FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM FEBRUARY 14, 2019 • BUZZ • THE QUEENS COURIER 59
buzz
Titan’s “Cyrano” Wins by a Nose at Queen Theatre
Th e poignant, powerful saga of true love
versus mere infatuation is currently enjoying
sold out audiences at Queens Th eatre.
With Valentine’s Day celebrations in the
air, Titan Th eatre Company’s tribute to
romantic poetry, courage and self-sacrifi ce
is earning standing ovations.
Th e troupe off ers just four characters
who transform themselves with costumes,
mannerisms and boundless talent. Th e
stylized tale of Cyrano de Bergerac who
lived, fought and died in the seventeenth
century still breaks our hearts in 2019.
His limitless accomplishments are overshadowed
by his own self-doubts. Is his
extremely unsightly nose more distasteful
than his well-known feats of chivalry
and daring?
Director Mary MacDonald-Kerr delivers
wit, warmth and ironic heartbreak
through the outstanding eff orts of her talented
ensemble. Th e title role is played by
veteran Shakespearean actor Tyler Moss.
His facility with words and swords earn
our respect and admiration. His rapier
battle against 100 foes (Molly Th omas,
fi ght director) is breathtaking and thoroughly
enjoyable.
Meanwhile, vulnerable and sensitive
Roxane attracts our attention thanks to an
excellent portrayal by Madison Hart. She
transitions from a blissfully amorous innocent
to an anguished old soul. Ultimately
she is a greater victim of Cyrano’s insecurities
than Cyrano himself.
Clever, comical roles are portrayed
with great facility by Greg Brostrom
and Andrew Garrett. Brostrom makes
numerous costume transitions (Anthony
Paul-Cavaretta, costume design) as he
changes characters. He plays piano
eff ortlessly with a touch of anachronistic
charm. Finally, Roxane’s lover, the
young cadet Christian (Garrett), is the
seventeenth century version of a clueless
“jock.” His actions are bold and genuine
while his fi nal doom is a far greater punishment
than he deserves. Clearly, this
dark comedy (adapted by Jo Roets) manages
to lead our emotions in every possible
direction. Bravos to all four performers.
Continuing their tenth year as Queens
Th eatre’s resident troupe, the Titan Th eatre
Company maintains their unique stature
with wit, intelligence, strong acting and
charismatic connections that beguile the
audience. Kudos to artistic director Lenny
Banovez and Managing Director Kevin
Beebee. Well-deserved bows for this production
to Krystal Wilson, Emily Clarkson,
Jessica McIlquham, Beth Albrecht,
Analiese Puzon and Wesley Cady.
For information on this and future productions,
surf to www.TitanTh eatreCompany.
com, call the box offi ce at 718-760-0064 or
“like” them on Facebook. As always, save me
a seat on the aisle.
Escape room set to open at Chronicle’s former Rego Park offi ce
BY CARLOTTA MOHAMED
cmohamed@schnepsmedia.com
@QNS
Puzzle Break is constructing a new,
adventurous escape room opening soon
in Rego Park.
In the works for about six to eight
months now, the escape room will occupy
the former offi ces of the Queens Chronicle,
a storefront at 62-33 Woodhaven Blvd.
Th e Chronicle relocated to Glendale several
years ago.
With locations in Long Island, Seattle,
Massachusetts and on Royal Caribbean
cruises, this will be Puzzle Break’s fi rst
location in Queens.
“We’re already out in Long Island and
we love the Queens area that we’re going
into, which is by the Queens mall and
Atlas mall. We’re very excited to bring
what we consider to be a huge community
location to a brand-new community,”
said Justin Williams, chief operating offi -
cer of Puzzle Break Long Island.
An escape room, also known as an
“escape game,” is a physical adventure
game in which players solve a series of
puzzles and riddles using clues, hints
and strategy to complete the objectives
at hand.
Players are given a set time limit to
unveil the secret plot which is hidden
within each themed room.
“So far, we’ve started construction,
building the rooms and getting it prepared
for the game installation. Th ere
are going to be three escape games, plus
a beautiful event space in the location,”
Williams said.
Th e fi rst game, “Escape the Midnight
Carnival,” isn’t an ordinary carnival, said
Williams. Players will have to fi nd the
clues, solve the puzzle, and unravel the
mystery of the midnight carnival before
it’s too late.
Th e second game, “Escape From 20,000
Leagues,” is an underwater laboratory
with failing life support, where players
have one hour to fi nd the clues, solve the
puzzle, and escape the depths before life
support runs out.
Lastly, “Th e Grimm Escape” is a room
where players are trapped in a Grimminspired
forest cursed by an evil witch.
Th ey have one hour to fi nd the clues,
solve the puzzle, and break the witches
spell to escape the locked room.
If players don’t solve the puzzle within
one hour, they have two options: ask
for a rundown of what they missed, or
come back to solve the puzzle again, said
Williams.
“Our games are very very well written
to the point where you’re going to
feel like you’ve been transported to the
world we’ve created for you,” said Chale.
“Th ey’re fun, intriguing, and most of all,
challenging. By the time you get out of
our rooms, you should feel very excited
and fulfi lled.”
Puzzle Break is expected to open in
Rego Park in mid-March or April.
“If you’re someone looking for a good
time, something unique and exciting to
do rather than the same old events every
single weekend, you should come by and
put down your cell phones, and actually
interact with your family and friends
in an exciting, live action game,” said
Williams.
Get tickets now
for the second
‘World’s Fare’
Travel the culinary world without
ever leaving Queens.
Th e second annual World’s Fare is
coming to Citi Field to celebrate diversity
thorough cuisine on May 18-19.
Grab your tickets now while they are
at the LOWEST price of the season
and enjoy curated food from around
the world, International Shopping
Pavilion, live music, art and more.
Food will be available for purchase
from over 100 vendors. Try a taste
of Ecuador from Empanada Papa
and enjoy their savory empanadas. In
Patella will transport you to Spain with
their authentic and fl avorful Paella.
If you’re in the mood for something
sweet, Wafels & Dinges Belgian waffl es
smothered in fruit, Nutella or chocolate
will satisfy any craving.
In addition to all the food, you’ll be
able to have international brews and
cocktails. Grab a ticket with beer tastings
and cocktails or go VIP and enjoy
a with unlimited beer and cocktails in
the VIP section and a choice of beer
and cocktails in the Beer Garden.
Prices go up in a few weeks so now
is the time to call your crew and grab
your tickets. Citi Field is accessible by
the nearby 7 train at the Mets-Willets
Point station. Th ere is also paid parking
available.
For more information or to purchase
tickets, visit www.worldsfare.nyc.
Photo: Robert Pozarycki/THE COURIER
The exterior of the new Puzzle Break Escape Room on Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park.
A VIEW FROM
THE CLIFF
BY CLIFF KASDEN
A View from the Cliff
by Cliff Kasden
/WWW.QNS.COM
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/www.worldsfare.nyc
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