The Tragedy Of The Commons

Playwright Stephen Metcalfe is a local resident whose scripts have been produced on film, stage, and television. San Diegans know his work with La Jolla Playhouse and the Old Globe Theatre (Strange Snow, White Linen, and the smart comedy Emily, among others). His plays have been produced in New York and in regional theatres across the United States. But, did you know he adapted the scripts for the movies Pretty Woman and Mr. Holland’s Opus? His credits are lengthy and he’s about to add another.

Metcalfe’s newest play, The Tragedy of the Commons, is having its world premiere at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town, and it runs through February 20. This is a first for Cygnet, which has never presented a world premiere before. The setting of the play, penned by a La Jollan, is La Jolla, which adds neighborhood interest. An experienced cast has been assembled. Jim Winker, a favorite actor at The Old Globe and an associate artist there, has joined Cygnet resident artists Manny Fernandes, Monique Gaffney, Francis Gercke, Veronica Murphy, and Tim West. (619/337-1525, www.cygnettheatre.com)   DARLENE G. DAVIES