Cygnet Theatre’s ‘Lehman Trilogy’ – An Epic Family Saga

A Tale of Ambition, Greed, and Legacy

From a 19th- to 20th-century perspective, the Lehman brothers were seen as the embodiment of the American Dream. Three Bavarian Jewish brothers arrived in the U.S. in the 1840s and, through hard work, keen business sense, and ingenuity, built one of the largest financial empires in American history. However, their company, Lehman Brothers, which collapsed in bankruptcy in 2008, is now remembered as a cautionary tale of unchecked greed, corruption, and moral decline.

The story of the Lehman family’s rise and fall is the focus of “The Lehman Trilogy,” a three-act play that recently opened at Cygnet Theatre in San Diego. This Tony Award-winning production offers a compelling look at the family’s journey, from a small dry-goods store in pre-Civil War Alabama to a $600 billion finance giant on Wall Street. The play, written by Italian playwright Stefano Massini and adapted for the stage by Ben Power, is a lyrical and beautifully crafted drama that explores the lives of the three brothers and their descendants.

A Unique Stage Production

Directed by Kim Strassburger, the play is staged in an arena-style format in Cygnet’s black-box Dottie Studio Theatre. The production brings a unique intimacy to the story, allowing the audience to connect more deeply with the characters and their experiences. The scenic design by Matthew Herman features a rectangular center stage with LED panel lighting that mimics the fluorescent office lights of the past while also creating vibrant, colorful scenes during key moments in the play.

The set includes cardboard office file storage boxes used as stairs, fences, and furniture. Colored dry-erase pens transform into flowers, and shawls become swaddled infants. These creative touches add to the visual storytelling, enhancing the overall experience.

Exceptional Performances

Bringing the play’s over 70 characters to life are three of San Diego’s most talented actors: Bruce Turk, Steven Lone, and Jacob Caltrider. These actors not only portray the original Lehman brothers but also take on multiple roles, including their wives, sons, in-laws, politicians, business partners, and even a bawling baby. Their seamless interactions and authentic performances bring the story to life with urgency and intensity.

Turk’s portrayal of Henry, the eldest brother, captures a courtly and wistful old-world manner. Lone plays Emanuel, the hot-tempered and ingenious middle brother, with a mix of resentment and ambition. Caltrider’s Mayer, the kind-hearted younger brother, adds a gentle and quirky presence to the stage.

Evolution of the Lehman Family

Over the years, the devoutly religious brothers and their less-devout descendants transformed their company from a retail shop into a cotton and coffee broker, then into a commodities trader, investment bank, and eventually a venture capital firm. The later generations of the family became increasingly disconnected from their roots, reflected in the gradual decline of traditional mourning observances for older family members.

The play also highlights the complex legacy of the Lehman family. While the original brothers faced antisemitism when they arrived in the U.S., they profited from the slavery-fueled cotton industry of the mid-1800s. Later generations’ disconnection from their heritage is depicted through the shrinking duration of mourning rituals, from a seven-day shiva for Henry in 1855 to just three minutes of silence for his grandnephew, Bobbie, in 1969.

A Visually Stunning Experience

The 2021 Broadway production of “The Lehman Trilogy” was staged in a large revolving glass cubelike set. While visually stunning, the current production by Strassburger offers a more intimate and focused experience. The use of projection design by Blake McCarty, including the digital scroll of financial data that begins and ends the play, adds depth to the narrative.

Jeanne Reith designed the men’s 19th-century suits, and George Ye handled the sound design. These elements contribute to the immersive experience of the play.

Final Thoughts

Running about 3-1/2 hours with two intermissions, “The Lehman Trilogy” is never dull. Its fascinating story, combined with superb acting and direction, makes it a gripping, funny, moving, and enlightening experience.

Details About the Production

When:

7 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 1 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 1 p.m. Sundays. Through April 26

Where:

Cygnet Theatre’s Dottie Studio Theatre, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District Liberty Station

Tickets:

$68 and up

Phone:

619-337-1525

Online:

cygnettheatre.com