The Virgin Trial
By Kate Hennig
Directed by Rob Lutfy
Low-priced Previews Sep 11 - Sep 14, 2019
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. Don’t miss this eagerly awaited companion piece to the runaway hit The Last Wife.
“The Virgin Trial weaves complex tale of innocence and guilt.” – The Calgary Herald
Run Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes with one 15 minute intermission.
Advisories: Deals with mature themes of sexuality and intense violence, and includes mild to moderate use of profanity.
REVIEWS:
“Under the keen, perceptive eye of director Rob Lutfy, the cast and production are outstanding.” -Pat Launer, Times of San Diego
“Politically charged and powerful, The Virgin Trial boils with intrigue at Cygnet” – David L. Coddon, San Diego Union Tribune
“As Bess, the magnificent Hodson displays steely, ramrod-straight posture and unswerving focus, accompanied by a vibrating intelligence and an arrogance that belie her years.” – Pat Launer, Times of San Diego
“A physically and psychologically brutal examination of power politics following the death of King Henry VIII, Cygnet’s production both thrills and chills.” – Bill Eadie, San Diego Story
“A daring, modern take on the ascendancy of one of history’s most powerful women … you won’t want to miss this one.” – Dan Letchworth, San Diego Magazine
Cast
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Wil Bethmann
Wil Bethmann
ParryA New York based actor, Wil is thrilled to return to the Cygnet stage. Wil has appeared in theatrical and commercial roles across the country. Most recently at Cygnet as Louis in Angels In America and King Arthur in Camelot. At Diversionary Theatre in Significant Other and up next in The SantaLand Diaries. On screen as the personality and creative mind behind ad campaigns for Smirnoff, AT&T, BrosBeingBasic, Applebee’s, the NCAA, and coverage for the Governor’s Ball and LoveLoud music festivals. Wil’s on-site creative consulting and productions have been recognized with multiple nominations at the annual Shorty Awards, social media award show in New York City. Wil studied at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, graduating with a BFA.
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Brittney M. Caldwell
Brittney M. Caldwell
MaryBrittney M. Caldwell is from San Diego, CA. She recently completed her Masters of Fine arts in Acting at The University of Florida. She is excited to be joining Cygnet in The Virgin Trial for her 1st show in San Diego since graduating. She recently performed in the play she wrote and directed, From Colored To Black, It Shoulda Been You (The Studio Theatre), Wakey, Wakey (Urbanite Theatre), This is War (ART), and Stage Kiss (The Hippodrome). Some of her favorite roles have been in The Colored Museum, Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, and The Gnadiges Fraulein.
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Monique Gaffney
Monique Gaffney
AshleyMonique was last seen as Cynthia in Sweat at San Diego REP. San Diego credits: The Wind and the Breeze, The Piano Lesson, The Tragedy of the Commons, Man from Nebraska, Yellowman (Cygnet), Disgraced, Clybourne Park, In the Next Room, or the vibrator play, Doubt (San Diego REP), Red Velvet, Much Ado About Nothing, All’s Well That Ends Well (Globe For All- Old Globe Theatre), Cell, Hoodoo Love (Mo’olelo), Heddatron, A Streetcar Named Desire, A Raisin in the Sun (ion theatre), Medea, I Have Before Me a Remarkable Document Given to Me By a Young Lady from Rwanda (6th @ Penn Theatre), Trouble in Mind, Blue Bonnet Court (Moxie), and Gee’s Bend, The African Company Presents Richard III (North Coast Rep). New York credits: Mamba’s Daughters and American Silents. UCSD (BA), Columbia University (MFA). AEA, SAG-AFTRA.
