off Broadway. We are tapping into that smaller but mightier energy in our production. A direct experience into this delicious slice of War and Peace will excite, thrill and move us.“ The titular characters are Natasha, played by Selena Ceja, and Pierre, played by Kürt Norby. The rest of the cast, many of whom play instruments in addition to singing, include Brian Mackey as Andrei/Bolkonsky, Brittany Adriana Carrillo as Mary, Tanner Vydos as Dolokhov, Jasmine January as Hélène, Linda Libby as Marya, Luke Harvey Jacobs as Balaga, Michael Louis Cusimano as Anatole and Megan Carmitchel as Sonya. In addition to direction by Sean Murray, the creative team for Cygnet’s production of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 includes music direction by Patrick Marion, Choreography by Katie Banville, scenic design by Mathys Herbert,sound design by Matt Lescault Wood, lighting design by Amanda Zieve, costume design by Shirley Pierson, wig and makeup design by Peter Herman, and stage management by Dean Remington and Matthew Bantock. Tickets for Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 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.

Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 Fact Sheet   WHAT: Cygnet Theatre presents Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 by Dave Malloy   WHERE: Cygnet Theatre 4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park   WHO: Director: Sean Murray Music Director: Patrick Marion° Choreographer: Katie Banville° Scenic Designer: Mathys Herbert Sound Designer: Matt Lescault Wood° Costume Designer: Shirley Pierson° Lighting Designer: Amanda Zieve Wig and Makeup Designer: Peter Herman° Stage Manager: Dean Remington*° and Matthew Bantock*   CAST: Selena Ceja: Natasha Brian Mackey*°: Andrei/Bolkonsky Brittany Carrillo: Mary Tanner Vydos: Dolokhov Jasmine January: Hélène Kürt Norby*°: Pierre Linda Libby*°: Marya Luke Harvey Jacobs°: Balaga Michael Louis Cusimano*: Anatole Megan Carmitchel: Sonya *Member of Actors Equity Association, °Resident Artist   DATES: Previews begin: Wednesday, April 10, 7:00 PM Press Opening: Saturday, April 13, 7:00 PM Closes: Sunday, May 19, 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

A Pathway to the Profession of Theatre for Students

Chula Vista, CA, Monday, February 19, 2024  – We are excited to announce a new Arts partnership in the South Bay!

Sharon Maley, a professional in the theater industry and the Career and Technical Education Theatre teacher at Chula Vista High in the School for the Creative and Performing Arts, recognized the need for a way to empower her students to launch into their futures through apprenticeship opportunities.

According to Sharon, “San Diego has a vibrant, exciting theater community; however, accessibility for students in the South Bay is an obstacle we need to address. The solution is to bring those opportunities to them!”

To address this need, Sharon Maley created a Pre-Professional Program proposal that brings together the Sweetwater Union High School Career and Technical Education and Visual and Performing Arts Departments, the students of Chula Vista High SCPA, and the professional staff of the renowned Cygnet Theatre. This program will be a professional process and establish apprenticeships for producing their spring show, The Matchmaker to be produced in early March 2024.

This incredible collaboration will give students the industry-specific, unprecedented work-based experience they need to further their Theatre education in a college or career and fulfill the Career Preparation and Career Training portions of the 2023-2024 CTE Certification, Industry, “Work Based Learning Opportunities” matrix.

Our partnership is truly a win-win for everyone involved!

The Chula Vista High School for the Creative and Performing Arts is a “school with-in a school” located on the Chula Vista Middle and Chula Vista High School campuses for grades 7-12 designed to graduate professionally trained, well-rounded performers and artists who have developed a strong work ethic and character through being artistically perceptive, expressively creative, aesthetically astute, and possessive of a cultural and historical understanding of their chosen art form. www.cvscpa.org

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.

The Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department’s main focus is to prepare students for academic achievement, career exploration, career preparation, and leadership development. The successful transition to post-secondary education and the workplace will be accomplished through the principles of college and career readiness: communication, collaboration, problem-solving, professionalism, job shadowing, internships, and business partnerships.

The Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Department empowers each student to think creatively, work creatively, and live creatively.

VAPA recognizes that by studying visual and performing arts, students learn to develop initiative, discipline, perceptual abilities, and critical, creative thinking skills that extend to all areas of life. https://vapa.sweetwaterschools.org/