OXFORD,
Miss. – One of the most famous stories in dramatic literature comes to
life on stage Oct. 15-19 at the University of Mississippi’s Fulton
Chapel.
Presented by Ole Miss Theatre, the French classic
“Cyrano de Bergerac” is slated for 8 p.m. performances Wednesday
through Saturday, with two shows on Sunday, at 2 and 8 p.m.
“This
play is honestly one of the most beautiful pieces of theatre ever
written,” said Alex Mauney, who plays the lead role of Cyrano. “It has
it all – love, poetry, sword fighting, love, hilarious characters, a
balcony scene, nuns, drinking, songs, French words here and there,
love, witty repartee, innuendo, double entendre … and love.”
Tickets
are $10.50 for adults, $8.50 for children and seniors, and $7 for UM
students with a valid I.D. They are available in the UM Box Office in
the Student Union or by calling 662-915-7411.
The production tells the story of Cyrano, a long-nosed, not-so-handsome poet who cannot win the girl for himself so instead courts her for his friend. The century-old play has been adapted from the original Edmund Rostand version by Anthony Burgess.
“The story is very well-structured, and I really can’t say enough about our actors,” said Joe Turner Cantu, associate professor and the show’s director. “They’re all doing an incredible job of really telling this story.”
Mauney, a senior theatre arts major from Ripley, has worked with Cantu on two Shakespeare plays, “As You Like It” and “The Merchant of Venice.”
“So far, this role has been the thrill of my acting career,” Mauney said. “Cyrano is one of the greatest heroic characters of all time. He is an actor’s dream – a virtual playground. And we could not ask for a tighter cast or better director for this show.”
Ashley Dulaney, a senior theatre arts major from Tupelo, plays the role of Roxane, Cyrano’s love. She has also worked with Cantu previously.
“It’s one of the most beautiful stories that I’ve ever read or been a part of,” Dulaney said. “I have read a lot of shows, and I think this one is the ultimate fairy tale and love story.”
Dulaney said that her work for the role of Roxane has been challenging at times. “I think the hardest part of playing Roxane has been that she is very in love with love and she loves life. I think in the way society is today, it’s really hard to be able to understand how she could love someone so much and be so selfless in her actions.”
Ultimately, Dulaney said she has had a great time working with the cast and with Cantu. “It’s been an amazing experience,” she said. “(Cantu) is always there to help us.”
“I’m having an incredible time directing the show,” Cantu said. “The cast is very excited. The language is beautiful, and the costumes are out of this world.”
“Cyrano de Bergerac” has been adapted into numerous movies, books and even has inspired a song. The play version was performed on Broadway in 2007, with Kevin Kline playing the role of Cyrano and Jennifer Garner playing Roxane.
Cantu thinks that everyone should come out to see the play. “I love it, and I think everyone is in for a treat,” Cantu said. “It’s funny and touching and heartbreaking.”
“This will be a thrilling night at the theatre,” Mauney said. “It explores the nature and misconceptions of beauty and ugliness in such a bold way. I encourage everyone to come and see what this story has to say.”
For more information about the Department of Theatre Arts and the production, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/theatre?arts/ . For assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-5816.