KC Rep’s Cyrano de Bergerac Features the First Asian American Cyrano in a Major Regional Theatre Production
by Pete Dulin, NAAAP-KC
The Kansas City Repertory Theatre launches its 60th Anniversary 2023-24 season with a dynamic adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac, featuring Asian American actor James Chen and Nigerian-Canadian actor Ito Aghayere in lead roles. Performances run September 5 through 24, 2023, at Spencer Theatre.
Filipino American Associate Artistic Director Nelson T. Eusebio III directs the production, where Chen and Aghayere are supported by a predominantly BIPOC cast.
Cyrano de Bergerac’s story is conveyed through spoken word, contemporary poetry, and raw physicality. As Cyrano, Chen seduces in rap and rhymes, using linguistic brilliance to help another man win the heart of his one true love, Roxanne, portrayed by Aghayere.
Linguistically brilliant but hampered by his own self-perception, Cyrano secretly loves the radiant Roxane. She loves the beautiful but inarticulate Christian. Cyrano believes himself to be ugly. As such, he offers to act as go-between for Christian. The arrangement sets in motion a poignant and often hilarious love triangle. Each character is torn between the lure of physical attraction and the seductive power of words.
As director, Eusebio stated, “I am thrilled to be directing this fresh adaptation of [writer] Edmond Rostand’s classic story of swashbuckling action, hilarious characters, and heartbreaking romance. Cyrano has been on my ‘bucket list’ of plays to direct.”
“There are so many firsts on this show: [Martin] Crimp’s freely adapted script being produced for the first time by a U.S. theatre. The first Asian American Cyrano in a major regional theatre production. The first Asian American director of a Cyrano in the U.S regional theatre - ever. This is a show that is not only rarely done but has never been done like this before,” Eusebio said.
Actor James Chen makes his debut at the KC Repertory Theatre. Born and raised in New York City and of Chinese descent, Chen has appeared on “Law & Order: SVU” as CSU Detective Adrian Sung for two seasons, “Walking Dead,” “Blue Bloods,” and many other television productions. His film appearances include The Amazing Spiderman, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, and Labor Day among others.
Aghayere also makes her debut at the KC Rep. Her Broadway appearances include roles in Junk and Bernhardt/Hamlet as well as off-Broadway roles in Mlima’s Tale, Familiar, Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest, and Macbeth. Her television and film roles include “Star Trek Picard,” “Carol's Second Act,” “The Blacklist,” “Instinct,” “Master of None,” “Elementary,” and others.
For more ticket information about the 60th Anniversary 2023-2024 season, call Ticketing Services, 816-235-2700, or visit https://kcrep.org/.
Please check your NAAAP-KC newsletter for a special NAAAP-KC promo code for discounted tickets.