I had the pleasure of attending the gala opening night of Theatre 29’s production of “Man of La Mancha.” Gary Daigneault, the director of the program and owner of this radio station, asked that I submit my review of the show, which is as follows.
Having no familiarity with the 20th century musical by Dale Wasserman, Mitch Leigh, and Joe Darion, nor the 17th century Cervantes novel that serves as source material, I can say that I was surprisingly delighted by the Theatre 29’s production of the show.
Prisoners during the Spanish Inquisition re-enact the tale of Don Quixote, a delusional and confused knight who seeks to right the wrongs of the world.
It’s not quite as bleak as it sounds, though the production touches on heavy and violent themes. The single set: the interior of a dark, inescapable subterranean prison is brilliantly realized by designer Andrea Keller, and looms over the happenings throughout, giving weight to the action, comedy, and flights of fancy offered up by the game cast.
Of course, the show isn’t all doom and religious persecution. The knight Don Quixote, played with a combination of dazed gusto and sophistication by Joe Chaplain, inspires those around him, including a young Sancho Panza, delivered with a wide-eyed and infectious enthusiasm by Adam Shows
The heart of the show is Aldonza, AKA Dulcinea, played by Analisa Pilecki, who wields her larger-than-life voice to deliver on the deeply tragic moments and the high emotional stakes of the show.
The ensemble cast, each tasked with a number of roles, has a great deal of fun transforming between them. Daigneault’s direction keeps the production moving through several layers of reality with clarity and charm, keeping the focus on the musical’s emotional core.
Though I had know idea what to expect from Theatre 29’s “Man of La Mancha,” I was truly moved and definitely dazzled by what the cast and crew delivered.
“Man of La Mancha” continues its run at Theatre 29 on weekends through March 17.
Tickets for “Man of La Mancha” are available now at www.theatre29.org or by calling the Theatre 29 Box Office at 760-361-4151.
Early reservations are encouraged as demand is expected to be high.
Previously reported:
