| La Mancha Reaches That Star | | Print | |
| Written by David Springstead | |||
| Wednesday, 31 October 2007 | |||
 "I will impersonate a man..." It is with these words that we are taken into the world of Don Quixote as spun by the poet/author/actor Don Miguel de Cervantes. The current edition of the classic musical Man of La Mancha, playing on the stage of Virginia Stage Company, brings a slightly different interpretation of the show.
From the beginning the action, which starts with a single guitar
playing onstage, spins this well known yarn from a perspective that
makes one question, "Is it real?" Director Amanda Dehnert has crafted
an interesting way to present the show, with Cervantes being thrown
into the dungeons of the Inquisition and finding himself confronted
with what seem to be shadows and illusions. What is true, what is not?
Are the various prisoners that move effortlessly through the story as
the characters of the tale being woven truly there, or are they simply
phantoms of his mind? The stark darkness of the stage only compounds
the mystery, and with lights being focused into the audiences eyes it
lends a sense of disbelief to the proceedings. But that's what good
theatre always is, the willful suspension of disbelief by the viewers.
Matching his master step by step is the loyal "sidekick" Sancho, well played by Jamie LaVerdiere. Obviously the comic relief of the show, he none the less plays the character with an honesty and truth that allows us to witness the man and not the clown. The bit he sings is pure bliss, and he more than matches Quixote for his belief in nobility, even though he might not be able to tell you why. He almost steals the show. The price of admission is worth it just to watch the byplay between these two men. Having said that, know this: the entire production is well worth the ticket price.
The supporting cast plays multiple roles, plus instruments, which adds to the sense of illusion. What and who are they? Players or musicians? Or are they even there? Notable performances are brought us by Jerome Lucas Harmann (The Governor/Innkeeper), Patrick Porter (Duke/Dr. Carrasco), Elizabeth Inghram (Antonia), and Daniel C. Levine (Housekeeper). Played without an intermission, this production runs about 100 minutes with great effect. The company does
Music direction by Bill Corcoran presents a small ensemble upstage right on a raised platform, and the choral singing is strong and vibrant. This production was produced by VSC in conjunction with the Cleveland Playhouse, a nationally recognized theatre that is quickly gaining an international reputation. The show opened in Cleveland on the Playhouse's Drury Theatre stage in September, and was moved here lock, stock, and barrel for the current run. The notices in Cleveland were favorable, mentioning the innovative ways this is played. Also that the song best known from this show, "The Impossible Dream," is performed in such a manner that it becomes a wish for another time, when mankind was willing to "reach the unreachable star." This production has reached it. May it never come back down to earth. Man of La Mancha runs through November 11. tickets may be purchased online at www.vastage.com or calling 757-671-8100. |
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Quixote's
lady, one named Dulcinea, appears in the guise of a scullery wench
named Aldonza. Cast in this role is a young lady with great stage
presence and a singing voice to match, Rachael Warren. A product of
Illinois Wesleyan University (my college by the way) proves what is
known throughout the stage industry, this is a good school for theatre.
And also music. Ms Warren shows us that her training received at this
institution prepared her well for this role. Contrary to the idea that
Aldonza should be sexy and alluring we see instead a portrayal of what
she most likely was, a common woman who slept with men to supplement
her money supply. The vocals are powerful, and her talent shines out
with this role.
a masterful job 