By As Cygnet Theatre embarks on its final season at the historic Old Town venue, it presents an enthralling lineup of musicals, leading up to a grand finale with the beloved “A Christmas Carol” in December. This 2023-24 season, marking the company’s 20th anniversary, promises a rich tapestry of performances before moving to the new Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center in Liberty Station in 2025. Reflecting on its illustrious past while looking forward to an exciting future, Cygnet’s season is a blend of the new, the nostalgic, and the groundbreaking.
The season begins with “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill,” from January 24 to February 18, 2024, in association with Ebony Repertory Theatre. Starring Karole Foreman as Billie Holiday, this musical transports audiences to 1959 Philadelphia, offering a glimpse into the life of the legendary blues singer during one of her final performances.
Following this, the theatre will host the West Coast premiere of “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” from April 10 to May 12, 2024. This innovative electro-pop opera, based on Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” narrates the story of Natasha Rostova’s tumultuous affair in Moscow, spotlighting the redemptive power of love and friendship amidst chaos.
The summer heats up with Jonathan Larson’s “tick, tick… BOOM!” from July 3 to August 4, 2024. This autobiographical rock musical explores the life of an aspiring composer grappling with the pressures of life and creativity as he approaches his 30th birthday.
The musical journey continues with “Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show,” from September 11 to October 20, 2024. This cult classic rock ‘n’ roll comedy, directed by Sean Murray with Patrick Marion as music director, promises a dazzling blend of camp, sci-fi, and rock music.
The season will close with a heartwarming return to tradition as Cygnet’s artistic chief, Sean Murray, reprises his role as Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” from December 1-30. Murray’s adaptation, which he also directs, combines holiday carols, original score, puppetry, and special effects for a festive celebration of Charles Dickens’ novella.
As Cygnet Theatre prepares for this significant transition, the 2023-24 season stands as a testament to its enduring legacy and the bright future that awaits in Liberty Station. With season tickets now on sale, audiences are invited to join in this celebratory journey, marking the end of an era in Old Town and the beginning of a new chapter in 2025.