Daniel Chase Miller as Christian, Janis Dardaris as Leila and Gabriel Elmore as Valvert in CYRANO DE BERGERAC at Quintessence. Photo by Linda Johnson
By Ellen Wilson Dilks
“A great nose may be an index of a great soul”
Mt. Airy’s Quintessence Theatre Group begins their 15th season at the historic Sedgewick Theatre with a production of Edmond Rostand’s CYRANO DE BERGERAC. The company’s Artistic Director Alex Burns helms the romantic tale that runs through October 20th.
Martin Crimp, of in-yer-face theatre, has created a new witty—and wicked—adaptation that celebrates the beauty and power of language as the erudite (but unconventional looking) Cyrano helps the physically perfect—and very dim-witted—Christian woo the beauteous and intelligent Roxane. Master swordsman Cyrano secretly loves Roxane. But his very prominent proboscis has made him bitter and he fears telling Roxane his true feelings. He decides to help Christian win Roxane by prompting him with beautiful words that are sure to excite the well-read lady. And thus, a unique love triangle is born.
As France goes to war, the three are torn between the lure of physical attraction, the power of words and their duty to their country.
“I have a different idea of elegance. I don’t dress like a fop, it’s true, but my moral grooming is impeccable. I never appear in public with a soiled conscience, a tarnished honor, threadbare scruples, or an insult that I haven’t washed away.”
J Hernandez as Cyrano, Daniel Chase Miller as Christian and Erica Lynn Bridge as Roxane in CYRANO DE BERGERAC at Quintessence. Photo by Linda Johnson
As a “Black Box” space, the playing space can be configured a number of different ways. For CYRANO, they have created the look of a proscenium stage, with red curtains that drape open. It’s part of the conceit of a theatre company about to act out Rostand’s story. Director Alex Burns has also designed the set, using the space efficiently and allowing transitions to the various locales to flow. Moving his actors around the space with a smooth style, the production takes on an almost cinematic style. John Burkland’s lighting design enhances the production a puts the focus where needed at each given moment. It also adds to the dream-like quality of the piece. The costuming by Sydney Dufka is a mixed metaphor of eras and styles, opting more to underline each character’s mood as opposed to creating historical accuracy. Fight Director Ian Rose does his usual brilliant work on the sword fights, and really shines in the movement creating the final battle.
The company of actors inhabit their roles with honest commitment to telling the story Philly treasure Janis Dardaris is terrific as the “mother” of the local writers. She offers up here café as a place of creative support. As the conniving villain of the story, De Guiche, Tim Dugan relishes being the bad boy. And doesn’t miss the humor. Gabriel Elmore plays the flamboyant Valvert with great flair. He also knows how to land a punchline. Liam Gerard nicely essays the earnest Montfleury, close friend of Cyrano. Kelechi Udenkwo plays LeBret, another close ally of Cyrano’s. Udenkwo brings the needed intensity to the role. While Laiah Westlyn is all sass as Leila’s helper Marie Louise. She’s sexy, smart and encouraging of the young writers at the café.
This brings us to the members of the love triangle. The well-read Roxane—played with great verve by the lovely Erica Lynn Bridge—has the hots for Christian. As the hunky (though rather dimwitted) solder, Christiane, Daniel Chase Miller brings the right tone to the character, walking the fine line between realistic young man and caricature.
The gem of the production is J Hernandez is the title role. He is mesmerizing, “strutting and sweating his hour upon the stage. Actually, he’s hardly ever offstage. Hernandez thrills at the language of the piece, playing with the words, making love with—and to—them. He swashes, he buckles, yet also shows us a man baring his soul and his heart to the woman he loves. The were moments when Hernandez was speaking where one could hear a pin drop—he had the audience totally in his hands. It is a virtuoso performance.
Rostand’s play appeared initially in December of 1897, during what the French termed the “fin-de-siècle”—a time of great upheaval and great progress right before the change into the 20th century. During the Dreyfus Affair when there was tremendous prejudice to Jews—and stereotypes such as large noses. The actual Cyrano was nothing like his theatrical counterpart.
Daniel Chase Miller as Christian and J Hernandez as Cyrano in CYRANO DE BERGERAC at Quintessence. Photo by Linda Johnson.
Martin Crimp’s adaptation opened in London in 2019. It still a “verse play,” but the rhyme is much more free, rap-like. I saw the influence of Hamilton in the style. The ensemble does such a great job of making it conversational, that one forgets about the verse and just enjoys the wordplay.
This is a must-see production that makes one laugh, and think, while it pulls at the heartstrings.
“Well when I write my book, and tell the tale of my adventures–all these little stars that shake out of my cloak– I must save those to use for asterisks!”
WHEN YOU GO: CYRANO DE BERGERAC runs now through October 20th at varying times—check the company’s website. There will be a cast talkback after the performance on October 10th, a post-performance conversation on October 13th, Industry Night on October 17th and Teen Night on October 18th. The running time is approximately 2 hours & 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. Quintessence Theatre Group is located at 7137 Germantown Ave., (Mt. Airy) Philadelphia, PA 19119. The venue is wheelchair accessible; patrons should contact the box office to reserve special needs seating. There are parking lots across Germantown Avenue, as well as around the corner from the theatre off of E. Mt. Airy Avenue and Chew Avenue. SEPTA Bus 23 and the Regional Rail are nearby as well. The Sedgwick Theater is conveniently located by both the Chestnut Hill West Line ALLEN LANE STATION and the Chestnut Hill East Line SEDGWICK STATION. For scheduling information visit septa.org. There is a variety of dining spots on the Avenue for pre- or post-show knoshes, these include Earth & Bread Brewery, Trattoria Moma and McMenamin’s Tavern. Quintessence can be reached at either 215-987-4450 or via email: boxoffice@quintessencetheatre.org Please visit the company’s website (www.quintessencetheatre.org) for directions performance times and other information.
COVID protocols: At this time, Quintessence is not requiring masks, but they are strongly recommended. Quintessence is a fully vaccinated workplace.