#United States #San Diego #Cygnet Theatre #Follies #The Lehman Trilogy

Cygnet Theatre's 21st Season at The Joan: A New Era for San Diego Arts

Introduction

Cygnet Theatre, a prominent institution in San Diego's performing arts scene, is gearing up for an exhilarating 21st season. Slated to commence on September 10, 2025, this season signifies a transformative chapter for the theatre as it inaugurates its new home at the state-of-the-art Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center at Arts District Liberty Station. The lineup for this season promises to be a remarkable mix of musicals and plays that will captivate audiences throughout the year.

Details of the Season Launch

The anticipated opening night, featuring the iconic musical Follies, will mark the official premiere of The Joan. This sophisticated venue, made possible through a dedicated partnership between Cygnet Theatre and the NTC Foundation, boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance the theatrical experience. The new center will allow Cygnet to showcase its rich repertoire, presenting four musicals alongside two critically acclaimed plays.

The production of Follies will set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable season. With a book by James Goldman and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this masterpiece explores themes of nostalgia and the passage of time through a hauntingly beautiful narrative. Following that, the beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, will receive a fresh adaptation, celebrating a decade of Cygnet’s productions while evoking the spirit of the season.

The lineup includes a host of engaging performances:

• - Cygnet's A Magical Holiday Christmas at The Joan: A festive musical extravaganza designed to enchant audiences of all ages.
• - Somewhere Over The Border: A San Diego premiere featuring a vibrant retelling of the immigrant experience through a magical lens.
• - The Lehman Trilogy: A thought-provoking narrative chronicling the rise and fall of the Lehman Brothers, illustrating the complexities of capitalism.
• - The SpongeBob Musical: A playful adventure under the sea that brings beloved characters to life through lively songs and choreography.

A New Home for Creativity and Connection

Sean Murray, Artistic Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the new venue, declaring, “Our move to The Joan at Liberty Station marks an exciting new chapter for Cygnet Theatre.” The innovative space not only pays homage to the late Joan Jacobs, an ardent supporter of the arts, but also reinforces Cygnet's commitment to providing exceptional, impactful storytelling. The Joan will feature two distinct performance spaces — the Joseph Clayes III Theater, boasting over 280 seats, and the Dottie Studio Theater, a flexible 150-seat venue designed for experimental performances.

Community support has been essential in realizing this ambitious project, which is already 86% funded towards its $43.5 million goal. Both Cygnet Theatre and the NTC Foundation are actively seeking additional contributions to bring this artistic vision fully to life. Donations are welcomed to ensure that the theatre can maintain its commitment to delivering top-notch performances and expand its outreach and engagement within the community.

Enhanced Identity and Forward-Looking Goals

Alongside the announcement of its 21st season, Cygnet Theatre has unveiled a revitalized brand identity, complete with a modernized logo and redesigned website. These updates reflect the theatre's evolution while retaining ties to its artistic legacy. Executive Director Bill Schmidt highlighted the importance of these changes: “We are thrilled to welcome our audiences to experience Cygnet as they never have before.”

Conclusion

Season 21 for Cygnet Theatre promises a thrilling array of productions set against the backdrop of a new, dynamic home at The Joan. As the theatre embarks on this exciting journey, audiences can look forward to an eclectic mix of high-caliber performances that further enrich the vibrant cultural landscape of San Diego. For ticket information and subscription details, patrons can visit Cygnet Theatre's official website.