Cygnet Theatre Wins Big at 2024 Craig Noel Awards
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – (Feb. 25, 2025) – Cygnet Theatre, a leading San Diego performing arts institution, is proud to announce its remarkable achievement at the 21st Craig Noel Awards, which was put on this past Monday at The Blvd Banquet Hall. The production company’s artistic director, Sean Murray, was honored with the award of “Outstanding Direction of a Musical” for his work on Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, which won in 7 other categories as well.
“I have to thank the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle for recognizing my work on Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812,” said Director Sean Murray in his recorded acceptance speech. “As all of the other amazing directors that I was in the same category with know, nobody can do a production by yourself, it takes every single person on the team.”
The Craig Noel Awards, organized by the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle, honors the achievements at professional theaters in San Diego County. This year’s ceremony showcased a diverse and talented range of entries, with Cygnet Theatre standing out as one of the most nominated companies, earning a collective 14 nominations for Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar And Grill; Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 and Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show.
Cygnet Theatre received Craig Noel Awards for outstanding achievements in the following categories:
Outstanding Resident Musical
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
Outstanding Direction of a Musical
Sean Murray
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
Outstanding Music Direction
Patrick Marion
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
Outstanding Choreography
Katie Banville
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
Outstanding Scenic Design
Mathys Herbert
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical
Kürt Norby
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical
Michael Louis Cusimano
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
Audience Choice Award
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
In addition to these accolades, Cygnet Theatre is excited to host its final three productions at its theater in Old Town: Other Desert Cities, The Hot Wing King, and Oklahoma! These remaining shows underscore Cygnet’s commitment to the dissection, examination and celebration of the human story through the medium of live theatre.
As Cygnet prepares to move into its new home, the company is excited to elevate the theatre-going experience at the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center in Arts District Liberty Station. Set to open in September 2025, The Joan will feature the Joseph Clayes III Theater – a 280+-seat proscenium theater – as well as a 150-seat flexible studio space, nicknamed the Dottie Studio Theater for donor Dorothea Laub, as well as state-of-the-art back-of-house facilities, acoustic elements and more. This new, modern theatre space will allow Cygnet to elevate its productions and serve more San Diegans than ever before.
“It is an incredible honor to receive this recognition,” said Autumn Doermann-Rojas, Cygnet’s General Manager. “We are deeply grateful to the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle for their support and commitment. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and artistry of our cast and creative teams, who continually push the boundaries of live theatre.”
To learn more about Cygnet Theatre and upcoming productions, visit CygnetTheatre.org.
About Cygnet Theatre
Cygnet Theatre 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. Currently located in Old Town, 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.
