'Cyrano de Bergerac' at WAMS - My Review

The Waterbury Arts Magnet School has never been one to shy away from challenging pieces. Director Scott Schulte writes in his notes that Cyrano de Bergerac has been on his director’s wish list since the school opened, and “I could not be happier with the results.” Mr. Schulte, a theater teacher at WAMS, goes on to thank “the usual suspects for gathering behind me in bringing this production” to the Apron Stage at the school. He also dedicate the show to his wife--”a woman I pursued for ten years before I wore her down to give me a shot.”

For Cryano de Bergerac is the story of a brilliant poet and swordsman set in Paris in 1640 who finds himself deeply in love with his beautiful, intellectual cousin Roxane. Despite his brilliance and charisma, a shockingly large nose afflicts Cyrano’s appearance, and he considers himself too ugly even to risk telling Roxane his feelings. He famously helps a handsome nobleman named Christian to woo her, but there is much more to the story in this five act and very ambitious play.

The students at WAMS of course rise to all of the challenges and their director is justifiably proud of them. The affable Wilmer Gonzalez is a sweeping Cyrano and the words flow trippingly off of his tongue throughout the show. Jayde Blanchette is a lovely and adoring Roxane and Chris Briney is a dashingly befuddled Christian. Isaac Hutchinson is the regal Comet De Guiche and Lucas Savage is comical as the bad poet/baker Ragueneau. Emma Kate Lewis is also pretty regal as the chaperone to Roxane.

Also in the cast in various supporting roles are Saira Muhammed, Antonio Teixeira, Ryan Rinaldi, Mirna Hanna, Tori Santiago, Liam Alldredge, Michael Stevens, Brennan Engelhard, Rasheeda Latch, Shelby Griffin, Tamanna Brar, Kaitlyn-Jo Cocchiola, and Sydney Yargeau. I was in awe of how many (often rhyming) lines they had to master; bravo to all on pulling it off.

Appearing onstage (and offstage) as musicians are Katherine Ross on violin, Farhha Feroz on flute, Gillian Greene on Cello, with Myles Labarre and Christian Janis sharing the percussion duties off stage.

The director made good use of the various elevated boxes in the Apron Stage, as well as the aisle when needed. The beautiful lighting designed by Annie Scheuerman accented the simple sets and pretty impressive French costumes. Projections by Vilkas Valkiunas-Olsen added a lovely touch.

The final performance of Cyrano de Bergerac is Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7:00pm and tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and are available at the box office at the door. Coming soon to WAMS will be the senior show Smoke on the Mountain, Don Quioxte, an original musical Dead Revolting and the Shakespeare class’ presentation of Hamlet.