CYRANO Gets Final 3 Week Extension at Fountain Theatre

On the heels of eight sold-out weeks of performances and rave reviews, The Fountain Theatre and Deaf West Theatre have announced a final three-week extension of Cyrano. The modern-day signed/spoken adaptation of "Cyrano de Bergerac," co-produced by the two multiple award-winning companies, will continue Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through July 29.

Written by Fountain Theatre co-artistic director Stephen Sachs (Bakersfield Mist) and directed by Fountain producing director Simon Levy, Cyrano stars Deaf West actor Troy Kostsur in the title role as a brilliant deaf poet hopelessly in love with Roxy, a beautiful hearing woman who loves poetry. But Roxy doesn't understand sign language and instead loves Chris, his hearing brother. Can Cyrano express his love to Roxy with his hands? Or must he teach Chris to woo her, to "speak his words" for him? American Sign Language (ASL) becomes the language of love in this new spin on a classic love story.

"We feel that it's important to share the play with as many audiences as we possibly can, for as long as we possibly can," says Deaf West artistic director David Kurs, who co-produces with Fountain Theatre co-artistic director Deborah Lawlor and Laura Hill.

"Seeing the play and this production has meant a great deal to many, many people," agrees Lawlor. "They are coming back a second time, bringing more friends and family, telling more people. For many, it is more than just seeing a play; it's having an experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives. What greater purpose is there for us, as artists?"

Over a dozen glowing reviews include a "Critic's Choice" in the Los Angeles Times, "Critic's Pick" in Back Stage, and a "GO" in the LA Weekly, and Cyrano was the recent subject of feature stories in both the Los Angeles Times and the LA Weekly.

This will be the final extension for Cyrano, with the U.S. premiere of Athol Fugard's newest play, The Blue Iris, scheduled to open in August.

Cyrano continues through July 29 at The Fountain Theatre, with performances Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays @ 8 pm and Sundays @ 2 pm. Tickets are $34. On Thursdays and Fridays only, students with ID are $20 and seniors (over 62) are $25. Group discounts are available: call 323-663-1098. The Fountain Theatre is located at 5060 Fountain Avenue (at Normandie) in Los Angeles. Secure, on-site parking is available for $5. The Fountain Theatre is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. For reservations and information, call 323 663-1525 or go to www.FountainTheatre.com.

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