CYRANO's Jennifer Garner: No Plans of Returning to Broadway

Former Broadway star Jennifer Garner (Cyrano de Bergerac) tells W Magazine in a recent feature that she has no plans to return to Broadway due to the stress it put on her family.

Stays Garner:  "[It was] just my favorite thing I've ever done...[But] it's hard on my family. You can't tell your kids, 'I'm exhausted. Wake up with someone else today.'"

The former Alias star made her Broadway debut opposite Kevin Kline in the critically acclaimed 2007 production of Cyrano de Bergerac, Edmond Rostand's 1897 romantic classic with a translation and adaptation by Anthony Burgess. 

The revival played its final performance on Sunday, January 6, 2008.  It was originally set to close on Sunday, December 23, 2007 but was extended for two weeks due to popular demand.  The production, starring Kevin Kline, Jennifer Garner and Daniel Sunjata, directed by David Leveaux, began previews on October 11, 2007 and opened on November 1, 2007 at the Richard Rodgers Theater.

Cyrano de Bergerac was consistently one of the top ten grossing shows on Broadway during its limited run and grossed over $900,000 every (full performance) week post opening.  It grossed over $500,000 during the first and last week of the 2007 Broadway strike while only playing 5 performances.

Based on a true story, Cyrano de Bergerac is a classic tale of romance and tragedy.  The soulful poet/philosopher and brilliant swordsman Cyrano (Kline), a cadet in the French Army, falls for the beautiful, strong-willed Roxane (Garner), but is too ashamed of his large nose to tell her.  Instead, when he learns that she loves the handsome Christian de Neuvillette (Sunjata), his dim-witted comrade, he pens poetry and love letters to Roxane on Christian's behalf.  After many years, the truth is revealed.  Will love or beauty conquer all?" explain press notes.

The production featured scenic design by Tom Pye (Fiddler on the Roof), costume design by Gregory Gale (Urinetown), lighting design by Donald Holder (Movin' Out) and sound design by David Van Tiegham (Doubt).

The production was recorded live on Wednesday, January 2, 2008 PBS "Great Performances" and is available for DVD purchase on Amazon.com.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.