Cabaret
Music by John Kander and Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Book by Joe Masteroff
Directed by Sean Murray
Music Direction by Patrick Marion
Choreography by Katie Banville
Low-priced Previews Jul 13 - Jul 16, 2022
EXTENDED! Cygnet is pleased to remount one of its best-selling hit musicals! Cabaret depicts the interlocking stories of a cabaret singer, an American writer and the denizens of Berlin, all caught up in the swirling maelstrom of a changing society. In the seamy, sleazy Kit Kat Klub, on the eve of Hitler’s rise to power, almost anything – including love – is possible. This dark, daring and provocative musical was winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Composer and Lyricist. Based on “The Berlin Stories” by Christopher Isherwood. Welcome to the Cabaret! Featuring Karson McGinley returning to her role as Emcee.
Digital Program
Past reviews:
“Karson [McGinley], who plays this sharp-tongued central character, is so alluring it’s alarming.” – San Diego Union-Tribune
“A Teutonic knockout” – San Diego Union-Tribune
2011 Awards:
San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award: Outstanding Direction of a Musical — Sean Murray
San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award: Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical — Karson St. John [McGinley]
Please note our programming change:
Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 will be scheduled for a near-future season to be announced at a later date.
Cast
Alyssa Anne AustinAlyssa Anne Austin
RosieAlyssa is so excited & grateful to be making her Cygnet debut! Favorite credits include: Catch Me if You Can (SDMT), Sweet Charity (Oceanside Theatre Company), The World Goes ‘Round (Coronado Playhouse), Columbia & Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show (OB Playhouse), Carla in Nine (Lamplighters Theatre), Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar (Patio Playhouse). She is currently working on her first one woman show, Always a Banana, Never the Bride: An Ode to Broadway’s Lesser Ladies. When not acting, Alyssa coaches others to success through her company, PoisedandProfessional.com. Love to P & fam! @alyssaanneaustin
Wil BethmannWil Bethmann
Cliff BradshawWil (he/him/his) is thrilled to return to the Cygnet stage! Wil has appeared in theatrical and commercial roles across the country. Most recently in the New York production of Bent at Triskelion arts. In San Diego at Diversionary Theatre as Crumpet in David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries, (nominated for Outstanding Solo Performance by the San Diego Critics Circle) and Significant Other. At Cygnet Theatre as Parry in the U.S premiere of The Virgin Trial, King Arthur in Camelot, and Louis in Angels in America Parts I & II (SDCC’s Outsanding Ensemble Award). On screen as the personality and creative mind behind ad campaigns for Smirnoff, AT&T, BrosBeingBasic, Applebees, NCAA, along with 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 in New York City. Training: University of North Carolina School of the Arts (BFA).
Megan CarmitchelMegan Carmitchel
Sally BowlesMegan (she/her) is honored to be telling this important story with this inspiring group of artists. She has previously been seen at Cygnet in A Christmas Carol (3 seasons), Rock of Ages, and A Little Night Music. Other recent credits include: Lamb’s Players Theatre: Alice!, Persuasion, Big Fish, OZ (world premiere), You Can’t Take it With You, Quilters, and Fiddler on the Roof; Diversionary Theatre: Significant Other, A New Brain, and Pippin; New Village Arts: Into the Woods and Beehive: The 60’s Musical; The Old Globe: The Last Goodbye (world premiere) and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!; La Jolla Playhouse: Weatherman (reading) and Without Walls Festival; San Diego Repertory Theatre:The Who’s Tommy; CCAE Theatricals: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Welk Resort Theatre: South Pacific and Stepping Out. She attended San Francisco State University where she studied vocal performance and theatre.
