Cyrano de Bergerac...

As the Guests reading this will understand, Cyrano transcends its melodramatic plot to arrive at perfection. We were near the Comedie Francaise having coffee before tackling the Louvre, and I walked over to the ticket counter. Big sign on the door: Cyrano Complet. I thought, "it doesn't hurt to ask." I waited in line a few moments, asked the clerk, who puffed out his cheeks, then said, "I don't think so, but let me check." Then with a surprised look, he said, "there are just two left."


Just a few notes on the production. Christian LaCroix did the costumes, which were a savvy mix of 17th century "swashbuckling" and the 18th century, when the play was written. The director used video effects, but not unless it was necessary. For example, Roxanne is introduced by the characters discussing her beauty, and then you saw her on a video screen above the stage, clearly above them, one of the Precieuses.

The first act was a welter of movement, but again with purpose. The play continues with stagehands rushing around, moving scenery, but when a character gave an important speech--voila--he would perform it in front of a painted backdrop.

It was a perfect harmony of production and acting and source. There were about 5 curtain calls. To top off the evening, as we exited the theater, there was a full moon shining down over the Palais Royale. Since the moon plays an important role in Cyrano's life and in the plot, the moon cast its magic rays over the whole evening.