Man of La Mancha

Original Post Date: September 10, 2006

How is it that I had never seen "Man of La Mancha" before today? I've been going to the theatre since I was about 5 years old. How could I have missed this one? Maybe because it's not done very often. It's a very difficult show, emotionally. Amazing how the seemingly simple story of Don Quixote can pack a one-two punch of emotion.

But let me first say, THE SET WAS AMAZING!!!! Okay, okay, I'm partial. My sister built it, and I helped to put it up. (*GASP* Was Angela allowed power tools? No, OF COURSE NOT. I sorted two by fours and bolted on a lot of legs to the platforms. I am allowed a C-wrench, thank you.) Seriously, though, the set was super cool. Lots of levels and a twelve foot high wall that stairs magically appeared from. It really felt like the dungeon prison. We were worried that the cast would be dwarfed by the massive set, but they really weren't. It worked very well!

Okay, moving on. The cast did an INCREDIBLE job! Travis Risner was marvelous as the characters Miguel de Cervantes and Don Quixote/Alonso Quijana. He changed his voice and mannerisms completely for the different characters. Don Quixote was so endearing. It made me think, if he can be that driven in his quest for good, why the heck can't I? That's what you take from the show. You feel emotionally fulfulled, like you're going to carry on Don Quixote's quest for him.

Britta Risner gave an amazing, emotionally charged performance as Aldonza/Dulcinea. Her wonderful voice was perfect for Aldonza's powerful songs. Britta always gets to the meat of her characters and brings them to life so beautifully.

Okay, I'd just like to say that Bryan Bell should never play scary characters. Bryan with a bull-whip was SCARY beyond on reason. I just had to say that. (He played Pedro, by the way.) Jimmy Miller was scary, too, Duke/Dr Sanson Carrasco. I don't think I can take the scary parts, guys! This is not the Bryan and Jimmy I know and love!!!! Robert Hubbard was scary as the Governor, but totally hilarious as the Innkeeper. I especially loved Knighting scene. (Knight of a Woeful Countenance is a great song!)

**side note** This is why I have a hard time reviewing shows that have people I know and have worked with in them. Partiality is thrown out the window. Example: Brian Murray, Aaron Quintana, and Mindy Bor were all great, too!!!

Alright, alright. Some props need to go out to some cast members I haven't worked with. Donald Tallman as Padre was wonderful. He has a great tenor voice that was perfect for the role. Sancho Panza, well-played by David Carrasco, was one of my favorite characters. A great example of a true, true friend. Also, since I'm all about characterization, I have to give a high-five to Carla Kaiser-Kotrc. She was very good as the Housekeeper, but it was when she was not playing the Housekeeper that I couldn't take my eyes off her. The woman never broke character! And she was doing this cool tic thing, which is hard to keep going for long periods of time. Amazing stuff!!

The cast as a whole did a wonderful job. Such an emotionally charged show needs a strong cast, and these folks delivered! I'd also like to thank Bryan for playing down the rape scene. He staged it very tastefully, and I'm grateful. It had the potential to get really bad, really fast. A very difficult scene for everyone (including the audience) and it was done well.

Now I'm off on my own quest for good. Everyone needs to dream the impossible dream, just like Don Quixote, and make the world a better place!