Cyrano the Perfect Choice for Valentines Weekend

by Victoria Stearns, Public Relations Writer – January 28, 2016

Cyrano de Bergerac will premiere on Feb. 4 at Cedarville University

Almost everyone has heard of the Italian fable character Pinochio, but most do not know of Cyrano, a French warrior with a tragic flaw – a large nose. 

Beginning on February 4, the Cedarville University theatre program will give the public the opportunity to see the 17th-century love story “Cyrano De Bergerac” come to life on the stage. The production runs each weekend through February 14, and tickets can be purchased online by visiting cedarville.edu/theatre or by calling 937-766-4491.

“This is a very challenging play with larger-than-life characters and rich language. It's epic, funny and exciting ... and it includes sword-fighting, which is something I've wanted to incorporate into a production for a long time. From sword-fighting to love poetry, it's got something for everyone!” said director Matthew Moore.
 
The story is a fictionalized account of French novelist, playwright and duelist Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac’s life. “Cyrano de Bergerac” was written in 1897 by neo-romantic playwright Edmond Rostand and translated by famed American author Anthony Burgess. 

The main character, Cyrano, played by senior David Widder-Varhegyi from Charlottesville, Virginia, is a cadet in the French Army. In addition to being a remarkable duelist, he is a gifted poet and musician. 

However, he has an extremely large nose, which prevents him from expressing his love for the beautiful and intellectual heiress Roxane, played by senior Emma Kowatch from Fort Wayne, Indiana, who meanwhile loves the young and handsome nobleman, Christian, played by senior Andrew Poplin from Hamptonville, North Carolina.

“I hope people are moved by a great piece of art. This is one of the greatest classical plays in the history of theater. The show will be fun and engaging, but I hope that it reminds everyone of the value of living a virtuous life with high ideals – sacrifice, loyalty, commitment and unconditional love,” said Moore.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,711 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.