A New Adaptation Of CYRANO DE BERGERAC Begins Previews At The Shaw

Chris Abraham directs a new adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac, Edmond Rostand's romantic tale of unrequited and selfless love. Translated from French to English, Associate Artistic Director Kate Hennig's version is presented in prose, yet it thrillingly preserves the poetic beauty of Rostand's original verse. Cyrano de Bergerac begins previews Saturday, July 27 at the Royal George Theatre.

A brash and daring 17th century swashbuckler, Cyrano de Bergerac (Tom Rooney) oozes panache. He can do anything and fears nothing, except telling the beautiful and intelligent Roxane (Deborah Hay) that he loves her. Highly self-consciousness about his unusually large nose and unable to deal with rejection, Cyrano hides his true feelings from her. It's only as the ghostwriter of Christian's (Jeff Irving) love letters that Cyrano is able to woo Roxane with his wit and cleverness - always knowing he can never reveal to her it's his words that have won her heart.

This period love story's set and costumes by designer Julie Fox have been inspired and influenced by the painters of the Dutch Golden Age and Baroque periods. Kimberly Purtell's lighting and Thomas Ryder Payne's original music and sound design boosts the ambience of the 17th century French setting, while John Stead's fight direction adds rousing, adventurous swordplay and combat to the on-stage action.

Cyrano de Bergerac is at the Royal George Theatre (85 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake) from July 27 to October 20 (eligible for review beginning August 8) and is proudly sponsored by James and Diane King. The Royal George Theatre is sponsored by CIBC.

Age recommendation 14+. Running time: approximately 3 hours including one intermission.

The Shaw Festival's 2019 season is on stage April 6 through December 22 featuring a playbill that includes The Horse and His Boy, Brigadoon, The Ladykillers, Man and Superman with Don Juan in Hell, Rope, Getting Married, The Russian Play, Cyrano de Bergerac, The Glass Menagerie, Sex, Victory, Secret Theatre, A Christmas Carol and Holiday Inn. Tickets for the 2019 Festival season are available through the Box Office at 1-800-511-SHAW and online at www.shawfest.com.

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