Since 2010, Quintessence Theatre Group has provided the city with productions that re-imagine classics for modern-day audiences. The end goal is to always stick to what makes each story so timely.
The classic repertory company located in Mt.Airy’s award-winning Sedgwick Theater became Philadelphia’s 18th Actors’ Equity Theatre as a small professional operation. Their focus is on actor and text-driven plays with an ensemble of local creatives and upcoming talent, and the 2024-25 season continues on with that idea.
Kicking off its 15th Anniversary series, Quintessence will showcase the adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’ by “in-yer-face” British playwright Martin Crimp. Said by some to be one of the world’s one hundred greatest plays, ‘Cyrano’ follows the title character, a genius with words and a masterful swordsman.
But, as the show’s description says, his long nose makes him embittered and fearful to profess his love. So instead of fighting, Cyrano offers another character, Christian, the use of his poetry in order to win the “beautiful” Roxane’s affection with more than just looks—and a love triangle is set in motion.
“Quintessence’s XV season is a celebration of individuals who buck the mainstream, follow their passion and unleash their life force, forever changing the world around them. ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’ is one of my all time favorite plays and Cyrano’s panache has made an indelible mark on the human imagination and psyche,” said Alex Burns, Quintessence’s Producing Artistic Director in a statement.
“The ‘Hamilton’ of its day, ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’ brings the great individuals of French history to life on stage, and is all at once one of the funniest comedies, a dramatic war play, a heart rending romantic tragedy, and a feast of language. This is the epic classic theatre Quintessence is known for and exists to create, and there is no better way to start our anniversary season.”
The show will hit the stage at Quintessence from Sept. 25 to Oct. 20, with opening night after previews set for Oct. 5.
‘Cyrano’ will be followed by ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ (Nov. 27-Jan.5) and ‘Midsummer’ (Feb. 27-April 26.) With the former, the story follows two divorced celebrities starring opposite of each other in an out-of-town tryout for a new Broadway musical adaptation of ‘Taming of the Shrew.’ With the latter, the theater company will put their own spin on Shakespeare’s classic tale of “love and mayhem.”
The season will also feature ‘Anothony & Cleopatra’ (March 5-April 27) and ‘James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room’ (May 28-June 22.) ‘Anothony & Cleopatra’ follows a time in the Roman Empire after Julius Caesar is assassinated and three men (one of whom is Mark Antony) take over. With ‘Giovanni’s Room’ on the other hand, a young American travels to Paris with his girlfriend and ends up falling in love with a Italian boy who bartends at a local gay bar.
“Passion is defined as a ‘strong and barely controllable emotion.’ It is with great passion that Quintessence brings the classics to Philadelphia, and we have selected five classics that explore the destabilizing and transcendent force of human passion,” continued Burns.
“In a moment of profound global uncertainty, we invite our community to revisit these cherished tales by Rostand, Shakespeare, James Baldwin; laughing, crying, cheering, and reflecting upon the genius, fallibility and absurdity of humankind. Quintessence was unable to celebrate its 10th season anniversary due to COVID. It is with great excitement we prepare to bring the house down at the historic Sedgwick Theater with our 15th Anniversary Season of epic classic theatre.”
As a release notes, five, four and three-show subscription packages are on sale now starting at $75, with the introduction of a new Premium Seating Package, tiered discounts offering up to 25% off single ticket prices, and expanded subscriber benefits. Subscriptions, show descriptions and pricing are available online.
To find out more information on Quintessence Theatre Group (7137 Germantown Ave.,) visit quintessencetheatre.org
