Cygnet Theatre Announces The Cast and Creative Team of The Hot Wing King
A cooking competition becomes a hilarious battleground for belonging.
Performances run April 9 – May 2, 2025
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – (Feb. 28, 2025) – Cygnet Theatre proudly presents the fresh, fierce comedy The Hot Wing King by Pulitzer Prize playwright Katori Hall. Directed by Kian Kline-Chilton, the production will run from April 9 to May 2, 2025 at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town. Opening night for media is Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM (Pacific Time).
As Memphis’s annual “Hot Wang Festival” approaches, Cordell Crutchfield is determined to win the crown with the support of his partner Dwayne and their friends, aka “The New Wing Order.” Just when victory seems certain, a family tragedy brings Dwayne’s troubled nephew into the mix, turning their preparations into a recipe for chaos. Katori Hall’s Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy explores the challenges and rewards of being true to yourself and the families we create.
“It’s a true honor to lead a project that places the beauty of vulnerability at the heart of Black male spaces,” says Director Kian Kline-Chilton. “I want to unapologetically showcase every facet of what makes us beautiful — our laughter, our hair, our fashion, our love —in our most human, unapologetic form. My hope is that this experience will not only bring audiences joy, but also inspire them to embrace love in all its fullness, reminding us of the power of self-expression in a world that so often demands we dim our light.”
The cast features Rondrell McCormick (Mud Row) as Cordell; Xavier Daniels as Big Charles; Tristan J Shuler as Dwayne; Kevane La’Marr Coleman (Angels in America) as Isom; Jocorey Mitchell as Everett (EJ) and Carter Piggee as TJ.
In addition to direction by Kian Kline-Chilton, the creative team for Cygnet’s production of The Hot Wing King includes: Scenic design by Audrey R. Casteris, sound design by Padra Crisafulli, lighting design by Caroline Andrew, props design by Teresa Jove, costume design by Danita Lee, and stage management by Chandra R.M. Anthenil.
Tickets for The Hot Wing King 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 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 50,000 patrons annually from San Diego and beyond. Cygnet will perform its mainstage productions at the brand-new theatre in Arts District Liberty Station starting 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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The Hot Wing King Fact Sheet
WHAT:
Cygnet Theatre presents The Hot Wing King by Katori Hall
WHERE:
Cygnet Theatre
4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
WHO:
Director: Kian Kline-Chilton
Scenic Designer: Audrey R. Casteris
Sound Designer: Padra Crisafulli
Props Designer: Teresa Jove
Costume Designer: Danita Lee
Lighting Designer: Caroline Andrew
Stage Management: Chandra R.M. Anthenil*
CAST:
Rondrell McCormick*: Cordell
Xavier Daniels: Big Charles
Tristan J Shuler*: Dwayne
Kevane La’Marr Coleman: Isom
Jocorey Mitchell: Everett (EJ)
Carter Piggee: TJ
*Member of Actors Equity Association
DATES:
Previews begin: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 @ 7:00 PM
Press Opening: Saturday, April 12, 2025 @ 7:00 PM
Closes: Friday, May 2, 2025 @ 7:00 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, students, and military.
HOW:
Phone: (619) 337-1525
Online: www.cygnettheatre.org
In-Person: Cygnet Theatre – 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego, CA 92110
