What To Know About This Production
A Heroic Comedy
by Edmond Rostand
Translated by Michael Hollinger
Adapted by Michael Hollinger and Aaron Posner
The most legendary nose in literature gets a makeover with this lively American adaptation of the 1897 French classic. Will Roxane fall for Christian’s dashing looks or Cyrano’s daring poetry? Find out in this timeless tale—full of wordplay and swordplay—that’s been an inspiration to writers and lovers for centuries.
ROLES
8 Men & 1+ Women
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
Topeka Civic Theatre is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. We will consider all races, ethnicities, body types, and gender identities when casting roles in this production. We will remain respectful to the parameters of the script and the vision of the playwright.
CYRANO – (Male. Late 30s to 40s) Energetic, impulsive, romantic. A wizard with words
as well as swords. A warrior-poet.
ROXANNE – (Female. 20s to mid-30s) Intelligent, romantic, beautiful, elegant. An impetuous
heart and a deep soul. (Doubles as Masked Actress)
CHRISTIAN – (Male. Late 20s) Handsome, proud, bold with men but shy with women.
Aware of his expressive shortcomings. (Doubles as Masked Actor, Angry Subscriber, and
Fighter)
LE BRET – (40s to late 50s) Captain of the Gascony Guard and Cyrano’s best friend.
Moderate, sympathetic, articulate, but not flashy. Our guide to the play.
DE GUICHE – (40s to early 50s) Aristocratic, enamored of Roxanne. Married to power
and prestige. Alternately resents and admires Cyrano. (Doubles as Gambler and Fighter)
RAGUENEAU – (Male. Late 30s to 40s) Big-hearted pastry-chef and lover of poetry to
the point of obsession. (Doubles as Man, Phillipe, and Fighter)
DE VALVERT – (Male. Early 30s) Aristocratic, stylish, smug, vain, an expert swordsman.
(Doubles as Etienne, Fighter, and possibly Sister Marthe or Desiree)
LIGNIERE – (Male. 30s) A drunken poet…or poetic drunk. Occasionally removes the bottle from his lips
long enough to put his foot in his mouth. (Doubles as Citizen, JeanPierre, and possibly Sister Marthe)
DESIREE – (40s. Male or Female) Roxanne’s old nurse and current chaperone. Watchful
over Roxanne’s honor. (Doubles as Montfleury, Bellerose, Marcel, and Fighter)
Performance Dates
- Apr 18 Friday 7:30 PM
- Apr 19 Saturday 7:30 PM
- Apr 24 Thursday 7:00 PM
- Apr 25 Friday 7:30 PM
- Apr 26 Saturday 7:30 PM
- Apr 27 Sunday 2:00 PM
- May 1 Thursday 7:00 PM
- May 2 Friday 7:30 PM
- May 3 Saturday 7:30 PM