Alyssa Anne Austin
Alyssa is so excited & grateful to be making her Cygnet debut! Favorite credits include: Catch Me if You Can (SDMT), Sweet Charity (Oceanside Theatre Company), The World Goes ‘Round (Coronado Playhouse), Columbia & Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show (OB Playhouse), Carla in Nine (Lamplighters Theatre), Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar (Patio Playhouse). She is currently working on her first one woman show, Always a Banana, Never the Bride: An Ode to Broadway’s Lesser Ladies. When not acting, Alyssa coaches others to success through her company, PoisedandProfessional.com. Love to P & fam! @alyssaanneaustin
Wil Bethmann
Wil (he/him/his) is thrilled to return to the Cygnet stage! Wil has appeared in theatrical and commercial roles across the country. Most recently in the New York production of Bent at Triskelion arts. In San Diego at Diversionary Theatre as Crumpet in David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries, (nominated for Outstanding Solo Performance by the San Diego Critics Circle) and Significant Other. At Cygnet Theatre as Parry in the U.S premiere of The Virgin Trial, King Arthur in Camelot, and Louis in Angels in America Parts I & II (SDCC’s Outsanding Ensemble Award). On screen as the personality and creative mind behind ad campaigns for Smirnoff, AT&T, BrosBeingBasic, Applebees, NCAA, along with 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 in New York City. Training: University of North Carolina School of the Arts (BFA).
Megan Carmitchel
Megan (she/her) is honored to be telling this important story with this inspiring group of artists. She has previously been seen at Cygnet in A Christmas Carol (3 seasons), Rock of Ages, and A Little Night Music. Other recent credits include: Lamb’s Players Theatre: Alice!, Persuasion, Big Fish, OZ (world premiere), You Can’t Take it With You, Quilters, and Fiddler on the Roof; Diversionary Theatre: Significant Other, A New Brain, and Pippin; New Village Arts: Into the Woods and Beehive: The 60’s Musical; The Old Globe: The Last Goodbye (world premiere) and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!; La Jolla Playhouse: Weatherman (reading) and Without Walls Festival; San Diego Repertory Theatre:The Who’s Tommy; CCAE Theatricals: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Welk Resort Theatre: South Pacific and Stepping Out. She attended San Francisco State University where she studied vocal performance and theatre.
Marc CaroMarc Caro
Victor, Brown Shirt Officer, SailorMarc is a native San Diego actor and choreographer. Performance Credits: Shockheaded Peter, Supers (Cygnet). She Loves Me (SRT). Hall Pass, Danny’s Story (Blindspot Collective). La Posada Magica (Hispanic Arts Theatre). Choreographic Credits: She Loves Me (SRT). The Spongebob Musical, Mamma Mia (CPH). Tuck Everlasting, Newsies Jr. Seussical, The Lightning Thief (SDJT). He currently serves as a teaching artist at San Diego Junior Theatre and choreographer of the show choir program at Helix High School.
Trevor CruseTrevor Cruse
BobbyTrevor Cruse (they/he/them) is thrilled to be back at Cygnet Theatre and returning to San Diego for the summer. They were previously in Cygnet’s productions of Spamalot! as Ensemble and On the 20th Century as Porter. Recent credits include PCPA’s As You Like It as Silvius and Secret Garden as Ensemble/Major. As well as The Eastern’s Puffs as Cedric/Mr.Voldy. Trevor has just graduated from the Pacific Conservatory Theatre Acting Program and will be heading to Cornish School of the Arts in Seattle in the fall for their Bachelors in Acting and Original Works.
Luke H. JacobsLuke H. Jacobs
Max, Customs OfficerDas Leben hier ist schön! Performance at Cygnet: On the 20th Century, Pageant, various readings. Choreography at Cygnet: La Cage aux Folles, The Legend of Georgia McBride, various Galas. Some recent, favorite onstage roles include his work in Hair at the Old Globe, Henri Labisse in Victor/Victoria and Franz Liebkind in The Producers (both at Moonlight). Luke has been seen all over San Diego including Moonlight, SDMT, Lamb’s, NCRT, The Welk, CCAE, and Diversionary. Additional choreography credits: Nunsense (the Welk), It’s Christmas and it’s Live! (Lamb’s), and Sister Act with SDMT (Critic’s Circle Nomination). Luke holds his BFA in Musical Theatre from CSU, Fullerton.
