FIRST staged in 1897, the French play “Cyrano de Bergerac” by Edmond Rostand became an instant sensation, earning more than 40 curtain calls on opening night. The story has endured for over a century, evolving from stage to screen and from poetic drama to musical, while continuing to explore the timeless tension between inner worth and outward appearance.

This year, the original French musical adaptation will embark on its first tour in China, arriving at the Guangming Culture and Art Center in May.

The hero, Cyrano, is a gifted poet and swordsman whose brilliance is shadowed by insecurity about his looks — he has an obnoxiously large nose. Secretly devoted to Roxane, he lends his eloquence to the handsome but tongue-tied Christian, helping him win her affection. As the ruse unfolds, Cyrano sacrifices his own happiness, embodying a poignant contrast between soul and appearance.

Featuring 23 songs that range from lyrical ballads to powerful rock numbers, the musical distills a literary classic into emotionally charged verse.

The production stars Laurent Ban, a celebrated performer well known to Chinese audiences for his roles in “Mozart, l’Opéra Rock” and “Don Juan.” With his rich voice and dynamic stage presence, he brings Cyrano to life as a man who masks vulnerability with brilliance and sustains love through solitude.

The show will be in French with Chinese subtitles.

Time: 8 p.m. May 22-24; 3 p.m. May 23-24

Venue: Guangming Culture and Art Center, Guangming District (光明文化艺术中心)

Metro: Line 6 to Fenghuang Town Station (凤凰城站), Exit B(SD News)