Cygnet Theatre Launches Season 15 with ANIMAL CRACKERS

Cygnet Theatre will launch its 15th season with the musical comedy Animal Crackers, the hallmark of the Marx Brothers lunacy, based on the 1928 Broadway hit with book by Broadway masters George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind. The success of the play was followed by the film version (1930), which launched the brothers into film stardom, never again appearing on Broadway. The Marx Brothers are commonly thought to be among the greatest and most influential comedians of the 20th century.

Directed by Sean Murray, the production runs July 5th through August 13th. Opening night for media is July 8th. Chaos ensues when a celebrated painting goes missing from a fancy house party honoring the return of African explorer Captain Spaulding. Guests set out to find the thief in a series of madcap antics and exploits. The show is filled with chaos, sharp humor, snappy one-liners, and frequent quick changes, at times taking place right on stage. Rooted in Vaudeville, the Marx Brothers were notorious for improvisation and spinning a script, sometimes to the surprise of their fellow cast mates. "The great thing about the Marx Brothers is that they built their comedy around anarchy," says Murray. "They always upended and blew holes into, quite literally, the prim and proper environment in which they were put.

That's the fun!" Nine talented comedic actors will play multiple roles at breakneck speed. The cast features Josh Odsess-Rubin (Bad Jews, When the Rain Stops Falling) as Groucho, Samantha Wynn Greenstone (On the 20th Century) as Harpo, Spencer Rowe (Lost in Yonkers; The Old Globe) as Chico, and Bryan Banville (On the 20th Century, The Rocky Horror Show, My Fair Lady) as Zeppo. Mrs. Rittenhouse will be played by Melinda Gilb (On the 20th Century, Assassins, A Christmas Carol). Rounding out the cast are Russell Garrett (The Producers; San Diego Musical Theatre), Chaz Feuerstine (Damn Yankees, 9 to 5; San Diego Musical Theatre), Amy Perkins (On the 20th Century, The Rocky Horror Show, Spring Awakening), and Lauren King Thompson (Gypsy, Hay Fever, The Vortex).

The production team features music direction by Terry O'Donnell who will lead the band as they sit on stage. Choreography is by Russell Garrett, set design by Sean Fanning, costume design by Jennifer Brawn Gittings, lighting design by Kyle Montgomery, and sound design by Dylan Nielsen. Wigs and makeup will be created by Peter Herman. Maria Mangiavellano will stage manage rehearsals with Craig Campbell taking the helm for performances. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased in person at the box office located at 4040 Twiggs St., by calling 619-337-1525 or by visiting www.cygnettheatre.com.

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