Cyrano de Bergerac in Vancouver

Posted by Lori Henry Oct 30, 2008

Playing now is the quirky play of Cyrano de Bergerac, adapted by Vancouver’s own James Fagan Tait, starring the solid cast of David Mackay, Kevin MacDonald and Melissa Poll.

Going back to 17th century Paris, director James Fagan Tait keeps the language modern with snappy dialogue. The audience is thrown right into the fray as the actors shout from the play’s audience, which is also the real audience. The intimacy doesn’t remain, though, as the pace slackens a bit during the first half.

By the time the second curtain rises, and the drama of Cyrano the romantic and Baron Christian the pretty face collaborate to win the heart of Roxanne, the pace is just right. Dialogue slips off the actor’s tongues with precision and the wit stays zingy with each line.

James Fagan Tait does a brilliant job of keeping the actor’s natural and surprisingly un-theatrical. Beautiful work was done by the entire cast to create near-minimalism that’s punctuated with dry humour and perfect comedic timing.

I loved the quirky humour and unexpected eccentricity of the whole play. James Fagan Tait is a mastermind of timeless writing and contemporary (and local) society. As he says in his introduction in the program, “…welcome to the 17th-century Paris of this very moment. Don’t be surprised if the people in that time look and sound a little bit like us right now.”

As my friend told me after the opening night performance, “I’d love to go back and see the run near the end.” By that time, the rhythm at the beginning would hopefully be worked out and the entire show will be a tour de force.

Cyrano de Bergerac, presented by the Arts Club Theatre Company

Directed by James Fagan Tait

October 23 – November 23, 2008

At the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage in Vancouver, BC

2750 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC

Box Office: (604) 687-1644

Tickets: from $31.00 CDN