Cygnet Theatre Dives into Coward with PRIVATE LIVES and THE VORTEX 6/21

Associate Artistic Director Francis Gercke is pleased to announce the continuation of The Playwright Companion Series with a Staged-Reading of Noël Coward's salaciously, devastating drama THE VORTEX. Directed by Gercke, The Vortex will play off-night in the midst of the upcoming run of Cygnet's mainstage Coward-comedy Private Lives. The one-night only performance is set for Monday, June 21st, 2010 at 7:00pm at Cygnet's Old Town Theatre.

First performed in London in 1924, The Vortex was Noel Coward's first commercial success. The story focuses on a cocaine-addicted young writer, named Nicky, and his nymphomaniac socialite mother. Coward's primary objective in writing the piece was to give himself "a first-rate opportunity for dramatic acting," and although leading London managements wished to produce it, Coward sought to raise the money on his own to secure himself the role of the young writer. The original production was well received for its passionate acting and became a sensation due to its scandalous subject matter. Some argued that Nicky's drug addiction was a mask for his homosexuality. Whatever the opinion, all audiences saw the themes of sexual vanity and drug abuse among the upper class as daring topics for theatrical fare.

Although Coward is most known for his witty comedies - such as Private Lives - the playwright was an extremely accomplished writer of multiple genres including musicals, novels, short stories and searing dramas. Cygnet's Playwright Companion Series - headed by Associate Artistic Director Francis Gercke - seeks to deepen the theatre-going experience for its audiences with uniquely diverse "partner pieces" to each of Cygnet's main-stage shows. Cygnet hopes that these complementary works will illuminate the artistry and influence of each playwright upon the American Theatre. The program was launched last month with a concert-staging of Stephen Sondheims's Passion, in the midst of the main-stage show, Sweeney Todd. The staging received enthusiastic response and large audiences for its two-night run.

Casting of The Vortex is currently underway and rehearsals will begin in June. Gercke, who is currently co-directing Private Lives, will direct.

The Vortex will be performed one-night only, during the run of Cygnet's Private Lives... Monday, June 21st at 7:00 pm on Cygnet's Old Town Stage located at 4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Tickets are $10 general admission.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting Cygnet's website at www.cygnettheatre.com or calling the box office at (619) 337-1525. Tickets can also be purchased in person by visiting Cygnet's box office located at the Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

PRICES: FREE! - Suggested $10 Donation

HOW: Phone: (619) 337-1525
Online: www.cygnettheatre.com
In Person: Old Town Theatre - 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego, CA 92110

 

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