Cygnet Theatre To Present Sam Shepard Classics Through 09/24-11/2

Cygnet Theatre will continue its tradition of presenting plays performed in a rotating repertory by staging two thought-provoking American classics by playwright, actor and icon Sam Shepard. The emotional and physical duo of "Fool for Love" and "True West" both address the American dream in powerful and passionate ways. Cygnet Artistic Director Sean Murray has assembled a talented cast of actors to take on these intense, disturbing and often blisteringly funny productions. Performances will be at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town, September 24th - November 2nd. Opening Day for media is October 5th at 2:00 pm (True West) & 7:00 pm (Fool For Love).

This is a unique opportunity for theatre-goers to deeply experience the work of one of our greatest living playwrights," explained Murray. "The themes of family and the American Dream are universal, but few writers attack them so dramatically and brilliantly as Shepard."

To encourage patrons to get the full Shepard experience Cygnet Theatre will offer a ShepRep discount to see both shows.

"Fool for Love" is arguably one of Shepard's most renowned plays, joining such classics as "Curse of the Starving Class" and his Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, "Buried Child." Holed up in a seedy motel on the edge of the Mojave Desert, two former lovers unpack the deep secrets and dark desires of their tangled relationship, passionately tearing each other apart. Beaten down by ill-fated love and a ruthless struggle for identity, can they ultimately live with, or without, each other?

True West, Shepard's most produced play, is sibling rivalry at its finest, except funnier, as two brothers argue over the direction of a film script. The engrossing dialogue follows Austin, an ambitious Hollywood screenwriter working on a potential million-dollar deal and Lee, a vagabond thief, as they face off for control while venting demons from their dysfunctional past. This dynamic, darkly funny work is a tale of brotherly love, competition, and the dying spirit of the Wild West. True West was recently named one of the "50 Greatest Plays of the Past 100 Years" by Entertainment Weekly.

Both plays will be performed on alternating nights throughout the run, showcasing the extraordinary versatility and talents of the entire cast led by Cygnet veterans and Resident Artists Francis Gercke (The Tragedy of the Commons, The Glass Menagerie, Our Town), Manny Fernandes (Private Lives, A Christmas Carol, Assassins), and Antonio TJ Johnson (Fences, Gem of the Ocean, The Piano Lesson).

Making their debut on the Cygnet Theatre stage are Scripps Ranch Theatre Artistic Director Jill Drexler, and Carla Harting, who appeared as Ivy in August: Osage Countyat the Old Globe to rave reviews.

The set is being designed by Artistic Director Sean Murray. Lighting will be designed byConor Mulligan. Costumes will be designed by Resident Artist Jessica John Gercke,with wig and makeup design by Resident Artist Peter Herman. Properties will be designed by Resident Artist Angelica Ynfante. Resident Artist Chandra Anthenill will serve as Stage Manager.

WHEN: The two shows will 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.

TICKETING INFORMATION: For more information regarding tickets, please contact the box office at 619-337-1525 or visit http://www.cygnettheatre.com.

WHERE: Tickets may be purchased in person at the box office located at 4040 Twiggs Street. Discounts are available for students, active-duty military, seniors and groups of 10 or more.

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