Live Theatre Review: Cyrano

Our tale begins on stage where Cyrano is doing his best to offend everyone, not the least of which is the nobility. Back in Paris circa 1640 this wordsmith has made quite a reputation for himself and along the way developed a rather ominous circle of enemies. Despite being an excellent swordsman our Casanova in training may have bitten off more than he could chew when he develops a particular “fondness” for a comely blonde, the wondrous Roxanne.

Unfortunately for this would-be playboy Roxanne has a beauty second to none and is in obvious high demand. This sets the stage for a riotous prolonged courtship with intrigue and bluster bursting forth from every quarter. You need a scorecard to keep track of those with the hots for Roxanne which include a member of the cavalier aristocracy and a boyish true love who gets a lesson in the ways to woo a woman courtesy of the vexing Cyrano.

Told in two acts clearly the real emotion and set up develops in Act 1 where we see just how far Cyrano will go to “score” with his true love. Along the way there are scores of comical moments with the best barbs focused on this man’s burdensome face. Director James Fagan Tait works with an excellent cast and the results are very fulfilling.

Shots of war in act 2 and a 15 year aftermath reveal the heartfelt sorrow of one man whose quest for love goes just a touch off track. Man of the hour David Mackay pulls off a stunning portrayal of this flimflam artist whose use of words get him into scores of unforeseen jams.