About the Play:

Cyrano is a full-length epic and heroic drama adapted by Michael Hollinger and Aaron Posner from Hollinger's translation of the original 1897 play, Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand. This lively American adaptation offers swoon-inducing romance and swashbuckling action in a small cast version of the beloved French classic. Cyrano is a sharp, lean, nine-person translation of the enduring tale of unrequited love that keeps the poetry, but ditches the pretension to create a work full of energy, passion, and theatrical artistry.

In Cyrano the most legendary nose in literature gets a makeover for modern audiences. This sharp, lean, nine-person translation of the classic French love story keeps the poetry, but ditches the pretension to create a work full of energy, passion, and theatrical artistry. Alive with swashbuckling swordplay, witty wordplay, and irresistible romance, this classic tale of unrequited passion and panache flows from the rollicking theatres of 17th century Paris to distant battlements long besieged. Here literature's greatest love triangle evolves in a modern, intimate, and good-humoured adaptation that entangles the enchanting heiress Roxane, handsome cadet Christian, and swordsman Cyrano in the love affair of a lifetime. Will Roxane fall for Christian's dashing looks or Cyrano's daring poetry? Find out in this timeless tale that's been an inspiration to writers and lovers for centuries. Ultimately, the play acts as an allegory of inward and outward beauty and answers the question of whether love can survive beyond superficial, physical limitations. 

Cyrano de Bergerac was an instant success when it was performed in Paris in 1897, and it soon became one of the most famous French plays of all time. This adaptation of Cyrano premiered in 2011 at the Folger Theatre in Washington D.C., earning seven Helen Hayes Award nominations.

Cast: 1 female, 8 male with doubling (9 actors play 27 roles)

What people say:

"…a sterling, illuminating new translation by Michael Hollinger…His mostly rhymeless version bubbles with dialogue that honors the play's period (17th century) and dishes as easily as, say, the ladies on 'The View'…a joy to watch—funny, touching, pathetic, kinetic. A story well told." — Philadelphia Inquirer

"…well-crafted, rhythmically beautiful, humorous, emotionally resonant and convincing…Hollinger removes the original's many allusions to French society and norms and lets the audience enjoy modern equivalents, reflected mostly through language. He drops the blank verse (which dominates most prior translations), except strategically, to emphasize a point, sometimes underlining it with rhyme…Hollinger gives his actors plenty to work with." — BroadStreetReview.com

"…the eponymous hero is as magnetic and touchy as ever…an entertaining script." — Washingtonian

"This version of Cyrano de Bergerac is interesting and entertaining…a thoughtful piece of work which makes many bold choices…This is by far the funniest Cyrano you will ever see." — DCTheatreScene.com

"…a good, practical adaptation for modern audiences…a show that can make you feel again as deeply and unashamedly as you did when you were 17 serves a great purpose. And Cyrano, with all of its heartbreaking panache, achieves that in aces. Three cheers and a flourish of a feathered hat to that." — Oregon ArtsWatch

About the Playwrights:

Edmond Eugène Alexis Rostand (1869 to 1918) was a French poet and dramatist. He is associated with neo-romanticism, and is best known for his play Cyrano de Bergerac. Rostand's romantic plays provided an alternative to the naturalistic theatre popular during the late nineteenth century. Another of Rostand's works, Les Romanesques, was adapted to the musical comedy, The Fantasticks.

Michael Hollinger is an American playwright who is the author of two dozen plays, including comedies, dramas, musicals, translation/adaptation, and plays for children. He is currently an associate professor of Theatre at Villanova University.

Aaron Posner is an American playwright and theatre director. He was co-founder of the Arden Theatre Company in Philadelphia. He has directed over 250 productions at major regional theatre companies across the United States.