Get a great front-row seat and popcorn during the Cyrano Film Series, held in the 6th floor “Black Box Theatre” of the Detroit Opera House. The film series is comprised of three movies, which like the opera, are based on the play Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand. The first, 1950’s Cyrano de Bergerac, starring Jose Ferer, will be viewed on Monday, September 10, 2007. The second film, 1990’s Cyrano de Bergerac, starring Gerard Depardieu, will be shown on Monday, September 17, and the third, 1987’s classic comedy, Roxanne, starring Steve Martin, will be shown on Monday, October 1. All films begin at 7 p.m. and will be held in the 6th floor Chrysler “Black Box” Theatre of the Detroit Opera House.

Haberman Fabrics of Royal Oak and Michigan Opera Theatre will also present a very special evening with Cyrano composer David DiChiera and Michigan Opera Theatre Costume Director Suzanne Hanna, on September 11, 2007 at 7 p.m. This exclusive sneak-peek will showcase some of the over 150 lavish costumes made in Detroit for the world premiere, and will include a discussion on the creation of Cyrano, light refreshments, and a chance to win tickets to Cyrano and a backstage tour. The event is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. This special creative event will be held at Haberman Fabrics store at 905 S. Main Street in downtown Royal Oak.

Two very special events will afford guests the opportunity to mingle with the artists and creative team from Cyrano while sampling delicious French food. The Opera League of Detroit presents an "Afternoon Tea and Etiquette from Cyrano to Modern Times" with guest speaker Patricia Rodzik on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 3 p.m. The afternoon tea will invite guests to learn about the role of manners and customs in the 17th century while composer David DiChiera reveals details about the opera. The tea is open to the public, and will take place at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club in Grosse Pointe Shores. Cost for the event is $30.

The Opera League of Detroit also invites guests to celebrate Cyrano with a feast for the palate! Everyone is invited to meet composer David DiChiera and librettist Bernard Uzan during the Opera League of Detroit’s "Evening of Fine French Wines, Delectable Cheeses and Decadent Desserts" on Thursday, September 20, 2007 at 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy scrumptious food and beverage stations, with a Cyrano presentation and discussion by the composer and librettist in the Detroit Opera House auditorium.

All Cyrano festivities lead up to the highly-anticipated World Premiere Festival Weekend, as the world premiere of Cyrano will include an entire weekend of celebrations for the work of Cyrano composer and Michigan Opera Theatre general director David DiChiera, the cast and creative team.

Beginning Friday, October 12, 2007 with the 21st annual Michigan Opera Theatre Opera Ball, guests in black-tie apparel will enjoy dancing, mingling and fine food and drink presented in a grand tent on the grounds of the Detroit Opera House. Then, following the opening night world premiere of Cyrano on Saturday, October 13, a black-tie gala supper will be held at 9:30 p.m. in the Festival Tent. The celebratory evening feast will be attended by Cyrano artists and the creative team.

An event-packed weekend will conclude with a relaxing brunch with Cyrano artists in the Festival Tent on Sunday, October 14 at 12 p.m. A “question and answer” period will follow the brunch, and guest will have the opportunity to ask David DiChiera and the artists about the making of the opera and their reflections on the world premiere. -- www.motopera.org