Marc Caro
Marc is a native San Diego actor and choreographer. Performance Credits: Shockheaded Peter, Supers (Cygnet). She Loves Me (SRT). Hall Pass, Danny’s Story (Blindspot Collective). La Posada Magica (Hispanic Arts Theatre). Choreographic Credits: She Loves Me (SRT). The Spongebob Musical, Mamma Mia (CPH). Tuck Everlasting, Newsies Jr. Seussical, The Lightning Thief (SDJT). He currently serves as a teaching artist at San Diego Junior Theatre and choreographer of the show choir program at Helix High School.
Trevor Cruse
Trevor Cruse (they/he/them) is thrilled to be back at Cygnet Theatre and returning to San Diego for the summer. They were previously in Cygnet’s productions of Spamalot! as Ensemble and On the 20th Century as Porter. Recent credits include PCPA’s As You Like It as Silvius and Secret Garden as Ensemble/Major. As well as The Eastern’s Puffs as Cedric/Mr.Voldy. Trevor has just graduated from the Pacific Conservatory Theatre Acting Program and will be heading to Cornish School of the Arts in Seattle in the fall for their Bachelors in Acting and Original Works.
Luke H. Jacobs
Das Leben hier ist schön! Performance at Cygnet: On the 20th Century, Pageant, various readings. Choreography at Cygnet: La Cage aux Folles, The Legend of Georgia McBride, various Galas. Some recent, favorite onstage roles include his work in Hair at the Old Globe, Henri Labisse in Victor/Victoria and Franz Liebkind in The Producers (both at Moonlight). Luke has been seen all over San Diego including Moonlight, SDMT, Lamb’s, NCRT, The Welk, CCAE, and Diversionary. Additional choreography credits: Nunsense (the Welk), It’s Christmas and it’s Live! (Lamb’s), and Sister Act with SDMT (Critic’s Circle Nomination). Luke holds his BFA in Musical Theatre from CSU, Fullerton.
Jasmine JanuaryJasmine January
Fräulein KostJasmine is a proud alum of the illustrious Howard University(BFA in Musical Theatre). Some of her regional credits include Into the Woods (NVA), Sister Act (SDMT), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (NVA), Avenue Q (NVA), This Beautiful City (Diversionary), Qulili (Blindspot Collective). Cabaret is Jasmine’s debut at Cygnet Theatre and she couldn’t be more excited! She is incredibly grateful for her cast and team on this production. Jasmine dedicates her art to her family, friends, and all those who continue to support her. Her Mantra: “Live in your truth, be grateful, and expect divine favor.”
Alyssa JuniousAlyssa Junious
FrenchieAlyssa “Ajay” Junious is an interdisciplinary artist from Oceanside, California. She received her BFA in Performance, Choreography, and Certificate of Arts Management from the University of California, Irvine. For the past 10 years, she has worked professionally in the commercial dance, concert dance and theater industry. Her professional performance credits include: La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego Musical Theater, Oceanside Theater Company, Disneyland, Entity Contemporary Dance Company, San Diego Dance Theater, Legoland, PGK Dance Project, Disney’s ABC Christmas Special, Demi Lovato, Anika Noni Rose, and Cheryl Burke. To learn more about her work visit AlyssaRJunious.com and @continuum.sd
Linda LibbyLinda Libby
Fräulein SchneiderLinda is proud to be a Resident Artist at Cygnet Theatre where she has played in Gypsy, Company, The Importance of Being Earnest, My Fair Lady, Man From Nebraska, Man of La Mancha, Cabaret, and Cygnet’s inaugural production of Hedwig & The Angry Inch. She was awarded the Craig Noel Actor of the Year 2013 by the San Diego Critics Circle. Select local credits include: Guys & Dolls at The Old Globe, Put Your House in Order & Ether Dome at La Jolla Playhouse, Moxie, San Diego Rep, Lambs Players, North Coast Rep, Ion, Starlight and Mo’olelo, Outside of San Diego: Arizona Theater Company, Clarence Brown Theatre, Barter Theatre, StageWest (Ontario, Canada) and tours to Edinburgh and Far East Russia. Linda is a founder of the San Diego Actors Alliance, member of Actors Equity Association and a founding faculty member of Bayfront Charter High School. lindalibby.wix.com/lindalibby
Jasmine January
Jasmine is a proud alum of the illustrious Howard University(BFA in Musical Theatre). Some of her regional credits include Into the Woods (NVA), Sister Act (SDMT), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (NVA), Avenue Q (NVA), This Beautiful City (Diversionary), Qulili (Blindspot Collective). Cabaret is Jasmine’s debut at Cygnet Theatre and she couldn’t be more excited! She is incredibly grateful for her cast and team on this production. Jasmine dedicates her art to her family, friends, and all those who continue to support her. Her Mantra: “Live in your truth, be grateful, and expect divine favor.”
