The unexpected exit of a lead actor in Goodspeed Musicals’ “Cyrano,” starring “Game of Thrones” actor Peter Dinklage has caused the production to cancel some performances and prematurely close Sept. 2.
Blake Jenner, who plays the romantic young male lead Christian, will be leaving the company to star in an upcoming television project. The last performance by Jenner (TV’s “Glee”) will be Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Goodspeed’s second theater, the Norma Terris Theatre in Chester.
The show also stars Haley Bennett (the films “The Magnificent Seven,” “The Girl on the Train”) who plays Roxanne, the love interest in the show.
The “developmental production” began Aug. 2 at the 200-seat theater primarily known for new work and does not invite critics to review the show.
Previously scheduled performances for Aug. 29 to 30 and Sept. 5 to 9 have been canceled. All other performances will remain as scheduled.
Efforts to find a replacement have been unsuccessful, according to Dan McMahon, Goodspeed’s marketing director. McMahon said there was no commercial enhancement money for the production and that Goodspeed is the sole producer for the run. No figure was available for what the loss of revenue at the box office will mean to the theater.
The show was originally to have ended Sept. 2 but was extended by nearly a week due to demand. The news of the musical and its high-profile film and TV star created an immediate rush for tickets when it was announced in the spring.
Ticket holders for the canceled performances will be contacted directly and will receive a full refund, McMahon said. Ticket holders of the canceled shows are asked not to call the box office. Priority for the few seats left of the remaining run will be given to Goodspeed subscription members.
“Cyrano” is directed by Dinklage’s wife Erica Schmidt, who also wrote the musical’s book which is adapted from the classic 1897 drama “Cyrano de Bergerac” by Edmond Rostand, The music for the show is by three members of the internationally popular rock band The National — Aaron Dessner, Bryce Dessner and Matt Berninger — plus lyricist Carin Besser.
