Luckily for us, the actor playing Cyrano in this production stands alone above his fellow actors. John Colella creates his classic character with intelligence and humor. From his mouth come quips and barbs, from his eyes come warmth and sadness. The nose is obviously glued on, the glue tugging at the actor's skin, but Colella merits the prosthetic as much as actors of a certain age and skill merit Lear's crown. Comfortable onstage, easy with sword in hand, polished in preparation and delivery, Colella is the undisputed star in this otherwise mostly clouded sky.
Under the direction of Rae Allen, simple and uninteresting character choices abound. True, the reviewer saw the production late in its run. But "whispery" can never serve as "intensity," particularly apparent in the work of Cloe Kromwell (understudying for Olivia D'Abo) as Cyrano's beloved Roxanne. Nor do we see any signs of strength in her Roxanne, so it's quelle grande surprise when the maiden shows up on the battlefield. Indulgently slow cues and delivery sap energy off of the stage, and even Colella momentarily falls into the quagmire.
Actors with foreign accents—apparently the new multicultural casting—abound here, which could work if that fact were explained explicitly in the text or through the direction. Most of the accents border on incomprehensible, but these actors were not the only ones at fault in this regard.
Rising above is Mark Rimer as the poet-baker Raggeneau, the actor clearly trained in classical theater and clearly possessed of comedic timing. Jonathan Redding has the skill to evoke evil as the villain comte De Guiche, but his characterization is generically sneering, lacking only a mustache to twirl.
The script is by Anthony Burgess—presumably translated and adapted from the Edmond Rostand original, though this is not mentioned in the program. Abridged here, it still feels long, and the second intermission adds to the sluggishness.
Presented by and at Ruskin Group Theatre 3000 Airport Ave., Santa Monica. Dec. 4–Jan. 23. Fri.–Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. (310) 397-3244. www.ruskingrouptheatre.com.
