Cygnet Theatre Presents the US Premire of THE VIRGIN TRIAL

Cygnet presents the racy political thriller The Virgin Trial, a contemporary re-imagining of the shocking yet widely-forgotten story of Elizabeth I before she became queen. Directed by Rob Lutfy, this U.S. Premiere runs September 11 through October 6, 2019. Opening Night for media is Saturday, September 14 at 8:00PM.

In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, the young princess Elizabeth navigates a labyrinth of political and sexual intrigue in the Tudor court that threatens her freedom - and even her life. After the death of both her parents, 15-year-old Elizabeth I must defend herself against cutting accusations of plotting to kill her brother, the king, and having an illicit affair with her stepfather, Thom. In this eagerly awaited companion piece to The Last Wife, Hennig continues her Queenmaker Trilogy by examining sexual consent, victim shaming, and the often underestimated strength of girls transitioning to women.

Says director Rob Lutfy, "Kate Hennig is a dear friend of Cygnet's and her plays are incredibly researched. Setting the Tudors to a contemporary voice echoes what women both present and past have dealt with. The patriarchy seeks to control powerful, young, determined women."

He continues "The play is a complex chess match of power play, shifting loyalties, and consent. It will have you asking, 'who is the puppet and who is the puppet master?' If you didn't see the first play, don't worry: they stand on their own. For those following the series, there is great pleasure in seeing the central characters change."

Young Elizabeth is played by Cygnet newcomer Olivia Hodson. Steven Lonereprises his role as Thom from The Last Wife. The cast also features Brittney M. Caldwell as Mary, Monique Gaffney as Ashley, Lisel Gorrell-Getz as Eleanor, Wil Bethmann as Parry, and Tom Stephenson as Ted.

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The creative team includes Elizabet Puksto as Set Designer, Chris Rynne as Lighting Designer, and MaeAnn Ross is Sound Designer. Costumes are byVeronica Murphy and Peter Herman will provide wigs and makeup. Rachel Hengst is Properties Designer. Dean Remington 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. Children 15 and under receive half price tickets with each paid adult.

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