The student production of "Cyrano de Bergerac" by the Eastern Michigan University Theatre will begin with a preview on Thursday, April 11 at 7 p.m. This preview will allow the audience to talk with the members of the production following the performance. Community members can purchase tickets for this production starting on Friday, April 12 at 7 p.m. from EMU's online box-office.
The play follows the story of Cyrano de Bergerac, a soldier and a poet who has an angry personality because of his looks. He struggles with having feelings for his cousin Roxane and is too self-conscious about his large nose to confess to her. While Christian, a soldier in Cyrano's division, captures Roxane's heart.
After learning this, Cyrano makes Christian his friend and persuades him to allow Cyrano to write Roxane love letters. Christian poses as the writer of these love letters, when in reality it is Cyrano's writing. Roxane doesn't recognize that she falls in love with Cyrano because he signs his love letters with Christian's name.
Dylan Benson plays Christian in the play, Josi Middaugh plays Roxane, and Isaac Cantrell plays Cyrano. Due to explicit language and sexual material, this play is appropriate for a mature audience.
The Acting
Cantrell's portrayal of Cyrano is the play's high point; he plays a flawless poet who is filled with emotion. It conveys the rage Cyrano was experiencing as well as his self-consciousness. There are humorous elements mixed in with profound depictions of poetry. Cyrano's outfit was perfect; even down to the cosmetics of the nose. In comparison to the original play, the nose appeared better in this one.
Matthew McFarlin's character Ligniere added humor to the drama. He performed with such passion that it made the crowd laugh heartily. Given that his character in the play is an alcoholic, it was an ideal addition. The scenes with Ligniere were a personal favorite because the character was similar to Captain Jack Sparrow, who also sells the drunken pirate character very well.
The relationship between Christian and Roxane is another highlight. While Cyrano struggles, Christian's character is the stereotypical guy who wins the girl. Both of the characters, Roxane in particular, had outstanding acting. Everyone admired her for her beauty, but she was also smart and had a passion for poetry. Middaugh performed a stunning portrayal of a girl in love and her passion for poetry. Benson did a fantastic job portraying Christian, adding a comic element.
The Setting
The play's background, which had elements of French culture, was exquisite. Given that this drama was set in France in the late 1800s, it provided a dark academic aesthetic for it. The balcony and stairs were the ideal finishing touch since they created the illusion where one could gaze up at the stars. This was a simple setting that gave perspective to the audience.
The special effects of lighting on each character made it easier to focus and there were unique effects created by the music with sounds of swords during the rapping war of poetry. These effects brought the scenario together and gave it a more realistic and amusing feel.
The Costumes
Roxane's purple outfit draws the attention of all the men who fall in love with her, and her costume is wonderful. This demonstrated her personality and portrayed her as a lovely and kind person. Jesse Mattox who portrayed Montfleury at the start of the performance had another amazing outfit considering it was a Jester look, that added humor to the act.
Given that they are all in the army, the customary army costumes added a wonderful touch and tied the piece together. Each outfit was imaginatively designed and tastefully assembled. In addition, Cyrano's nose's cosmetics were perfect and closely matched the original.
Verdict
This humorous play is worth attending because it was entertaining throughout it's entirety. The performance was masterfully presented and Christian truly brought Cyrano’s love to life in his letters. This is a deeply touching play to experience and is beautifully written. The students bring "Cyrano de Bergerac’s" play to life.
