After a long and harried day Friday, I managed to make it to the Rep in time to catch its season opener in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, "Cyrano de Bergerac." I was not quite sure what to expect, but from the very beginning it was clear that this is a very theatrical play.

The actors flounced about in their elaborate costumes reminding me much of my previous weekend's visit to the Renaissance Faire. The characters seemed clever and humorous from the start, with a pastry chef betting bakery on the appearance of the famed Cyrano de Bergerac. Indeed, he kept his five eclairs, as Cyrano did make a well-calculated entrance to the scene. Much sword slashing and poetry ensued.

Cyrano de Bergerac is an ugly man, but he strives to make himself "in all ways admirable." He is intelligent, witty, romantic and brave. But what woman could love such a face? Thus, the story unfolds.

I questioned at one point if, in spite of all this show, Cyrano were not really a coward. My cohorts convinced me that it was not cowardice but chivalry that was in play in the scene of question. The mere fact that his motives were debatable shows perhaps how far we have come from those days.

The play, written by the French poet Edmond Rostand, originally opened in 1897 and was an instant success. It has been popular ever since. That is a reasonably good track record, so it might be a good one to put on your "to see" list.

I, myself, did enjoy the play. What I liked most was the poetry, and the beauty of the language. I enjoyed the beautiful costumes, and all the actors on the stage -- the cast was larger than I expected (and Lee Ernst did fine job in the title role). And I suppose, most importantly, I liked to grow to know Cyrano, a noble man -- and the fact that audiences continue to be impressed by integrity.