Perseverance Theatre Presents New Translation and Adaptation of CYRANO DE BERGERAC

Perseverance Theatre is pleased to announce the world premiere of a new translation and adaptation of what has been called the best romantic play ever written: Edmond Rostand's classic, Cyrano de Bergerac. "David Grimm's new work shines with the the poetry and musicality of the original French," says Perseverance Theatre artistic director, Art Rotch. "The actors are so funny and talented; you can tell they are loving every word."

Eleanor Holdridge (Much Ado About Nothing, and The Crucible) returns to Perseverance Theatre to direct. "Eleanor is the perfect director to bring out both the beauty of the language and the slapstick and humor filling this piece," says Rotch.

The culturally inclusive cast is a mix of Alaskan and visiting actors. The role of Cyrano will be played by actor John Keabler and Roxane is played by actor Katie Tkel. Actors from Juneau, Anchorage, and Fairbanks round out the cast including Perseverance actor in residence Enrique Bravo.

Cyrano de Bergerac-soldier, poet, and musician, is clever, charming, and disarming, but he's ashamed of his appearance and believes he'll never win the love of the beautiful Roxanne. To ensure her happiness, he helps his fellow soldier Christian to woo her. Panache-Cyrano's word for living life with flair, honor, and eloquence-prevents Cyrano from ever telling Roxanne the truth about Christian and his own deep love for her, until it is too late. Panache undoubtedly killed Cyrano, but without it, he would not have found a life worth living in the first place.

Cyrano de Bergerac director Eleanor Holdridge heads the directing program at Catholic University in Washington, DC. Her credits include Other Desert Cities (Triad Stage), Selma '65 (LaMaMa), I and You (Geva Theatre);Gee's Bend (Arden Theatre); Hamlet, Midsummer Night's Dream, As You Like It, Twelfth Night, Taming Of The Shrew (Shakespeare & Company). The Crucible (Perseverance Theatre), Midsummer Night's Dream (Shakespeare St. Louis), Henry V (Shakespeare on the Sound), Betrayal (Portland Stage), and Lion In Winter (Northern Stage).

The creative team includes assistant director Joseph Biagini, as well as Rick Sordelet and Christian Kelley Sordelet (Fight choreographers), Peggy McKowen (Costumes) Art Rotch (Scenic design), Rory Stitt (Sound). The Stage Manager is Jason Ginter, aided by assistant stage managers Virginia Roldan and Sarah Wallace. Jason and Virginia both trained in Perseverance theatre's youth theatre programs. Jason is a former intern, and Sarah Wallace is a current intern with the theatre.

Cyrano de Bergerac plays in Juneau, from March 15 through April 14 at Perseverance Theatre, 914 Third Steet, Douglas. Tickets are available at ptalaska.org, the Perseverance Theatre box office, the JACC, Hearthside Books, or by calling 463-TIXS during business hours.

Cyrano de Bergerac plays in Anchorage, from April 26 - May 6, at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts 621 W. 6th Ave. Tickets are available at ptalaska.org, Centertix, or by calling 236-ARTS. Discounted tickets are available for groups of four or more.

$15 Rush tickets are available 30 minutes before curtain for each performance, space available. Show dates and more information at ptalaska.org

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