Photo Flash: First Look at Cygnet Theatre's TRAVESTIES

Take two world renowned playwrights, mix in a theatre that is not afraid of a challenge, and you get the next offering in Cygnet Theatre's 11th season. By producing two great theatre classics in rotating repertory, Cygnet is once again raising the bar for San Diego theaters. The monumental task of directing both The Importance of Being Earnest and Travesties will be handled by Artistic Director Sean Murray. Performances will be at the Old Town Theatre, now through October 27. Opening Day for media is September 28. BroadwayWorld has a first look at TRAVESTIES below!

Take one part Wilde, a touch of Lenin, a dash of Dada, a pinch of Joyce and you've got Tom Stoppard's Tony award-winning, absurdly hilarious Travesties. Stoppard (Arcadia, Shakespeare in Love) spins a dazzling medley of literature, philosophy, politics, and history in vaudeville-style. The wildest revolutionary minds of the 20th century come alive in this romantic and achingly funny modern masterpiece.

It's 1917 in Zurich, and English official Henry Carr is reminiscing about his experiences with revolutionary and historical figures like James Joyce and Vladimir Lenin. His memories are couched in a production of Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest in which he had a starring role. Situations from Earnest feature prominently as do many of the characters. Like Earnest, Travesties involves mistaken identities, imaginary brothers and a woman who is remarkably picky about the given name of the man she will marry.

The shows are performed in rotating repertory by the same cast, which includes Maggie Carney (A Christmas Carol), Manny Fernandes (Assassins, Private Lives), David Cochran Heath, Linda Libby (Company, Man of La Mancha), Brian Mackey (The Glass Menagerie, The History Boys), Patrick McBride, JorDan Miller (Bed and Sofa), Rachael VanWormer (Arcadia, The Little Foxes) and Jacque Wilke (Mistakes Were Made).

The production team includes costume design by Shirley Pierson, set design by Sean Fanning, lighting design by Chris Rynne, sound design by Kevin Anthenill, and properties design by Angelica Ynfante. Jennifer Kozumplik stage manages.

Performances are now through October 27. The two shows alternate throughout the run. Show times are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm and 7pm. For more information regarding tickets, please contact the box office at 619-337-1525 or visit www.cygnettheatre.com.

Photo Credit: Ken Jacques