“Together, we two can make one hero of romance! I’ll be your voice, you be my lips. You’ll be in the sunlight, I’ll be in the shadows.”
Watch the 21 actors of the A.B.L.E. Ensemble as they take the stage at Chicago Shakespeare Theater with an original adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s classic story about love and war, courage and heartbreak – Cyrano de Bergerac.
Cyrano explores deeper themes such as inner and outer beauty, “otherness”, unrequited love, loyalty, and friendship, all of which hit home for any teenager, but especially those with developmental differences.
Adapted by A.B.L.E. co-founder and Artistic Director, Katie Yohe, the script was tailored to the individual strengths of the ensemble. Infused with humor, music, and swordfights, Cyrano offered many opportunities for the cast to showcase their diverse talents.
Actors shared roles, with each playing multiple characters, giving everyone a chance to be in the spotlight.
Actors: Colleen Altman, Quincy Bane, Marissa Bloodgood, Emma Burkhalter, Jack Butler, Benjamin Collins, Alena Counter Brown, Jack Butler, Samuel Floersheimer, Peter Grzeslo, Natalia Janik, Emily Kwidzinski, Emily Lavin, Anna Luzadder, Mila Medina, Maria Meyer, Lucas Miezal, Claire O’Leary, Sam Petri, Sam Radinksy, Hannah Vilic, Lucy Walsh
Facilitators: Braden Cleary, Shannon Diegel, Lawrence Kern, Emma MacLean, Kate Magon, Alison Perrone, Jenna Rapisarda, Madeleine Rostami, Michael Russell, Beth Sherwood, Susan Sjodin, Adele Wilhelm, Polly Yukevich
Teaching Artists: Kaylie Honkala, Sean Okerberg, Katie Yohe
Music & Narration: Peter Van Kempen
Choreography: Kendra Van Kempen
Properties: Alison Perrone
Lighting Design: John Kelly