Alyssa Junious
Alyssa “Ajay” Junious is an interdisciplinary artist from Oceanside, California. She received her BFA in Performance, Choreography, and Certificate of Arts Management from the University of California, Irvine. For the past 10 years, she has worked professionally in the commercial dance, concert dance and theater industry. Her professional performance credits include: La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego Musical Theater, Oceanside Theater Company, Disneyland, Entity Contemporary Dance Company, San Diego Dance Theater, Legoland, PGK Dance Project, Disney’s ABC Christmas Special, Demi Lovato, Anika Noni Rose, and Cheryl Burke. To learn more about her work visit AlyssaRJunious.com and @continuum.sd
Linda Libby
Linda is proud to be a Resident Artist at Cygnet Theatre where she has played in Gypsy, Company, The Importance of Being Earnest, My Fair Lady, Man From Nebraska, Man of La Mancha, Cabaret, and Cygnet’s inaugural production of Hedwig & The Angry Inch. She was awarded the Craig Noel Actor of the Year 2013 by the San Diego Critics Circle. Select local credits include: Guys & Dolls at The Old Globe, Put Your House in Order & Ether Dome at La Jolla Playhouse, Moxie, San Diego Rep, Lambs Players, North Coast Rep, Ion, Starlight and Mo’olelo, Outside of San Diego: Arizona Theater Company, Clarence Brown Theatre, Barter Theatre, StageWest (Ontario, Canada) and tours to Edinburgh and Far East Russia. Linda is a founder of the San Diego Actors Alliance, member of Actors Equity Association and a founding faculty member of Bayfront Charter High School. lindalibby.wix.com/lindalibby
Carolyn LupinCarolyn Lupin
Texas/Sally U.S.After looking forward to this production since 2020, Carolyn Lupin is thrilled to be joining Cygnet’s Cabaret. Her credits include Ragtime at Musical Theatre West, South Pacific at La Mirada/McCoy Rigby Productions, Matilda and Joseph… at 5-Star Theatricals, Titanic and South Pacific at Candlelight Pavilion, Kiss Me Kate with the Marina Del Rey Symphony, My Fair Lady at Welk Resorts, Cats at California Theatre, Picnic at Oceanside Theatre, Sweeney Todd at the Curtis Theatre, and The Scarlet Pimpernel with Contempo production. Carolyn holds a B.A. from Pepperdine and an M.M. from Oklahoma City University. ~Tend Your Own Fire~
Tamara RodriguezTamara Rodriguez
FritzieTheatre credits: House Of Joy (SDRep); Kiss My Aztec (La Jolla Playhouse); The Pitch – World Premiere (LATC); Up Here – World Premiere (La Jolla Playhouse); Dust (Cygnet Theatre); Yoga Play (MOXIE Theatre); Enfrascada (San Diego Rep). Regional: Rock of Ages (Cygnet); Chicago (Moonlight Stage); Westside Story (Pechanga Casino Resort); Camelot (The Barn Stage Company); Mary Poppins, Les Miserables (Theatre Royal) TV: Sweet Fifteen: Mom, I Want to be an Artist (Telemundo) and Buscando a Timbiriche, La Nueva Banda (Univision). Film: Sugar Silence and Everyday Violence, Cholo Zombies. Concerts: Nokia Theatre Live with Shakhar Binespajooh and L.A Philharmonic; Lena Horne Tribute (Isabella Gardner Museum), Mexican Independence Bicentennial in San Antonio TX, San Diego Latin Film Festival 2015-2017. Featured Artist: (International Songwriting award 2012 ). Album credits: “Infinite Energy” “Radiance” (Buddha Music Group). Recording Artist. Graduated cum-laude with a majors in Voice and Songwriting from Berklee College of Music. www.tamararodriguezmusic.com
