‘Cyrano’ serves up music, laughs aplenty

Cyrano is a suave fellow.
He runs a popular burger joint, and is as quick-witted as they come. Cyrano has a knack for poetic eloquence, and can turn phrases that can make a woman’s heart swoon.
Problem is, most everybody who meets Cyrano knows him for something else entirely — his extraordinarily elongated nose.
Alas, Cyrano finds himself entrenched in the dreaded “Friend Zone” with the woman of his dreams, the brilliant, beautiful and strong-willed Roxanne.
So sets the stage for tonight and Friday’s Iola High School production of “Cyrano de Burger Shack,” a modern retelling of the classic French play, “Cyrano de Bergerac,” with one notable addition — a bevy of contemporary pop hits, from such recording stars as Katy Perry, Madonna and Smash Mouth.

“CYRANO de Burger Shack” follows the story of Cyrano’s unrequited love for Roxanne, who instead has fallen for Christian, a newly hired burger flipper at Cyrano’s restaurant. She’s not alone.
Christian’s bright smile, rugged appearance and easygoing charm makes him popular among the girls.
He finds himself equally smitten with Roxanne, but unlike Cyrano, is rather clueless when it comes to finding the right way to express his love.
Because of his fondness for Roxanne — and his desire to see her happy — Cyrano reluctantly agrees to assist Christian’s efforts to woo the woman of his dreams.
Will their ruse work? Or will Roxanne unravel the tapestry of mixed messages she receives from both of her suitors?
That’s for the audience to find out. Tickets sell for $5 for adults. Students will be admitted free of charge.

AS HAS been proven time and again, the well of young, gifted performers in Iola High’s halls runs deep.
Garrett Prall shines as the titular character, offering up a perfect blend of charisma, confidence and self-doubt, particularly after he realizes his affections for best friend Roxanne may not be returned.
Meanwhile, leading lady Emma Piazza is the delightfully feisty Roxanne, the object of Cyrano’s dreams.
Likewise, Yohon Sinclair sizzles as the boyishly handsome — albeit, dim-witted — Christian. I mean, who hasn’t tried a “hemlock maneuver” to save a choking restaurant patron?
The supporting cast shines as well.
Cody Cokely, Catherine Venter and Trilby Bannister are terrific as the eccentric, and hilarious, Wanda, Pickles, and D.J., respectively. They’re Burger Shack employees hoping to spur their boss to better express his love for Roxanne, through a variety of means.
A large ensemble fills the rest of the cast as multiple characters — Madison Carlin, Connor Farrell, Karly McGuffin, Karima Hall, Brock Ver Hoven, Bobbi Sinclair, Sloan Geddry, Abigail Taylor, Katie Terhune, Persephone Means, Erin Klubek, Levi Seilonen and Quinton Mallette. All are deserving of praise.
Kanyon Beasley should draw a chuckle as the oafish Hot Todd, Roxanne’s jilted ex-boyfriend.
Finally, the incomparable Judd Wiltse has a side-splitting scene as a French waiter.

MOLDING the cast of characters once again is director Richard Spencer, while Madison Luken serves as stage manager. Terhune, Piazza and Prall offered up their services as music directors.
And the music is a delight.
While the acting scenes alone would provide a full night of entertainment, the musical numbers — Bannister doubles as choreographer — are equally spectacular.
The curtain rises for “Cyrano de Burger Shack” at 7 o’clock both evenings.