Lee Theatre department opens Cyrano, looks forward to second weekend of performances
“This is one of the first times that story was told. It has sword fighting, romance, and comedy, and this particular production uses more contemporary and accessible language," Associate professor of theater and director of the play Dan Buck said of the play. "I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying this play.”
Courtesy of Lee University Theatre Department
Lee University Theatre will complete its 2017-2018 year with the finale production of Edmond Rostand’s “Cyrano.”
The show opened this past weekend with three performances and will continue the production this upcoming weekend.
Associate professor of theater and director of the play Dan Buck believes that the story is one all can relate to.
“We’ve all seen a TV show or movie where someone is trying to a win a girl over while someone is coaching them or sending them things to say in an earpiece,” Buck said. “This is one of the first times that story was told. It has sword fighting, romance and comedy, and this particular production uses more contemporary and accessible language. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying this play.”
The romantic comedy was adapted by Michael Hollinger and Aaron Posner. According to the Dramatists Play Service, this American adaption of the French classic has been an inspiration to writers and lovers for centuries as it is a timeless tale, full of wordplay and swordplay.
The students involved in the production said they are equally as excited about bringing the play to Lee’s stage. Sophomore Theatre student Jake Wallin said bringing the main character, Cyrano, to life was the toughest role he’s had yet.
“Usually, parts call for learning the lines and creating your character, but on top of the memorization being far more difficult than any part I've played before, ‘Cyrano’ has involved facial prosthetics, stage combat and learning to—mediocrely—play an instrument,” Wallin said. “Cyrano has become one of my absolute favorite characters to put together and take onto the stage.”
Performances will take place on Thursday, April 12; Friday, April 13; and Saturday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. in Lee’s Dixon Center Auditorium.
Senior public relations major and theatre minor Virginia Lentz, who plays Captain Le Bret, said the cast and crew have created strong relationships and now take that chemistry to the stage.
“Everyone is incredibly talented and professional, and we instantly became a family,” Lentz said. “The entire cast, crew and production team has worked tirelessly to put on an amazing show, and we definitely have. The set, lighting, costumes everything has come together so beautifully and has only improved us actors.”
Sophomore theatre major and production stage manager Gabi Ramsundar said the process of producing such an ambitious show has been worth it to see the cast on stage performing for the audience.
“My favorite part of the process, by far, is getting to share it with an audience,” Ramsundar said. “Every night when the curtain opens, the energy in the room is incredible, and you can feel how captivated the audience is.”
To buy tickets, visit the Communications Arts Box office Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m., or one hour before the show at the Dixon Center Box Office. Tickets are free for students and $10 for community members.
To purchase tickets online, visit https://www.showclix.com/event/cyrano. For more information, visit www.leeuniversity.edu/theatre or email theatre@leeuniversity.edu. Fans are encouraged to follow Lee University Theatre on Facebook.