Karson St. JohnKarson St. John
EmceeKarson returns to her role as the Emcee at Cygnet Theatre, for which she won the SD Critics Circle Award for Lead Actress in 2011. Other credits include: Rosalind in As You Like It, New Village Arts at Moonlight Amphitheatre; [title of show], The Little Dog Laughed (SD Critics Circle Award for Lead Performance), Diversionary Theatre; Velma Kelly in Chicago, HurlyBurly, Angels in America, All in the Timing, U.S. Drag, ion Theatre, Ten Cent Night, Moxie Theater; Brownie Points, Lamb’s Players; The ThreePenny Opera, and In the Wake, San Diego Rep. Karson is a passionate yoga teacher and dedicates her performance to her husband and children for their unwavering support!
Carolyn Lupin
After looking forward to this production since 2020, Carolyn Lupin is thrilled to be joining Cygnet’s Cabaret. Her credits include Ragtime at Musical Theatre West, South Pacific at La Mirada/McCoy Rigby Productions, Matilda and Joseph… at 5-Star Theatricals, Titanic and South Pacific at Candlelight Pavilion, Kiss Me Kate with the Marina Del Rey Symphony, My Fair Lady at Welk Resorts, Cats at California Theatre, Picnic at Oceanside Theatre, Sweeney Todd at the Curtis Theatre, and The Scarlet Pimpernel with Contempo production. Carolyn holds a B.A. from Pepperdine and an M.M. from Oklahoma City University. ~Tend Your Own Fire~
Tamara Rodriguez
Theatre credits: House Of Joy (SDRep); Kiss My Aztec (La Jolla Playhouse); The Pitch – World Premiere (LATC); Up Here – World Premiere (La Jolla Playhouse); Dust (Cygnet Theatre); Yoga Play (MOXIE Theatre); Enfrascada (San Diego Rep). Regional: Rock of Ages (Cygnet); Chicago (Moonlight Stage); Westside Story (Pechanga Casino Resort); Camelot (The Barn Stage Company); Mary Poppins, Les Miserables (Theatre Royal) TV: Sweet Fifteen: Mom, I Want to be an Artist (Telemundo) and Buscando a Timbiriche, La Nueva Banda (Univision). Film: Sugar Silence and Everyday Violence, Cholo Zombies. Concerts: Nokia Theatre Live with Shakhar Binespajooh and L.A Philharmonic; Lena Horne Tribute (Isabella Gardner Museum), Mexican Independence Bicentennial in San Antonio TX, San Diego Latin Film Festival 2015-2017. Featured Artist: (International Songwriting award 2012 ). Album credits: “Infinite Energy” “Radiance” (Buddha Music Group). Recording Artist. Graduated cum-laude with a majors in Voice and Songwriting from Berklee College of Music. www.tamararodriguezmusic.com
Karson St. John
Karson returns to her role as the Emcee at Cygnet Theatre, for which she won the SD Critics Circle Award for Lead Actress in 2011. Other credits include: Rosalind in As You Like It, New Village Arts at Moonlight Amphitheatre; [title of show], The Little Dog Laughed (SD Critics Circle Award for Lead Performance), Diversionary Theatre; Velma Kelly in Chicago, HurlyBurly, Angels in America, All in the Timing, U.S. Drag, ion Theatre, Ten Cent Night, Moxie Theater; Brownie Points, Lamb’s Players; The ThreePenny Opera, and In the Wake, San Diego Rep. Karson is a passionate yoga teacher and dedicates her performance to her husband and children for their unwavering support!
