As we approach the new year, Theatre 29 will be seeking actor singers for the Broadway epic musical “Man of La Mancha”. Arts & Entertainment reporter Charlie Thomas rolls out how to join in on the “Impossible Dream”….
Theatre 29 will be holding open auditions for the classic Tony Award Winning Broadway Musical, “Man of La Mancha” at Theatre 29, 73637 Sullivan Road, Twentynine Palms, Monday, January 8, 2024, at 6:00 pm. Rehearsals will start Tuesday, January 9. Theatre 29 is an all-volunteer Community Theatre organization formed in 1999.
Based on The Adventures of Don Quixote, by Miguel the Cervantes y Saavedra, “Man of La Mancha” is a comic tragedy of mankind’s struggle to better both himself and the world in which he lives. When Cervantes started writing he intended a satirical burlesque of the then fashionable novels of chivalry. The novel developed into a deeper, broader, and more compassionate account of the adventures of an eccentric idealist in a hostile, greedy and cynical world. As with all the best allegorical tales, the oppressive mood of the fight against eternal evil is heightened by the sometimes comic, sometimes dramatic attempts of the hero to right all the wrongs of the world, and although his efforts at times seem puny and pathetic, the audience is left in no doubt as to the purity of intent that he instills into his self-imposed crusade.
The score is a musical delight with 16 musical numbers and contains one of the most moving moments in musical theatre as Don Quixote relates his personal credo in “The Impossible Dream.”
The show will include 19 speaking and singing roles and will be directed by Gary Daigneault with musical direction by Bianca Stoker and choreography by Lisa Hodgson, the same team that brought you “My Son Pinocchio: Geppetto’s Musical Tale”. Auditions are open to a wide range of singers, dancers, and actors, with mostly adult roles available (no one under 16 will be cast). Anyone wishing to audition should come prepared to perform a song from a Broadway show. Please have the backing track on a phone or digital device. A monologue will be provided to read.
Cast
19 Parts – 8 principal. (13 male – 6 female) Plus Chorus
- Don Quixote (Cervantes) – strenuous dual role for a top actor and a powerful singer
- Aldonza – accomplished actress, powerful voice
- Sancho – Comic character man, sings
- Padre – legit tenor voice
- Dr. Carrasco – straight role
- Captain of Inquisition – straight role
- Barber – comic singer
- Antonia – legit voice
Muleteers, male dancers, a guitarist – the remainder of the company provides strong choral work.
“Man of La Mancha” will run for 12 performances over 3 weekends, March 1 – 17 with Friday and Saturday night shows at 7:00 pm and Sunday Matinees at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $15.00 for regular admission, $12.50 for seniors and military, and $10.00 for children under 12 and students with ID (there is a service charge).
For more information on auditions or to make arrangements if you can not audition January 8, contact director Daigneault at 760-366-8471 or email at [email protected].
