Cygnet Theatre Presents San Diego Premiere of ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

In March, a luxury train rolls into Old Town bringing nonstop laughter and mayhem. The madcap musical comedy, On the Twentieth Century, features the writing talents of Betty Comden and Adolph Greene. Original music was composed byCy Coleman, who was honored with Tony Awards for Best Original Score & Best Book (1978). This musical comedy team lent their unique comic genius and sophisticated wit to dozens of Broadway hits including On the Town and Bells are Ringing. On the Twentieth Century will be directed by Sean Murray. The production runs March 9 through April 30. Opening night for media is March 18.

Set in the roaring twenties, when a trip on the Twentieth Century Limited train was the height of luxury, the musical has been described as "part operetta, part farce and part screwball comedy." The Broadway production opened in 1978 and garnered multiple Tony Awards. A popular 2015 Broadway revival featured Kristin Chenoweth.

Originally presented as a benefit concert reading for Cygnet Theatre in 2010, this fully staged production features a cast of 15 and a live orchestra. "This may just be the funniest cast we have ever assembled," said Murray, who will reprise his role as bankrupt theater producer Oscar Jaffe.

Featuring Eileen Bowman as Lily Garland and Melinda Gilb as Mrs. Primrose, many Cygnet favorites will round out the cast including Bryan Banville, Michael Cusimano, Melissa Fernandes, Steve Gunderson, Amy Perkins and Deborah Wanger.

Creating a luxury train for the Cygnet stage will be set designer Sean Fanning. The production team also features music direction by Terry O'Donnell, choreography by David Brannen, costume design by Jeanne Reith, lighting design by Chris Rynne, and sound design by Dylan Nielsen. Wigs and makeup will be created by Peter Herman. Craig Campbell will stage manage.

Performances are March 9 through April 30. Showtimes are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 3:00pm and 8:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm and 7:00pm.

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