Gerardo TonellaGerardo Tonella
Ernst Ludwig / Cliff U.S.Gerry is so happy to be making his Cygnet debut! Regional credits include: Swing in Bhangin’ It! (La Jolla Playhouse), Pablo in Sister Act (SDMT, Moonlight), Vittorio Vidal in Sweet Charity (Welk Resort), Anselmo/Sancho u.s. in Man of La Mancha (SDMT). Theme Parks: Legoland, Disneyland Resort. TV: Selena: The Series (Netflix). In addition to performing, Gerry has also directed (CECUT, Dell’Arte/La Mama) and Assistant Directed (The Old Globe, San Diego Opera, Dell’Arte/La Mama). He holds a B.A. from the University of San Diego.
Allen Lucky WeaverAllen Lucky Weaver
Helga/Emcee U.S.Lucky is excited to be returning to Cygnet for Cabaret. He received his B.F.A in Musical Theater, from UArts in Philadelphia. Credits: Tour: Miss Saigon (Ensemble/Thuy u.s.). Regional: Angel in Rent, Thuy in Miss Saigon, and Laertes/Guildenstern in Hamlet. LA Theatre: Jenny in Fixed, Erik in Viral, and Jacob in La Cage Aux Folles. SD Theatre: Jacob in La Cage aux Folles, Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (Cygnet); Joey in Eighty-Sixed (Diversionary). Special thanks to Sean, Bill, Patrick, Katie, Sarah, Craig, and Ralph. Much love to his fiancé David, Mom, Dad, Sisters, Family, and Friends for their never-ending support.
Eddie YarochEddie Yaroch
Herr SchultzEddie is thrilled to share the stage with his lovely bride, Linda Libby, for the first time since 2009! A couple of years later while she was in Cygnet’s Cabaret, he proposed to her with one little word: marriage. Her little word: yes! In the intervening years, Eddie has performed at Cygnet (Our Town), New Village Arts, Moxie (Enron – San Diego Critics Circle Award), Intrepid, Diversionary and, most recently, as part of the WOW Festival at the La Jolla Playhouse.
Gerardo Tonella
Gerry is so happy to be making his Cygnet debut! Regional credits include: Swing in Bhangin’ It! (La Jolla Playhouse), Pablo in Sister Act (SDMT, Moonlight), Vittorio Vidal in Sweet Charity (Welk Resort), Anselmo/Sancho u.s. in Man of La Mancha (SDMT). Theme Parks: Legoland, Disneyland Resort. TV: Selena: The Series (Netflix). In addition to performing, Gerry has also directed (CECUT, Dell’Arte/La Mama) and Assistant Directed (The Old Globe, San Diego Opera, Dell’Arte/La Mama). He holds a B.A. from the University of San Diego.
Allen Lucky Weaver
Lucky is excited to be returning to Cygnet for Cabaret. He received his B.F.A in Musical Theater, from UArts in Philadelphia. Credits: Tour: Miss Saigon (Ensemble/Thuy u.s.). Regional: Angel in Rent, Thuy in Miss Saigon, and Laertes/Guildenstern in Hamlet. LA Theatre: Jenny in Fixed, Erik in Viral, and Jacob in La Cage Aux Folles. SD Theatre: Jacob in La Cage aux Folles, Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (Cygnet); Joey in Eighty-Sixed (Diversionary). Special thanks to Sean, Bill, Patrick, Katie, Sarah, Craig, and Ralph. Much love to his fiancé David, Mom, Dad, Sisters, Family, and Friends for their never-ending support.
Eddie Yaroch
Eddie is thrilled to share the stage with his lovely bride, Linda Libby, for the first time since 2009! A couple of years later while she was in Cygnet’s Cabaret, he proposed to her with one little word: marriage. Her little word: yes! In the intervening years, Eddie has performed at Cygnet (Our Town), New Village Arts, Moxie (Enron – San Diego Critics Circle Award), Intrepid, Diversionary and, most recently, as part of the WOW Festival at the La Jolla Playhouse.
July 2022