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University Daily Kansan Wednesday, May 1, 1963
A Review
Rostand's 'Cyrano' Blends Emotions To Gain Success
By Tandy Craig
"Cyrano de Bergerac" opened last night at the University Theatre. Edmond Rostand's romantic drama set in 17th century France, is a heroic-comedy — a blend of action and lyricism, humor and pathos.
A play of strong, significant emotions, it runs the gamut of human feelings and elicits a like response from its audience.
THE STORY relates the plight of Cyrano, the swash-buckling hero whose countenance is graced by a rather large nose. He is hopelessly in love with the beautiful and charming Roxanne. Afraid of her rebuke and laughter, he is unwilling to admit his passion to her.
Discovering Roxanne is attracted to a handsome young soldier in his company. Cyrano is moved by his uncontrollable love to aid the inarticulate Christian de Neuvillette in winning Roxanne.
It seems Cyrano's destiny to prompt others. The irony of the play is constantly evident — from the first few moments until the final death blow to the hero.
MUCH OF THE success of the production must be credited to F. Cowles Strickland, whose fine direction was unobtrusively in evidence. The staging was interesting and effective, but the masterful handling of the crowd scenes was excellent.
The dramatic impact was strong in the exhilarating duel scene between Cyrano and Valvert and the exciting battle scene between the French and Spanish soldiers.
William Kuhike, assistant professor of speech and drama, was excellent as the proud and sensitive Cyrano. Kuhike sustained the demanding role well, moving easily from the swaggering, confident hero to the insecure, self-conscious admirer.
MARILYN BOYD's diction, movements, and poise combined to make her a beautiful and convinceing Roxanne. Larry Ketchum as the handsome Christian was dashing and quite effective.
USIS Advisors To Inspect Campus
Four Latin American student advisors will arrive at KU tonight for a four-day inspection of the University.
The advisors, three women and one man, are employees of the United States Information Service (USIS).
They are part of a group of 12 adsors who are on a five-week tour of the United States and its universities. Two members of the visiting group are from Mexico, one is from Brazil, and the other is from Chile.
The tour is sponsored by the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers.
The advisors are visiting American universities to obtain a better idea of their operations so they can better advise, Clark Coan, international student advisor, said.
"When students in other countries want to know about the possibilities of coming to the United States for schooling they go to the office of the USIS," Coan explained.
During their stay here the advisors will visit the admissions office, the "English as a Second Language" classes, the KU Center for Latin American Area Studies, and Haskell Institute. They will also attend the International Club meeting, the Statewide Peace Corps Convention dinner Friday night, and a production of Cyrano de Bergerac Thursday night.
The group will leave Sunday night.
FRATERNITY JEWELRY
Lep Brett, played by Roger Brown,
abounded in cavalier aplomb and was a commanding figure whenever he strode upon the stage.
Virgil Godfrey's Raguenau was delightful. As the "Cupid of Cookery," he was agile and facile in phrase and movement; the scene in the bakery shop and his recipe for almond tarts firmly entrenched him
as a favorite with the audience.
IN GENERAL, the cast was strong. The only disturbing aspect of the evening occurred in the lighting of the balcony scene in which Cyrano, impersonating Christian, professes his love for Roxanne.
It is evening and the stage area should be dimly lighted. Roxanne, on the balcony peering out at the source of the voice, supposedly is unable to see Cyrano standing in the shadows. There were no shadows. Cyrano was as well lit as Roxanne.
PROFESSOR ROBERT MONTGOMERY "MONTY"
To Discuss Modern Design
"Understanding Modern Design Will be discussed by Robert Montgomery
Thursday, May 2, 4:00 P.M.
Room 306 — Kansas Union
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