Wil Bethmann
A New York based actor, Wil is thrilled to return to the Cygnet stage. Wil has appeared in theatrical and commercial roles across the country. Most recently at Cygnet as Louis in Angels In America and King Arthur in Camelot. At Diversionary Theatre in Significant Other and up next in The SantaLand Diaries. On screen as the personality and creative mind behind ad campaigns for Smirnoff, AT&T, BrosBeingBasic, Applebee’s, the NCAA, and coverage for the Governor’s Ball and LoveLoud music festivals. Wil’s on-site creative consulting and productions have been recognized with multiple nominations at the annual Shorty Awards, social media award show in New York City. Wil studied at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, graduating with a BFA.
Brittney M. Caldwell
Brittney M. Caldwell is from San Diego, CA. She recently completed her Masters of Fine arts in Acting at The University of Florida. She is excited to be joining Cygnet in The Virgin Trial for her 1st show in San Diego since graduating. She recently performed in the play she wrote and directed, From Colored To Black, It Shoulda Been You (The Studio Theatre), Wakey, Wakey (Urbanite Theatre), This is War (ART), and Stage Kiss (The Hippodrome). Some of her favorite roles have been in The Colored Museum, Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, and The Gnadiges Fraulein.
Monique Gaffney
Monique was last seen as Cynthia in Sweat at San Diego REP. San Diego credits: The Wind and the Breeze, The Piano Lesson, The Tragedy of the Commons, Man from Nebraska, Yellowman (Cygnet), Disgraced, Clybourne Park, In the Next Room, or the vibrator play, Doubt (San Diego REP), Red Velvet, Much Ado About Nothing, All’s Well That Ends Well (Globe For All- Old Globe Theatre), Cell, Hoodoo Love (Mo’olelo), Heddatron, A Streetcar Named Desire, A Raisin in the Sun (ion theatre), Medea, I Have Before Me a Remarkable Document Given to Me By a Young Lady from Rwanda (6th @ Penn Theatre), Trouble in Mind, Blue Bonnet Court (Moxie), and Gee’s Bend, The African Company Presents Richard III (North Coast Rep). New York credits: Mamba’s Daughters and American Silents. UCSD (BA), Columbia University (MFA). AEA, SAG-AFTRA.
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Lisel Gorell-Getz
Lisel Gorell-Getz
EleanorLisel is thrilled to be returning to Cygnet Theatre with this wonderful ensemble. Previously seen at Cygnet in Biedermann and The Firebugs. Recently: This Random World at North Coast Rep. Other San Diego credits include: Measure for Measure (Old Globe); Current Nobody, Counterweight (La Jolla Playhouse); Marie Antoinette in The Revolutionists, Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible; Enron, Skinless, Dead Man’s Cell Phone (MOXIE Theatre); Sex With Strangers, Detroit, Exit Interview, In the Next Room, Intimate Apparel (San Diego Repertory); Now or Later, Valhalla, Cloud 9, Psycho Beach Party (Diversionary); Macbeth, Valparaiso (Sledgehammer); Twelfth Night (New Village Arts); 9 Parts of Desire (Mo’olelo). Lisel received her BFA at Ithaca College and trained with the British American Drama Academy. She is Master Teaching Artist with the Old Globe Theatre’s Department of Arts Engagement where she is committed to advocating for the arts and encouraging the creative artist in everyone. www.liselgorellgetz.com
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Olivia Hodson
Olivia Hodson
BessOlivia is incredibly honored to make her Cygnet debut with the role of Bess in The Virgin Trial. Regional Credits: Sophie- MAMMA MIA! (Welk Resorts), Amy March- Little Women (The Barnstage Company), Luisa- The Fantasticks (Scripps Ranch Theatre), Chava- Fiddler on the Roof, Jesus Christ Superstar, My Fair Lady (Welk Resorts). You can currently see Olivia as Young Anna/Elsa in FROZEN: Live at the Hyperion (Disney Creative Entertainment). She has also worked in pre-show workshops (Life After- The Old Globe), various staged readings (None of the Above- La Jolla Theatre Ensemble, The Finish Line- Cygnet), and as a directorial assistant/choreographer. Olivia is currently pursuing a career in Theatre and Film/Television. Thank you Rob Lutfy for trusting me with this beautifully complex girl and giving me a chance to grow as an actor. Love to her family. www.oliviahodson.com @Oliviachodson
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Steven Lone
Steven Lone
ThomSteven Lone is excited to be returning to the Cygnet Theatre stage. Steven was last seen here playing Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice, Thom in The Last Wife and Jackie in The Motherf**ker With The Hat. Born and raised in San Francisco, Steven moved here to attend UC San Diego where he graduated with a degree in Theatre. His favorite recent credits include: Ray in Roz & Ray (Craig Noel Award Nominee, San Diego Repertory Theatre) The Uber Driver in Car Plays: Interchange (La Jolla Playhouse), Juan Julian in Anna in the Tropics (Moonlight Stage Productions), and Mace in The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Diety (Craig Noel Award Nominee, Ion Theatre Co.). Steven would like to send his love and appreciation to all his friends and family for their continuous support, patience, and understanding through the years while he runs off to play every night on stage.
