Oak
Park Festival Theatre
Oak Park
Festival Theatre Artistic Director, Jack Hickey, plays
the leading role of Cyrano de Bergerac
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc photo
Cyrano de Bergerac the leading role of Cyrano de Bergerac
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc photo
by Edmond Rostand
reviewed by Ed Vincent
Cyrano de Bergerac played by Jose Ferrer in 1951 in a black and white film won him an Oscar (see the link). Jack Hickey plays the character Cyrano de Bergerac, and does so with skill of a master performer and grand artisan. Before Jack is seen
on stage we hear the words of cocky swordsman off stage and the tenor and feel of the words reminded me of Jose Ferrer.
I have always judged each portrayal on the Oscar winning performance in the film version. Jack Hickey wears the nose
and role of Cyrano with class and honor, for with the nose
comes a poet's heart, a legend of heroism, and a quick wit
matched with ample linguistic ammunition.
The real Cyrano de Bergerac was Hector Savinien de
Cyrano de Bergerac (born March 6, 1619 and died on July
28, 1655), and he was a master sword fighter and a writer.
Granted the numbers of battles and the men conquered could
be a bit toward the mythological spectrum, there is a statue
to this man of words and steel in the town of Bergerac.
His nose was held to be on the larger size, but nothing like Edmond Rostand portrayed in his writings. Perhaps the contrast inner beauty with rough exterior gives a certain
Beauty and the Beast, or Elephant Man persona to the
drama. Oak Park Festival Theatre does a fantastic job
of staging and executing the sword play with nice accuracy
and precision (no actual blood let).
Cyrano's love and admiration for Roxane bring about
stars crossing in the night, a "Midsummer's Night's Dream",
and the "Night to Remember" (sinking of the Titanic) all in
one play--and don't forget the sword fighting.
Jack Hickey is the bright star of the production, but the
entire cast is tremendous in their many roles and costume
changes. Roxane, played by the beautiful and talented Katherine Keberlein is glamorous, filled with life, love, lust,
and admiration for the written word. Perhaps this is the
Roxane that Sting was singing about, not based on the lyrics
of the song but perhaps the romance.
Nice set design and lights make the transitions smooth and
fun, and the foils whistling through the air and death at the
end of a well chosen verse could make bull fighting seem reasonable to a vegetarian, but don't get too analytical it is
a mere play. The tragedy of Cyrano is an event shared by
millions of the less than beautiful people of the world each
day, unfulfilled love, and the missed opportunities of Cupid's arrows.
There have been many film and stage adaptations of this play
by the likes of Gérard Depardieu, Steve Martin, and perhaps
even Donald Rumsfeld, but Jose Ferrer is the King. And now
that Mr. Ferrer is playing cards with the author and real Cyrano, in a different dimension, Jack Hickey is the new King.
The unrequited love of Cyrano de Bergerac is a theme with no
apparent end in sight, but the play will end soon and you should get a ticket and bring someone prettier than yourself, it might help. I would suggest that you bring your block party here in the evening and get group rate tickets. The real Cyrano did
get hit by a falling beam of wood from the home of Duc D'Arpajon (a patron not foe) and died a year later perhaps from
the injury or an unspecified ailment. He does die sooner in the
play, but get your tickets now before it's too late for you.
Highly recommended and if you a large proboscis sit in the
front.
The Most Famous Nose of All
Cyrano de Bergerac, one of our most ambitious shows to date, begins this week. It features a cast of 20, and direction and fight direction by Jeff award winners Kevin Theis and Geoff Coates respectively. It stars our Artistic Director Jack Hickey, who has been honing his dueling skills for months. Roxanne is played by a Festival favorite, Katherine Keberlein. You won't want to miss this classic and unusual love tale. $15 previews this Wednesday and Thursday at 8, opening Friday and continuing through August 15.
Weather Records, and an Appeal
As we all know, the weather during the run of 5th of July was possibly the worst we have ever had for the overall run of a show. You or someone you know probably planned to see this thoughtful and entertaining show, which received such great reviews, but were discouraged by the threat of rain, cold, or heat. This unexpected loss of ticket revenue has created a cash flow shortage.
We fully expect Cyrano to exceed budgeted figures and make up some of the difference in the long run; however, we request that you consider making a tax-deductable donation at this time. You can donate online by clicking here, or utilizing the "Network for Good" button below or on our website. You will help ensure our 7th year in a row of ending in the black. Everyone who donates $50 or more will be entered in a drawing for a flex pass to next year's shows.
If you would like to make a large donation to underwrite costumes or for some other specific purpose, please email festival@oakparkfestival.com. Your generosity in this difficult economic time is appreciated.
Help us by Eating Delicious Food
On Tuesday July 28 eat at or order from Pompei Restaurant in River Forest Town Center and you will benefit us. Mention Festival Theatre when you order on that day and we'll receive 20% percent of your bill at
no additional cost to you. Offer good for dine-in, carry-out, and delivery orders. (708) 488-9800.
Kidding Around
Our long tradition of Family Days will continue this year on Sundays July 26 and August 2. Showtimes on those days will be at 5 instead of 7 and special pre-show activities will help families introduce their children to classic theater. The early showtime is also preferred by many seniors. More details to follow in our next newsletter.
A Correction
In our April edition of our newsletter All My Sons, our inaugural "modern classic," was incorrectly listed as being directed by Kevin Theis. It was directed by David Mink. We regret the error.
Be a Winner
When you are in the park be sure to check out our drawing to win prizes from Oak Park Jewelers, Unity Temple Concerts, Papaspiros, Geppetos and us. You can also have a chance to win tickets to our 2010 shows by filling out one of our surveys.
Sponsor Spotlight
Winberie's Cafe offers excellent food, attentive service and is a long time supporther of OPFT. Thank Gary the manager when you go in.
http://www.oakparkfestival.com/
Close to home and intimate. Free parking for the
night shows right across the street from Austin
Gardens. Austin Gardens is right behind the
Lake Theater on Lake and Forest Ave.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago
published by Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.
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