A Summer of Fun at Cygnet Theatre's Rock of Ages

It’s a throwback to the 80s in San Diego this summer as Lamb’s Players Theatre presents Mixtape: The Awesome Musical Journey thru the 80s! and the just debuted Rock of Ages at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. The Tony nominated musical Rock of Ages will be thrilling audiences thru August 25th on select dates.

The moment you walk into the theatre you immediately know you’re in for something special as Sean Fanning’s stage design turns back time to 1980s Hollywood history. Get ready for a rock concert complete with LIVE band on stage and Amanda Zieve’s rock-n-roll lighting. There really is never a bad seat in the house at Cygnet and you’ll be able to experience all the excitement and have Nothin’ But a Good Time.

The show, while not having a very deep plot, delivers an exciting and fun time. We’re quickly introduced to Lonny (Victor E. Chan) who stands in as narrator catching us up quickly on some plot points and filling in areas of the story. As I said earlier, this is not your normal musical, as the fourth wall normally present during shows is broken throughout.

Drew (Rory Gilbert) gentle and shy is just trying to make it as a singer. Sherrie (Megan Carmitchel) is a sweet innocent girl who makes her way out to the glitz and glam of Hollywood only to discover its not all movie magic. The two are a perfect match not only in their on-stage presence with each other but the vocals that are a match made in heaven.

Dennis (Berto Fernandez), owner of the Bourbon Room, is a scene stealer especially when working with Chan’s character Lonny. The over-the-top theatrics from the two had the audience laughing like I haven’t seen in quite some time. The two must come to terms that the Bourbon Room will be no more once developers have their way. John Rosen, who plays developer Hertz, alongside his son Franz (Zackary Scot Wolfe) provide the needed twist for a small secondary plot point.

Wolfe delivers his role in the most perfect way. Franz at first is a quiet-do-as-dad-says-son but as the story continues he develops a voice and a presence that, without spoiling anything, will have you crying with laughter. When it was all said and done he was one of my favorite characters of the show and when delivered with the comedic talents of Wolfe in was a hit.

The rest of the cast made the show a complete success along some of the best rock hits from the time had everyone on their feet by the end of the show.

So if you have a chance journey back to the 80s where big bands, big egos, big guitar solos, Lycra, big hair the smell of Aqua Net in the air, and liquor flowed freely on the legendary Sunset Strip.

Cast and Crew in Cygnet’s Rock of Ages

Our ambitious and sentimental young lovers Drew and Sherrie are played by New York native Rory Gilbert and San Diego staple Megan Carmitchel. The legendary Stacie Jaxx is Cygnet’s own legendary Bryan Banville. The rest of the uber-talented cast is comprised of rock-star singers, dancers and actors including Drew Bradford, Victor E. Chan, Berto Fernandez, Siri Hafso, Emma Nossal, Anise Ritchie, Tamara Sofia Rodriguez Mehl, John Rosen, Bailey Day Sonner, Zackary Scot Wolfe, and E.Y. Washington.

The creative team includes Patrick Marion as Music Director, Katie Banville as Choreographer and Sean Fanning as Set Designer. Amanda Zieve is Lighting Designer, TJ Fucella is Sound Designer and Blake McCarty is Projection Designer. Costumes are by Jennifer Brawn Gittings and Peter Herman will provide wigs and makeup. Bonnie Durben is Properties Designer, Craig Campbell will stage manage.

Ticket Information

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.

Schedule

Previews begin: Tuesday, July 2
Press Opening: Saturday, July 6 at 8:00PM Closes: Sunday, August 25

Performance Schedule: Wednesday & Thursday at 7:30PM Friday at 8:00PM
Saturday at 3:00PM and 8:00PM Sunday at 2:00PM and 7:00PM

Cygnet Theatre Location

Cygnet Theatre
4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Parking at Cygnet Theatre

There is parking available throughout Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Street parking around the venue is also available.

Cygnet Season 2019 – 2020

The Virgin Trial (September 11 – October 6), The Last Five Years (October 23 – November 17), A Christmas Carol (November 27 – December 29), The Great Leap (January 22- February 16), La Cage Aux (March 11 – May 3), Two Trains Running (May 20 – June 14)