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Cygnet Theatre Announces The Cast and Creative Team of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

Cygnet Theatre Announces The Cast and Creative Team of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

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Cygnet Theatre Announces The Cast and Creative Team of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

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

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New Arts Partnership with Cygnet Theatre and the Chula Vista High – School for the Creative and Performing Arts in the South Bay!

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. https://ccr.sweetwaterschools.org/cte/

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/

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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

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A Christmas Carol Returns To Cygnet Theatre For Its Ninth Season of Holiday Cheer

With Artistic Director Sean Murray as Ebenezer Scrooge

Performances run December 1 through 30, 2023.

SAN DIEGO, CA – A Christmas Carol returns to Cygnet Theatre for its ninth season of cheer. It has become a true holiday favorite, with San Diegans making Scrooge, the Spirits, and the Cratchit family part of their holiday tradition. Sean Murray, who has directed the holiday musical each year, will once again step into the role of Scrooge in 2023. The family-friendly musical runs December 1 through 30 at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town. Opening Night for media is Saturday, December 2 at 7:00pm.

 

Written by Charles Dickens and adapted by Sean Murray, with an original score by Billy Thompson, A Christmas Carol is Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption. This production is a re-imagined take on the original holiday classic featuring lively music, unique puppets and live sound effects.

Murray reflects, “Why do I keep coming back to this story? I have always found myself discovering new points, new observations, new insights in it upon every encounter with Mr. Scrooge and his night of reckoning. I’m fascinated by his astonishing face-off with his own past and how that might shape all his future deeds. Or the majestic sweep of the present and the rich, complicated world of interconnected people we all are. And of course, the imagery of a future world without oneself in it, and the notion of how one’s deeds in life will foreshadow one’s legacy. It all never ceases to amaze me how much there is in this beloved story.”

Cygnet Theatre will once again be transformed into a Victorian Christmas card thanks to the creativity of Set Designer Andrew Hull. Colby Freel is Lighting Designer and Sound Designer is Matt Lescault Wood. Costumes are by Jeanne Reith, and Peter Herman will provide wigs and makeup. Choreography is by Katie Banville. Original puppets designed by Michael McKeon. Musical Director is Patrick Marion. Dean Remington is Stage Manager.

Joining Sean Murray on stage are David McBean, Patrick McBride, Eileen Bowman, Megan Carmitchel, Jasmine January, and Allen Lucky Weaver. With the exception of Murray, all actors play multiple roles.

As part of the theatre’s accessibility and inclusion efforts, this year sees the return of a sensory-friendly performance, which will be held on Wednesday, December 27th at 10:00 AM. Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming and comfortable arts experience for people with autism, sensory sensitivity, or other social, learning or cognitive disabilities.

Tickets for A Christmas Carol 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 www.cygnettheatre.com. Children 5 – 12 years old receive half-off tickets with each paid adult.

***

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 2023 FACT SHEET

 

WHAT:

Cygnet Theatre presents Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

 

WHERE:

Cygnet Theatre

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

WHO:

Adaptation & Lyrics by: Sean Murray

Original Score by: Billy Thompson°

Directed by: Sean Murray

Music Director: Patrick Marion°

Choreographer: Katie Banville°

Scenic Designer: Andrew Hull°

Costume Designer: Jeanne Reith°

Lighting Designer: Cobly Freel

Sound Designer: Matt Lescault-Wood°

Original puppets by: Michael McKeon

Stage Manager: Dean Remington*°

 

CAST:

Eileen Bowman*°

Megan Carmitchel°

Jasmine January

David McBean*°

Patrick McBride°

Sean Murray°

Allen Lucky Weaver*

 

*Member of Actors Equity Association, °Resident Artist

 

DATES:

Performances begin: Friday, December 1, 7:00 PM

Press Opening: Saturday, December 2, 7:00 PM

Sensory Friendly Performance: Wednesday, December 27, 7:30 PM

Closes: Saturday, December 30, 7:00 PM

Performance Schedule:

Tuesday at 7:00 PM (Dec. 19 and Dec. 26 only)

Wednesday – Friday 7:00 PM

Saturday at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM

Sunday at 2:00 PM

PRICE:

Prices start at $39

 

HOW:

Phone: (619) 337-1525

Online: www.cygnettheatre.com

In Person: Cygnet Theatre – 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego, CA 92110

 

# # #

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 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.