Lisel Gorell-Getz
Lisel is thrilled to be returning to Cygnet Theatre with this wonderful ensemble. Previously seen at Cygnet in Biedermann and The Firebugs. Recently: This Random World at North Coast Rep. Other San Diego credits include: Measure for Measure (Old Globe); Current Nobody, Counterweight (La Jolla Playhouse); Marie Antoinette in The Revolutionists, Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible; Enron, Skinless, Dead Man’s Cell Phone (MOXIE Theatre); Sex With Strangers, Detroit, Exit Interview, In the Next Room, Intimate Apparel (San Diego Repertory); Now or Later, Valhalla, Cloud 9, Psycho Beach Party (Diversionary); Macbeth, Valparaiso (Sledgehammer); Twelfth Night (New Village Arts); 9 Parts of Desire (Mo’olelo). Lisel received her BFA at Ithaca College and trained with the British American Drama Academy. She is Master Teaching Artist with the Old Globe Theatre’s Department of Arts Engagement where she is committed to advocating for the arts and encouraging the creative artist in everyone. www.liselgorellgetz.com
Olivia Hodson
Olivia is incredibly honored to make her Cygnet debut with the role of Bess in The Virgin Trial. Regional Credits: Sophie- MAMMA MIA! (Welk Resorts), Amy March- Little Women (The Barnstage Company), Luisa- The Fantasticks (Scripps Ranch Theatre), Chava- Fiddler on the Roof, Jesus Christ Superstar, My Fair Lady (Welk Resorts). You can currently see Olivia as Young Anna/Elsa in FROZEN: Live at the Hyperion (Disney Creative Entertainment). She has also worked in pre-show workshops (Life After- The Old Globe), various staged readings (None of the Above- La Jolla Theatre Ensemble, The Finish Line- Cygnet), and as a directorial assistant/choreographer. Olivia is currently pursuing a career in Theatre and Film/Television. Thank you Rob Lutfy for trusting me with this beautifully complex girl and giving me a chance to grow as an actor. Love to her family. www.oliviahodson.com @Oliviachodson
Steven Lone
Steven Lone is excited to be returning to the Cygnet Theatre stage. Steven was last seen here playing Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice, Thom in The Last Wife and Jackie in The Motherf**ker With The Hat. Born and raised in San Francisco, Steven moved here to attend UC San Diego where he graduated with a degree in Theatre. His favorite recent credits include: Ray in Roz & Ray (Craig Noel Award Nominee, San Diego Repertory Theatre) The Uber Driver in Car Plays: Interchange (La Jolla Playhouse), Juan Julian in Anna in the Tropics (Moonlight Stage Productions), and Mace in The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Diety (Craig Noel Award Nominee, Ion Theatre Co.). Steven would like to send his love and appreciation to all his friends and family for their continuous support, patience, and understanding through the years while he runs off to play every night on stage.
