Cyrano at Wharton Black Box Theater

Who wins the battle of beauty versus wits? Cyrano is a swordsman, philosopher, and poet—everything that the love of his life, Roxane, would want. There’s just one problem: his nose, rendering him unworthy of her affection. Enter Christian, a handsome yet tongue-tied young cadet equally smitten with Roxane. Together, this unlikely pair attempt to win the fair maiden’s heart. A cast of seven play a multitude of roles in this adaptation of the classic tale.

Jason O’Connell and Brenda Withers’ retelling of Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play, Cyrano de Bergerac, is nominally based on the 17th-century nobleman known for his bold adventures and large nose. Directed by Lauri MacMillan, Cyrano runs June 16-25 at the Wharton Black Box Theater in Berkeley Heights.