By Kristen Nevarez Schweizer
February 11, 2025
Cygnet Theatre’s 2025 version of a 2004 story proves Artistic Director Sean Murray’s expertise in timing. Other Desert Cities was celebrated off and on Broadway and a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2012 before the Old Globe’s San Diego premiere in 2013. The drama-comedy play asks if politics and secrets can divide a family — and the clever script resonates deeper today.
The Wyeth’s living room promises an ideal American holiday: modern and gorgeous decor, a giant Christmas tree, and family photos of one boy, one girl, and attractive parents. A menorah without candles stands on a bookshelf, but this family gathers on December 24th. Jewish couple Lyman (Alan Rust) and Polly (the always elegant and compelling Rosina Reynolds) made their fortune in Hollywood before graduating to rise in the ranks within the Republican Party during the Reagan era. In 2004, their son Tripp (Geoffrey Ulysses Geissinger) grew up to become a successful television producer, but their estranged daughter Brooke (Melanie Lora) is a “liberal” author.
Thirty-something Brooke has not visited in six years after they’d nursed her through a depressive episode. She returns bearing a soon-to-be-published memoir that contains family secrets and direct accusations. The manuscript’s secrets— and recovering alcoholic aunt Silda (Debra Wanger) — threaten to rip apart the already dysfunctional family.
The first time I saw “Other Desert Cities,” I was in my early twenties. In 2013, I was a newlywed who’d voted for Obama twice and landed my first real theater job at the San Diego REPertory Theatre. Back then, I took advantage of the discounted “30 Under 30” tickets and was primarily enamored by Alexander Dodge’s luxurious set. The script is the same, but I have changed. Today, I’ve lived through three Trump elections, two pregnancies, and one pandemic and so this (also lovely) set could not distract from the gripping family dynamic.
This play is a testament to Artistic Director Sean Murray’s taste and timing. Its opening in the turbulent weeks post-White House transition proves Cygnet keeps a finger on the pulse of current events when choosing their season. As the show’s director, Murray also navigates the delicate balance required to land the hysterical wit and dead-serious stakes of this comedy-drama showcase his excellence. The 2-½ hour (with intermission) production moves briskly without losing tension, especially in the second act.
To be expected, Rosina Reynolds is everything you need a stiff upper-lipped matriarch to be, yet stops short of becoming an archetype. Her humanity is in the caring touch and concerned looks she casts her beloved ones, even as she wields unbending strength. This is echoed in Cygnet debut actress Melanie Lora, who effortlessly carries the bulk of dialogue with the generosity of a terrific scene partner.
The standout technical element is the changing picture window overlooking the desert city of Palm Springs. Set (Andrew Hull) and lighting (Joshua Heming) teamed up in this for some truly stunning scenic moments.
While the pop culture references and political name-dropping may feel nostalgic, the themes still resonate. Opening old wounds is never pleasurable, but the dose of laughter and healing, cathartic end reminds me that good art is both a precise knife and a potent salve.
Cygnet Theatre | Season 20 extension
Other Desert Cities
February 5 – March 20, 2025
