New Edgecliff Premieres "Cyrano [rehearsed],' Closes 4/15

New Edgecliff Theatre closes its 2009-2010 season with Cyrano [rehearsed], a new adaptation of Edmond Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac - a unique twist on the well-known tale by outgoing Artistic Director Greg Procaccino. The audience arrives to find the cast immersed in rehearsal for the musical version of Reservoir Dogs, only to see it transmogrify from gunplay to swordplay, and from contemporary songs of violence to classic words of romance.

Written by Rostand in 1897 and loosely based on the real Cyrano de Bergerac, NET gives it quite a do-over. Why blend "Reservoir Dogs" with "Cyrano"? Procaccino feels that they're the perfect counterpoint to illustrate something we've somehow managed to lose. As he puts it, "Cyrano is a great example of poetry, romance, and yes, even aggression, but never in the name of evil - not for money, or power, or revenge, but always in the name of love. Love of duty. Love of honor. Love of country. "

Most audiences are familiar with the story of Cyrano: France's greatest warrior and poet is in love with the beautiful Roxanne. His legendary large nose, however, causes him to doubt that he could ever win her love. Instead, he courts her by proxy, through the handsome yet vapid Christian. "Cyrano [rehearsed]" provides the audience a contemporary portal through which they might enter this world. The audience will discover Paul Lieber as the Musical Director/Composer of "Reservoir Dogs - the Musical", frantically coaching his cast in another madcap number. Several twists propel us into "Cyrano".

According to Procaccino, once there, "We find ourselves in a world that celebrates the language of love and chivalry, not the "F" bomb - where women are treated with respect and old school manners." Procaccino directs what will also be his final production as Artistic Director for NET. He'll be working with another typically strong NET ensemble: Brian Griffin as Cyrano, Kim Eldridge as Roxanne and John Scheller as Christian. The remainder of the cast (Jonn Baca, Melissa Bennett, Paul Lieber, Jacqueline Carey and Jeff Miller) take on multiple roles. Procaccino says, "Cast members keep coming up with great ideas for ways to incorporate the world of ‘Reservoir Dogs' into the world of Cyrano!".

He's also assembled a highly-regarded production staff: fight choreography by Melissa Bennett and Jonn Baca, sets by Aaron Edge, costumes by Lesley Stamoolis, lights by Glen Goodwin, sound by Paul Lieber and props by Mindy Griffin.

Performances run April 15-May 1 at 7:30pm. Pay-What-You-Can Preview, Wed. April 14, 7: 30pm. At the Columbia Performance Center, located at 3900 Eastern Avenue. Around the corner from Allyn's, Terry's Turf Club, Bella Luna, Tostado's and The Precinct. Seating is general admission. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $12 for students. Special NET/Flex pricing is available for groups of 4 or more.

For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit www.newedgecliff.com or call the box office at 888.588.0137.

Photo Credit: Mikki Schaffner