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Cygnet Theatre Announces The Cast and Creative Team of The Little Fellow

A World Premiere by Kate Hamill

Performances run October 25 – November 19, 2023

SAN DIEGO, CA – Cygnet Theatre is pleased to announce the cast and creative team of The Little Fellow (or – The Queen of Tarts Tells All) by renowned playwright Kate Hamill. This world premiere is directed by Rob Lutfy and runs October 25 – November 19 at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town. Opening Night for media is Saturday, October 28 at 7:00 PM. Tickets and information are available at CygnetTheatre.com.

The Little Fellow is a risqué comedic drama loosely based on the life and tell-all memoirs of the 19th century’s most famous courtesan – Harriette Wilson, also known as The Little Fellow. Since the age of thirteen, Harriet has navigated through the pitiless and glamorous world of the British regency’s demi-monde: eventually becoming the “top of the bottom” as the self-styled Queen of Tarts. Her defiance of social conventions and refusal to be a lady have attracted many patrons – included some of the country’s most distinguished and high-powered men. But Harriet wants to get out of the ‘business’… and she has a plan. A plan that may threaten her reputation, her business, and ultimately, her life – as she confronts the cost of winning in an unjust world.

The Little Fellow (or – The Queen of Tarts Tells All) received its first reading through The Bill and Judy Garrett Finish Line Commission in 2019.

“Like most playwrights, I have plays ‘on my shelf’ – earlier plays that haven’t yet seen the light of day,” said playwright Kate Hamill. “That was the great gift of The Bill and Judy Garrett Finish Line Commission – to help me rewrite The Little Fellow and bring it to life; without the commission, I doubt I would have re-attacked the piece! The Little Fellow was my second full-length play, originally written in 2014 – and when I came to work on it with my friend Robby Lutfy at Cygnet in 2019, I completely revamped and retooled the script.” She continued, “This play is based on the true story of the (in)famous-in-her-time Harriette Wilson, the greatest and most unusual courtesan of her day, who brought her wealthy and powerful clients to their knees. I’m excited and grateful to bring this often-forgotten woman’s journey to the stage, and re-examine the emotional cost of power dynamics, sex work, and the intersection of gender/class roles – both in Harriette’s time and in our own.”

“I am excited to return to Cygnet to work on the world premier of a play I have loved for a long time with an incredible team of artists,” said director Rob Lutfy. “Kate Hamill is not just an old friend of mine, but one of the most produced playwrights in the country year after year. The Little Fellow is set in the world of London in the 1830’s; a world of survival. In a time when vulnerability would get you killed, one had to consume or be consumed. So what happens when an England’s most popular courtesan decides to exploit her clients by exposing them at their most vulnerable? What does it cost to win in a society with extremely regimented rules and proscribed behavior? I’m fascinated by this story’s anti-heroine and the parallels to modern women like Stormy Daniels.”

The cast of The Little Fellow includes Keiko Green as Harriet Wilson, Sofia Jean Gomez as Julia Johnstone and others, Rachael VanWormer as Mary and others, and MJ Seiber as George Noel Hill, Lord of Berwick; Mr. Stockdale; Old Man the Marquis of Worcester; Arthur Wellesley, & others.

In addition to direction by Rob Lutfy, the creative team for Cygnet’s production of The Little Fellow includes scenic design by Yi-Chien Lee, lighting design by Anne E. McMills, sound design by Steven Leffue, props design by Alyssa Kane, costume design by Shirley Pierson, wig and makeup design by Peter Herman, and stage management by Heather Brose.

Tickets for The Little Fellow 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 $32.

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 LITTLE FELLOW (OR – THE QUEEN OF TARTS TELLS ALL)

FACT SHEET

 

WHAT:

Cygnet Theatre presents The Little Fellow (or – The Queen of Tarts Tells All) by Kate Hamill

 

WHERE: 

Cygnet Theatre

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

 

WHO:

Director: Rob Lutfy°

Scenic Designer: Yi-Chien Lee

Sound Designer: Steven Leffue

Costume Designer: Shirley Pierson°

Lighting Designer: Anne E. McMills

Props Designer: Alyssa Kane

Wig and Makeup Designer: Peter Herman°

Stage Manager: Heather Brose*°

 

CAST:  

Keiko Green*: Harriet Wilson

Sofia Jean Gomez*: Julia Johnstone and others

Rachael VanWormer°: Mary and others

MJ Seiber*: George Noel Hill, Lord of Berwick; Mr. Stockdale; Old Man the Marquis of Worcester; Arthur Wellesley, & others

 

*Member of Actors Equity Association, °Resident Artist

 

DATES: 

Previews begin: Wednesday, October 25, 7:00 PM

Press Opening: Saturday, October 28, 7:00 PM

Closes: Sunday, November 19, 2:00 PM

Showtimes:

Wednesday – Saturday at 7:00 PM

Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM

PRICE: 

Prices start at $27 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