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Tom Stephenson
Tom Stephenson
TedTom is a 40 year veteran of the stage. He trained in Great Britain at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, in Michigan. At Cygnet Theatre Company he has been seen in over 15 productions notably as Hector in The History Boys and Joe Ryan in When the Rain Stops Falling. He also performs with Intrepid Theatre Company where he was recently seen as the Colonel in Father Comes Home from the Wars. Tom was awarded Actor of the Year in 2014, by the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle.
Tom Stephenson
Tom is a 40 year veteran of the stage. He trained in Great Britain at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, in Michigan. At Cygnet Theatre Company he has been seen in over 15 productions notably as Hector in The History Boys and Joe Ryan in When the Rain Stops Falling. He also performs with Intrepid Theatre Company where he was recently seen as the Colonel in Father Comes Home from the Wars. Tom was awarded Actor of the Year in 2014, by the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle.
Creative Team
Rachel Hengst
Rachel Hengst is delighted to work with Cygnet Theatre again. Recent prop design credits include Cygent Theatre’s Shockheaded Peter, Lamb’s Players: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, West Side Story, Mixtape,The Wizard of Oz, and Dinner With Marlene, The Miracle Worker, American Rhythm, and Equivocation. Other credits include Cygnet Theater productions of On the 20th Century, Bad Jews, A Christmas Carol, The Rocky Horror Show, Gypsy, and Pride and Prejudice. She also contributes to Lamb’s Players Theater and Cygnet Theater as an Assistant Stage Manager/Production Assistant. She thanks her family for their endless support and for God’s guidance in her life.
Peter Herman
Cygnet Theatre: Costumes and Wig/Makeup Design for Shakespeare’s R&J, Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Wigs/Makeup Design for Rock of Ages, Pride and Prejudice, Angels in America, Marie and Rosetta, HIR, Spamalot, The Last Wife, Shockheaded Peter, On the 20th Century, Bad Jews, Seven Guitars, King Hedley II, Gypsy, Stupid F**king Bird, The Rocky Horror Show, When the Rain Stops Falling, Hay Fever, The Vortex, Dogfight, My Fair Lady, Sons of the Prophet, Pageant, Fool for Love, True West, The Motherf**ker with the Hat, Spring Awakening, Maple and Vine, The Importance of Being Earnest, Travesties, Company, Assassins, A Christmas Carol, Gem of the Ocean, Mistakes Were Made, Man of La Mancha, Dirty Blonde, Parade, A Behanding in Spokane, The Glass Menagerie, Little Shop of Horrors, Our Town, Cabaret, The Norman Conquests, Private Lives, Sweeney Todd. Elsewhere: Peter has designed hair and wigs for over 300 productions, including the La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego Rep, San Diego Opera and Disneyland. Peter currently teaches wig and makeup at SDSU.
Rob Lutfy
Rob is the Associate Artistic Director at Cygnet Theatre. Cygnet Theatre: Pride and Prejudice, Marie and Rosetta, HIR, Every Brilliant Thing, The Wind and the Breeze, The Last Wife, The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, Shockheaded Peter, Bad Jews, Stupid F***ing Bird, When the Rain Stops Falling, Hay Fever, Sons of the Prophet, The Motherf**ker with the Hat. Elsewhere: Clown Play, NYC International Fringe Festival; The Gin Game, Anacostia Playhouse; The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Threshold Repertory; The Sunset Limited, 3M Productions; Time Stands Still, Collaborative Arts, Bodas de sangre, Grossmont College. He has worked on plays in development at The Kennedy Center, The O’Neill Theatre Center, Burning Coal Theatre, The Hub Theatre and The Rensing Center. He has assisted directors at Shakespeare Theatre Company, Folger Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre, Arena Stage, The Kennedy Center and Marin Theatre Company. He was the 2014-2015 National New Play Network Producer-in-Residence at Marin Theatre Company, and the 2012-2013 William R. Kenan, Jr. Directing Fellow at The John F. Kennedy Center. Rob is a graduate of the directing program under Gerald Freedman at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Veronica Murphy
Veronica Murphy (Resident Artist) is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Write Out Loud. Costume Design for Cygnet Theatre includes: The Last Wife, Seven Guitars, King Hedley III, Stupid F**king Bird, Sons of the Prophet, Fences, A Number, Yellowman, Bug andTurn of the Screw. As the Resident Designer at Lamb’s Players Theatre, favorites include: Tartuffe, The Sneeze, Amadeus, To Kill a Mocking Bird, The Diviners, Becoming Memories, Oklahoma Rigs, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe andThe Mystery of Edwin Drood.
