American Players Theatre CYRANO DE BERGERAC

A voice shouts out over the audience from the back of the house yelling at one of the actors to get off the stage. We swivel around in our seats trying to place where the mysterious voice came from. Of course, this could be none other than the leading man himself, Cyrano De Bergerac. Known for many fantastic feats including his mastery of poetry and fighting abilities, but we have not yet seen his infamous face! Notorious for his rather large nose, CYRANO DE BERGERAC takes us on an incredible love story as he sneakily tries to win the hand of a beautiful woman.

American Players Theatre Creates a Love Triangle

Who says the perfect man can’t exist? Or at least when you put two of them together you might get the perfect combination of brains and body. That’s Cyrano’s hope when he teams up with fellow soldier, Christian, in order to try and win the lovely Roxane’s heart. Cyrano doesn’t have confidence in his appearance and Christian doesn’t have a way with words, so Cyrano agrees to write letters to Roxane signing them in Christian’s name.

Of course a love story can never be simple. While in the midst of this love triangle we are taken to a moonlight rendezvous, a monastery, and even onto the battlefield. Only time will tell if Cyrano’s plan will work through all of these adventures and if Roxane can look past his outward appearance to love him for his soul!

Charming Cast of Characters

Each of the actors in CYRANO is a joy to watch on stage as they work together to create the world of the play. The ensemble surrounding the featured actors are just as fun to watch from the boisterous Gascon battalion to the baker’s wife fed up with Raguenaeu’s lack of business sense.

Also Cyrano’s best friend, Ragueneau, played by David Daniel, is a budding poet and so sweet we can’t help but wish him all the best in his various artistic endeavors.

Roxane’s friend, played by Kelsey Brennan, has an insatiable sweet tooth and her interactions with Cyrano have us laughing as he tries to have a moment alone with Roxane but she remains painfully oblivious.

Christian, played by Danny Martinez, has just the right amount of confidence paired with vulnerability because he knows he needs to be more than just a good looking face to woo Roxane.

Roxanne, played by Laura Rook, has great comedic instincts and a full range of emotions. She is in the midst of the action rather than idly sitting by. She asks for what she wants and gets it, not settling for less than true love. When her man is off at war she is sure as hell going to find a way to see him. She’s perfectly charming and fierce!

But of course Cyrano himself holds the show and we are engaged with his every line. James Ridge has amazing charisma and plays a wonderfully multi-faceted character.

We feel the brunt of his anger if someone dares insult his nose as a chair goes flying across the stage. His face and gestures reflect his heartfelt longing when he confesses he’s been in love with Roxane all his life. And his bravery is unmatched on the battlefield as he fights alongside his soldiers.

Ridge carries the show and gives us a Cyrano we won’t soon forget.

The costumes, designed by Mathew J. LeFebvre, are mix of fancy, over the top brocade jackets and full ballgowns for the upperclass right alongside the simple, rough costumes for the soldiers.

Lights, designed by Michael A. Peterson, perfectly compliment the nature surrounding the outdoor stage. They fade as naturally as the dusk falls at The Hill Stage at American Players Theater. When we’re at the battle scene it’s incredible to experience, especially sitting underneath the stars. The trees light up blue and red as the sound of gunfire takes over.