Cygnet Theatre's BAD JEWS Is Best-Selling Play in 14 Seasons

A record 6,430 tickets were sold at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town to see the recent production of Bad Jews. According to Executive Director Bill Schmidt, this was the best-selling play (non-musical) in 14 seasons of producing theatre in San Diego.

Coming in at 66% over budget, the "play with the controversial title" engaged audiences with its humorous and cutting dialogue, relatable issues and outstanding performances. The entire run experienced nearly full houses with an extraordinary average of 86% of seats sold.

"Bad Jews was one of those surprise hits that just make you smile. While we thought it would do well, the box office records were off the chart. Bad Jews did better than any other non-musical play Cygnet Theatre has ever produced," said Schmidt.

Bad Jews, which was 3rd on American Theatre's 2015 list of most produced plays, was written by Joshua Harmon and directed by Cygnet's Associate Artist Rob Lutfy. In addition to garnering positive reviews, Cygnet worked to engage members and organizations in the Jewish community. Outreach efforts included a Roundtable Breakfast attended by community groups including San Diego Anti-Defamation League, San Diego Jewish Journal, Ohr Shalom Synagogue, L'Chaim Magazine, San Diego Jewish World, Jewish Federation, Lawrence Family JCC, Center for Jewish Culture and other local advocates. In addition, the theatre hosted multiple talk-backs featuring area rabbis and educators and scheduled cast appearances at local synagogues.

Next up for Cygnet is the San Diego Premiere of the madcap musical comedy, On the Twentieth Century. For more information, visit www.cygnettheatre.com.

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.

Believing in the power of theatre to startle the soul, stir debate and embrace the wide diversity of the community it serves, Cygnet Theatre Company is fearlessly committed to the dissection, examination and celebration of the human story through the medium of live theatre.