CYGNET THEATRE ANNOUNCES THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM OF SOMEWHERE OVER THE BORDER

Performances Run From February 18 – March 15, 2026

SAN DIEGO, CA – Cygnet Theatre celebrates the new year with the production, Somewhere Over the Border by playwright Brian Quijada. This heartfelt, uplifting musical, directed and choreographed by Carlos Mendoza, runs from February 18 – March 15 in The Joseph Clayes III Theater. Opening Night for media is Saturday, February 21 at 7:00pm.

Cygnet Theatre continues its inaugural season with Somewhere Over the Border, a musical inspired by a real-life journey that tells a heartwarming story of resilience and hope. Blending elements of magical realism with the familiar charm of The Wizard of Oz, the show follows Reina on a courageous journey to build a better life. Featuring a vibrant, Latin-inspired score that blends cumbia, mariachi, boleros, American rock and hip-hop, the musical explores themes of family, sacrifice and the pursuit of the American Dream, offering a moving reminder that courage can carry us anywhere — even over the rainbow.

“Reina’s journey is about self-discovery in a world where nothing is quite what it seems,” said director Carlos Mendoza. “Driven by vibrant Latin music, Somewhere Over the Border blends the celebratory nature of the culture and energy in a way that will thrill fans of In the Heights and West Side Story.”

The cast features Vanessa Orozco as Reina, Crissy Guerrero as Julia, Luis Sherlinee as Adán/Cruz, Edward Padilla as Don Napoleon/Silvano, Luzma Ortiz as Antonia/Leona, Dhani Solorio as Young Fernando and Fernando Vega as the Narrator. The live band includes Martin Martiarena on bass, Danny Chavarin on percussion, Nikko Nobleza and Michael Reyes both on guitar and Lyndon Pugeda on keyboard/conductor.

Under the direction of Carlos Mendoza, the creative team includes assistant direction/dramaturgy by Catalina Maynard, lighting design by Ryan Fallis, scenic design by Tanya Orellana, sound design by Jordan Gray, costume design by Janet Pitcher, projection design by Blake McCarty, wig & makeup design by Peter Herman, props designed by Jaeonnie Davis-Crawford, assistant choreographer Tamara Rodriguez, musical direction by Lyndon Pugeda and stage management by Heather M. Brose.

Tickets for Somewhere Over the Border 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. Ticket prices start at $44.
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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Somewhere Over the Border Fact Sheet
WHAT:

Cygnet Theatre presents Somewhere Over the Border 

WHERE:

Cygnet Theatre

The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center

Joseph Clayes III Theater

2880 Roosevelt Road

San Diego, CA 92106

WHO:

Playwright: Brian Quijada

Director/Choreographer: Carlos Mendoza

Assistant Director/Dramaturg: Catalina Maynard

Lighting Designer: Ryan Fallis

Sound Designer: Jordan Gray

Music Director: Lyndon Pugeda

Scenic Designer: Tanya Orellana

Assistant Choreographer: Tamara Rodriguez

Costume Designer: Janet Pitcher

Projection Designer: Blake McCarty

Wig & Makeup Designer: Peter Herman

Props Designer: Jaeonnie Davis-Crawford

Stage Management: Heather M. Brose

Assistant Stage Manager: Alyssa Hayden

 

CAST:

Crissy Guerrero: Julia

Vanessa Orozco: Reina

Luzma Ortiz: Antonia/Leona

Edward Padilla: Don Napoleon/Silvano

Luis Sherlinee: Adán/Cruz

Dhani Solorio: Fernando

Fernando Vega: The Narrator

BAND:

Danny Chavarin: Percussion

Martin Martiarena: Bass

Nikko Nobleza: Guitar

Lyndon Pugeda: Keyboard/Conductor

Michael Reyes: Guitar

 

DATES:

Previews begin: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 @ 7:00 PM

Opening: Saturday, February 21, 2026 @ 7:00 PM

Closes: Sunday, March 15, 2026 @ 2:00 PM

 

SHOWTIMES:

Wednesdays – Fridays at 7:00 PM

Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM

Sundays at 2:00 PM

Weekday Matinee – Wednesday, March 11 @ 2 PM

 

PRICE:

Ticket prices start at $44. Discounts available for students and military.