A taste of French elegance, a romantic poem spanning centuries… The original French musical Cyrano de Bergerac premiered before a Chinese audience at the Shanghai Culture Square on the evening of May 14.

The original French musical Cyrano de Bergerac is adapted from the classic five-act verse play of the same name by French playwright Edmond Rostand, written in the 19th century. This legendary work, hailed as the “pinnacle of 19th-century French theater,” has captivated generations of audiences with its timeless poetry and profound emotion.

While preserving the romantic core of the original, the creative team made bold narrative reconstructions. They cleverly shifted the story, originally set in the 17th century, into a nostalgic world of artists. Cyrano is reimagined as a talented yet sensitive songwriter, Roxane as a girl dreaming of becoming a ballet dancer, and Christian as a young, fledgling singer. The complex and touching emotional entanglements among the three are expressed with a more contemporary and vibrant vitality through newly composed music and choreography.

The lyrics and music for the musical Cyrano de Bergerac were co-written by Philippe Hattemberg and Stéphane Brunello, who also worked on Le Roi Soleil and Mozart, l’opéra rock. The two creators transformed the delicate text of the original into songs with diverse styles and rich emotional layers, releasing the love poems that once flowed on paper into song, creating emotional resonance on stage. During its run in France, the show received high praise from both the industry and audiences.

For the China tour, the lead role of Cyrano is played by French musical star Laurent Ban. Affectionately known as “Lao Hangban” by Chinese audiences, this powerful vocalist possesses a rich, magnificent, and magnetic voice. His wife, Chiara Di Bari, also joins the cast, playing the “Storyteller” who weaves the narrative together.

“21 years ago, Chiara and I met in China and fell in love. This time, I invited her to join me on stage in China to perform this story about love,” Ban said. He believes that every song in Cyrano de Bergerac tells a profound story with perfect lyrics, inspiring the audience. “This play takes us back to a slower, purer era of love—where people wrote letters, fell in love slowly, hid their feelings in their hearts, and patiently waited for the other person to discover and love them.”

Production still from the original French musical Cyrano de Bergerac.

The original French musical Cyrano de Bergerac will run for five performances at the Shanghai Culture Square from May 14 to 17.

Shanghai Culture Square

The Shanghai Culture Square, originally built in 1928 as a French-style horse racing track, is a historic outdoor performance venue located in the heart of Shanghai. It was later transformed into a major cultural hub, hosting concerts, operas, and theatrical performances after being renovated and reopened in 2011. Today, it remains a popular site for large-scale events, blending its colonial-era origins with modern cultural significance.

Cyrano de Bergerac

Shanghai Culture Square

The Shanghai Culture Square is a historic performance venue in the city’s Huangpu District, originally built in 1928 as a horse racing track. After 1949, it was transformed into a major cultural hub for the arts, hosting operas, concerts, and political gatherings. Today, it serves as a modern theater and cultural center, continuing its legacy as a key site for Shanghai’s performing arts scene.

Cyrano de Bergerac

Cyrano de Bergerac is a fictional character created by French playwright Edmond Rostand for his 1897 play of the same name. The play is loosely inspired by the real-life Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac, a 17th-century French writer and duelist known for his large nose and adventurous spirit. The story, famous for its themes of love, wit, and self-sacrifice, follows Cyrano’s secret affection for Roxane as he helps a handsome but inarticulate rival win her heart.

Le Roi Soleil

“Le Roi Soleil,” or “The Sun King,” is the nickname of King Louis XIV of France, who reigned from 1643 to 1715. He earned this title by choosing the sun as his personal emblem, symbolizing his absolute power and the belief that the state revolved around him, much like planets orbit the sun. His reign is famous for centralizing French government, building the opulent Palace of Versailles, and establishing France as a dominant European power.

Mozart, l’opéra rock

“Mozart, l’opéra rock” is a French musical that tells the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s life, from his early career in Salzburg to his struggles and triumphs in Vienna. Premiering in 2009, it blends classical compositions with rock music, creating a modern and energetic tribute to the composer. The show became a cultural phenomenon in France, praised for its innovative staging and hit songs like “L’Assasymphonie.”