Baylor's Cyrano Has Nose for Wit, War and Love
Contact: Sherry Ward, audience development, Baylor University Theatre, (254) 710-1875
The Baylor Theatre will present Edmond Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac Dec. 2-7 in the Jones Theatre of the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Building. The show, directed by MFA candidate Traci Ledford, is the classic tale of Cyrano, who uses superior swordplay and sharp wit to compensate for his astonishingly large nose.
Rostand believed theatre had the power to resurrect the beautiful, the sacrificial, the patriotic and the ideal. To do this, Rostand brought to life the historical figure of Cyrano de Bergerac, a 17th century soldier, duelist and satirist.
Cyrano de Bergerac tells the story of a swordsman and poet named Cyrano and his quest to win the heart of the lovely Roxane whose affection for Cyrano is limited to a friendship. However, one of Cyrano's men, the handsome but dim-witted Christian de Neuvillette, has caught Roxane's eye. Christian enlists Cyrano to write love letters to her, and Roxane quickly falls in love with the author of the letters.
Director Traci Ledford finds the dichotomy of Cyrano to be fascinating.
"Cyrano is the ideal Romantic hero, with one exception: he is ugly," Ledford said. "With a nose that makes people stop and stare, Cyrano has learned to deflect the routine abuse he endures by sharpening his defenses: his sword, his wit and his pen. Though he loves his beautiful cousin Roxane, Cyrano lacks the confidence to reveal his true feelings."
Cyrano de Bergerac is a classic tale mixing romance, comedy and tragedy. An epic tale filled with sweepingly romantic moments, the play is certain to take audiences beyond the routine of everyday life.
Cyrano de Bergerac runs in Baylor's Jones Theatre at 7:30 p.m. from Dec. 2-6 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. For tickets or more information, call (254) 710-1865. Visit the Baylor Theatre website at www.baylor.edu/theatre for tickets, and for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.
Cast:
Cyrano de Bergerac, Joey Melcher
Roxane, Amanda Capshaw
Christian de Neuvillette, Callen McLaughlin
Comte de Guiche, Joe Shovak
Le Bret, Daniel Hubbard
The Duenna, Shaun Patterson
Ragueneau, Patrick Matzig
Lise, Marylee Carney
Carbon de Castel-Jaloux/Montfleury, Clayton Ellis
Ligniere/Cadet, Andrew Saenz
Vicomte de Valvert/Cadet/Friar, Adam Garst
The Musketeer/Cadet, Michael Herbert
Marquis de Cuigy/Cadet, Clay Van Winkle
Marquis de Brissaille/Cadet, Matt Tolbert
Jodelet/Poet/Cadet, Brandon Wooley
A Marquis/Cadet, John Ruegsegger
Guard/Cadet, Ethan Tornow
Page/Cook/Cadet, Andrew Dilday
Playgoer/Poet/Cadet, Jeff Wittekiend
A Lady/Mother Marguerite, Victoria Eisele
Actress/Sister Claire, Marley Singletary
Playgoer/Cook/Sister Martha, Megan Moore
Foodseller/Poet/Nun, Anna Grimm
Musician/Poet, Kelsey Ervi
Musician/Cook, Lindsay Hallin
A Lady/Nun, Bethany Salminen
Playgoer/Cook/Nun, Rebecca Johnson
Actress/Poet, Dallas Olsen
Production Staff:
Director, Traci Ledford
Scenic Designer, Bill Sherry
Costume Designer, Sally Lynn Askins
Asst. Costume Designer, Kristin Womble
Asst. Costume Designer, Zach Krohn
Lighting Designer, Kirstin Hodges
Asst. Lighting Designer, Rebecca Johnson
Technical Director, Michael Schmalz
Stage Manager, Shelly Rodriguez
Asst. Stage Manager, Sarah Chanis
Asst. Stage Manager, Michelle James
Sound Designer, Adam Redmer
Fight Choreography, Thomas Ward