Elizabet Puksto
Elizabet Puksto is a scenic and production designer that received her BFA in Design & Production from University of North Carolina School of The Arts. For years she has been working as a freelancer for many major companies in United States and Europe designing sets and productions for theatres, TV shows, music videos, photo shoots, commercial installations and advertising. Recent completed projects: Ariadne Auf Naxos, La Rondine, Gianni Schicchi, Peter and Wolf, Chamberian, Moncler installation, Pips Island, Pink – “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken”, Solange – “Metatronia” Partnership with Uniqlo, Kali Uchis – “Just A Stranger” ECPI University, Comedy Central, Preme – “Coastline”, Kilo Kish , “Void”. Elizabet is also a visual artist & sculptor. She recently did an exhibition working with Charles Long at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles.
Dean Remington
Dean is thrilled to return to the Cygnet having completed successful runs of Pride and Prejudice, Every Brilliant Thing, The Wind and the Breeze, A Christmas Carol, The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, Shockheaded Peter, When the Rain Stops Falling, and Stupid F***ing Bird. National Tours include The Lion King and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. In the UK he was delighted to work with Cameron Mackintosh on his musical, Hey, Mr. Producer! Other highlights include The Luckiest, the Annual Gala and the WoW Festival for La Jolla Playhouse; Outside Mullingar and the world premiere of Manifest Destinitis at San Diego Repertory Theatre; as well as international productions of Grease, 42nd Street, Anything Goes, A Chorus Line and Meet Me in St. Louis.
MaeAnn Ross
MaeAnn Ross is a third-year UC San Diego MFA Sound Design candidate. She was born and raised in Texas and holds a BFA in Technical Production from Texas State University. TXST design credits: Fool For Love, Legally Blonde: The Musical, and 5 Women Wearing The Same Dress. Professional design credits: Lost in Yonkers, The 39 Steps, and Wait Until Dark (Wimberley Playhouse); She Loves Me (St. Edward’s University); And Then There Were None and All Shook UP (TEXArts). UC San Diego design credits: Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., 53% Of and S.E.R.E (WNPF 2018), A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes, Life is a Dream, An Iliad, Monster a nd Shame Spiral (WNPF 2019). https://maeannrossdesigns.myportfolio.com
Chris Rynne
Cygnet Resident Artist. Cygnet Theatre: Pride & Prejudice, Angels in America, Spamalot, A Little Night Music, The Last Wife, Shockheaded Peter, On the Twentieth Century, Gypsy, When the Rain Stops Falling, My Fair Lady, Sons of the Prophet, Spring Awakening, The Importance of Being Earnest/Travesties, Company, Assassins, Gem of the Ocean, Parade, Little Shop of Horrors, Cabaret, Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2003). Off-Broadway: The Pianist of Willesden Lane. Additional credits include The Old Globe, Geffen Playhouse, San Diego Opera, South Coast Repertory Theatre, Madison Opera, Pasadena Playhouse, San Diego Repertory Theatre, Michigan Opera Theatre, Berkeley Rep, Cleveland Playhouse, Hartford Stage, San Diego Musical Theatre, North Coast Repertory Theatre, Houston Grand Opera, Diversionary Theatre, Laguna Playhouse, and Starlight Theatre. Chris also designs lighting for museum exhibitions, special events, architectural features, and lighting systems for new venues.