Cyrano

Libretto by Sheldon Harnick, based on the play by Edmond Rostand (E,G)

S,A,2T,Bar,BBar,B; supporting roles(6 doubled, 6 from chorus):3S,4M,5T,3Bar,BBar,3B; 3 or 4 children,
2actors, chorus
3(II=afl/picc,III=picc).2(II=corA).3(II=Ebcl/bcl,III=bcl).2(II=dbn)-4.2(II=offstage bugle).bugle I onstage.2.
euph.1-timp.perc(2-3):glsp/xyl/cel/t.bells/SD/TD/BD/rototoms/cyms/susp.cyms/tam-t/tgl/bell tree/
glass wind chimes/wdbl/slapstick/tamb/mounted cast-harp-strings

17th Century, Paris

Cyrano, one of many Cadets in love with Roxane, fights a duel when his large nose is mocked. His display of wit and prowess during the duel impresses Roxane. She arranges a meeting with him. Upon meeting, Cyrano is heartbroken to learn that Roxane loves Christian. Cyrano realizes that Christian cannot satisfy Roxane’s romantic needs, so he writes the letters she desires, and Christian agrees to pretend they are his. The Count, also in love with Roxane, is enraged by Christian and Roxane’s love. He orders Christian and Cyrano to the front.  During the war, Cyrano continues to send love letters to Roxane, supposedly written by Christian. Roxane goes to the front and tells Christian that she first loved him for his looks, but that his letters made her fall in love with his soul. Christian demands that Cyrano confess the scheme to Roxane so that she can chose between the two. Christian is killed in battle before the confession, and Cyrano vows never to tell Roxane the truth. Later, a wounded Cyrano visits Roxane, and she realizes that Cyrano is the author of all the letters. For a brief moment they unite. Then, Cyrano dies in her arms.

Comic, Dramatic, Romantic