‘Cyrano De Bergerac’ makes for a lovely evening in the park

In Fort Collins, OpenStage production delivers the laughs

OpenStage closes out its 49^th season with the wonderful and comical Cyrano De Bergerac, written by Edmond Rostand and directed by Judith Allen. Forgoing the traditional stage in favor of bringing the arts outside, the play takes place in the park at Columbine Health Systems. You can bring lawn chairs and blankets to set up in the green grass and amid the fragrant linden trees.

Food trucks will rotate throughout the run, so be sure to check out the schedule. They will be open at 6, allowing you to grab dinner and enjoy it before the show starts at 7. If you prefer to pack your own picnic to enjoy, this is also an option. If of age, you may also bring alcoholic beverages, allowing for a perfect evening of theatre in the park.

I saw this play last Saturday, when there was a 15-minute delay due to the heat index at 106. The director was worried about the actors becoming overheated in their ornate and clearly heavy period costumes. Fifteen minutes seemed to be time enough for the evening to finally cool down a bit and the show began.

Set on a very simple stage with a door and a balcony — allowing for that most famous of scenes where Cyrano (Ambrose Ferber) with the gargantuan nose feeds lines to Christian de Neuvillette (Kamil Qahar) so that he might impress the fair Roxane (Brikai Floré). While Cyrano pines after his cousin Roxane, she confesses her love of Christian and begs for Cyrano to protect him when they go to war. It is this promise that binds Cyrano to the man handsome enough to win Roxane’s heart, even though it is Cyrano’s words and love that really capture it.

Ferber as Cyrano plays the self-deprecating and large-nosed soldier effortlessly. He sneaks laughter from the crowd easily with his facial expressions. The obvious superiority that Cyrano holds amongst his fellow soldiers is clear. Indeed, words are his weapon, and he wields them well.

More laughter came from Comete de Guiche (James Burns) who, also in love with Roxane, is constantly surprised by the many ways the poet Cyrano manages to outwit him. Adding to all the fun is the breaking of the third wall and the encouragement of audience participation, in the form of boos and cheers.

Playing now through July 30, Cyrano De Bergerac makes for an enjoyable evening in the park. Bring a few lawn chairs or blankets, a bottle of wine, and enjoy the great food from the rotating food trucks or pack your own picnic. Enjoy the subtle breeze and the rising of the moon as you get swept up in this love story. Be ready to laugh and jeer as Cyrano breaks your heart with his poetry and zeal.