Next Up At Cygnet Theatre: THE LAST WIFE

Cygnet Theatre kicks off 2018 with a sexy and sophisticated political thriller. The Last Wife is a contemporary look back at Katherine Parr and her relationship with one of history's most infamous monarchs, her husband, Henry VIII. But the real center of the story is Katherine's accomplishments in advancing the education and status O. Henry's daughters, Elizabeth and Mary, who would both go on to rule England. Canadian playwright Kate Hennig offers audiences a distinctly feminist vantage point of both history and present-day in this West Coast Premiere. Cygnet's production is directed by Rob Lutfy and runs Jan. 17 - Feb. 11. Opening night for media is Jan. 20.

In The Last Wife Katherine Parr is smart, confident and passionate: a rising star in a world of intense competition. But her obligatory marriage to Henry is rife with the threat of violence and lure of deceit; her secret liaisons could send her to an early grave, and her devotion to the education and equal rights O. Henry's daughters is putting an even bigger strain on her marriage.

"Katherine Parr was a visionary, looking generations into the future" says Lutfy. "I'm eager to direct this play because I find there are so many parallels between her 16th century patriarchal world and the socio-political moment we find ourselves in today."

The first in the Queenmaker Trilogy, The Last Wife played to sold out audiences in 2015 at Ontario's Stratford Festival during its world premiere. Playwright Kate Hennig will travel to San Diego for a series of appearances including an audience talk-back on Friday, Jan. 19 and the Opening Night performance on Jan. 20.

Playing the role of Katherine Parr is Cygnet regular Allison Spratt Pearce (Gypsy, My Fair Lady). Cygnet Resident Artist Manny Fernandes (Gypsy, True West, Fool for Love) will become the notoriously dangerous monarch, Henry VIII. His eldest daughter, Mary, is played by Cashae Monya (Cabaret; ion Theatre Company). Steven Lone (The Motherf**ker with the Hat) plays Thom, Kate's risky love interest. Included in the cast are young actors Kylie Acuna as Bess and Bobby Chiu & Giovanni Cozic (Gypsy) double cast as Eddie.

The production features set design by Sean Fanning, costume design by Veronica Murphy, lighting design by Chris Rynne, and sound design by Kevin Anthenill. Wigs and makeup will be created by Peter Herman. Chandra Anthenill will stage manage. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased in person at the box office located at 4040 Twiggs Street in San Diego Old Town Historic State Park, by calling 619-337-1525 or by visiting www.cygnettheatre.com.