Mudgee Performing Arts Society (MPAS) returns to the Town Hall Theatre this weekend with a production of Cyrano de Bergerac.
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Sam Paine leads the cast in the title role, joined by a lavishly costumed troupe in the tale of the biggest nose in 17th century Paris. Cyrano de Bergerac is a poet, playwright, swordsman and soldier – the only thing that scares him is declaring his love for the beautiful Roxane.
Convinced he can never be loved because of his enormous nose, he strikes up a deal with the good looking but witless Christian to woo Roxane together, with Christian’s handsome face speaking Cyrano’s words.
Very loosely based on a true story, Edmond Rostand's play combines romance, swashbuckling, theatre, war and baked goods into a unforgettable Parisian evening’s entertainment. The play introduced the word “panache” into the English language with its first translation in 1898, and the word characterises the poet and the play’s flamboyance and adventurous spirit.
“Cyrano is a poet, fighter, and romantic - but he is also proud, short-tempered, and very sensitive about the size of his nose,” Sam said. “His personality sets the tone for the whole show. It’s funny, smart, extravagant, and larger than life.”
The story has been adapted many times, including Gerard Depardieu’s classic 1990 performance and Steve Martin’s contemporary retelling of the tale in Roxanne.
The production features new and familiar faces from the MPAS, joined by the Cudgegong Youth Theatre. Cyrano de Bergerac opens this Friday night, 7.30pm at the Town Hall Theatre.