Falling in Love with Cyrano

Hello! My name is Robert Fuller, and I am overjoyed and excited to be the dramaturg on BYU’s Young Company production of Cyrano De Bergerac.

Since it was first performed in 1897, Cyrano De Bergerac has become one of the most popular plays of all time, and has been given multiple film adaptations, including Roxanne in 1987, starring Steve Martin, and the Disney Channel original movie, Let it Shine.

Audiences will quickly fall in love with Cyrano’s talent for sword fighting, unnoticed devotion to his beloved Roxanne, sharp nose, and even sharper wit.

BYU takes this adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s masterpiece, and demonstrates the timeless nature of this beautiful love story, by setting the play in the modern day, with modern costumes.

I look forward to sharing more about the making of this play, and the beautiful story that has captured the hearts for over a hundred years, through future posts on 4^{^th} Wall Dramaturgy. Check back each week to learn more about this special production!

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by Jessa Cunningham, dramaturg After the show wrapped up and people went their separate ways, Garret Rushforth, who played Wilbur, and I chatted and I asked him some questions about his experience with the play. What better way to gain insight about the show than from the actor who was in the thick of things from the very beginning? Here is what Garret had to say about this unique opportunity: Me: How was this experience of playing Wilbur? What was your Favorite aspect of it all? Garret: I loved playing Wilbur. My favorite aspect was discovering the character more and more each performance. I never really felt that I had learned all that the character had to offer. Me: What were some challenges that you faced while preparing for the show? Garret: A few of the challenges that I faced had to do primarily with transportation. My car tried to die a couple of times during the run. As far as developing the show goes, I found that the difficulties were mostly in finding the lines. Not simply reciting them, but discovering what was beneath them, motivating them and making them come to life. Me: What lessons have you learned from playing this part, or just from the play in general? Garret: I've learned that there is an amazing opportunity to find out about yourself from the character discovery process. I also learned how much a family the cast can become if given the opportunity. Me: What is your favorite part of this story? Garret: I love when Wilbur and Charlotte talk about Charlotte's death and Wilbur is so devastated. It showed how deep Wilbur's reliance on Charlotte was as well as his desire to help her too. Me: As you leave this production, what will stay with you? Garret: The friendships I've made and the things that I've learned about myself because of the show. Me: What aspects of your character did you love/latch onto from the beginning? Garret: I latched onto the loneliness aspect of Wilbur's life. For all his life, he'd not been given much of a chance, Fern and Charlotte being the exceptions. He was written off by nearly everyone until Charlotte pointed out how special he is. Me: Any final thoughts you would like to share with those who came to the show? Garret: Charlotte's a web was a show that offered a unique view of friendship and family. It doesn't matter what someone looks like or where they're from, friendship and family can transcend all differences.

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Falling in Love with Cyrano

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