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When thinking about James McAvoy, our go-to role is him as Professor X in the X-Men franchise (2011-2019). Prior to superheroing, we knew him as Steve in the original Shameless series (2004-2005).
Now, he’s headed to the stage, set to star in the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Cyrano de Bergerac, reports The New York Times.
This isn’t the first time he’s performed in front of a live audience, having already starred in numerous productions – The Ruling Class, Out in the Open, Privates on Parade, and Three Days of Rain – but, this will mark his first play in NYC.
Director Jamie Lloyd is bringing his version of Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play to the U.S., set to premiere on April 5 and run through May 22. McAvoy will be stepping into the title role.
You may be familiar with the story of Cyrano, a man who is in love, but can’t get his words out. He writes his thoughts down, relying on his frenemy to the deliver the sentiment to his romantic interest, Roxanne.
In 1987, Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah starred in a modern-day movie adaptation, entitled Roxanne: 

McAvoy’s version is similar, yet different, with his performance being quite powerful:  

In a recent interview with The New York Times, McAvoy talks about performing live and having all eyes on him, saying, “That’s when I think theater is really, really thrilling. You can do it physically; you can do it emotionally. But you’ve got to leave something on the stage and never get it back.”
We agree, it is thrilling, and we hope to see McAvoy as Cyrano in-person.
Is the stage calling your name?