For those who may need a picker-upper, take my advice and go online right now and get tickets for Prince William Little Theatre's marvelous musical, Man of La Mancha.
It’s a wonderful cure for whatever might ail you, certain to provide healing and a mental uplift since it’s likely a few bars of The Impossible Dream may strum in your head for a few days after you see it, and maybe thrust you into ... whatever.
And why not?
Nate Mikami is the man who commands the show with a passionate, convincing portrayal (let alone singing voice) of Don Quixote, the fictional character created by Miguel de Cervantes in the early 17th century, in a story Wikipedia calls the first modern novel, one of the most translated in the world.
Bob Rosenberg is the Captain of the Inquisition in Prince William Little Theatre's Man of La Mancha/Photo by Heather Reagan
Cervantes writes fictionally of himself, thrown into a dungeon in the late 16th century during the Spanish Inquisition with his manservant (who later becomes Sancho [George Fulda]).
The show is a play within a play but don't let that confuse you because it doesn't.
To convince fellow prisoners in the dungeon to save his belongings (his manuscript), Cervantes pleads with them to let him tell his tale and they can be part of it!
To convince fellow prisoners in the dungeon to save his belongings (his manuscript), Cervantes pleads with them to let him tell his tale and they can be part of it!
A good deal, no?
And away they go on a trail of adventures with the newly names Don Quixote as the leader of the pack, a man who can turn windmills into giants and make castles out of taverns.
From left, Kaitlin Craig, John Totten as the Padre, Caroline Kinney as Antonia sing I'm Only Thinking of Him in Prince William Little Theatre's Man of La Mancha/Photo by Heather Reagan
"I hope to add a measure of grace to the world," Don Quixote says, following his quest to see things that others don't (and maybe, not see what others see!).
The energetic and humorous Sancho who likes Don Quixote a lot (!), hop scotches all over the stage while they "travel" and soon encounter a lovely lady, a sassy harlot (Emilie Marshal Peace) besotted by a bad reputation. Don Quixote makes a quest to rescue her from her poor self-image, shepherding the lass into becoming the remarkable woman of confidence and strength she is.
He changes her name from Aldonza to Dulcinea. She, not so willing for a name change.
Please! Be wary of scoundrels along the travel route, like "moors" who can bewitch adventurers with song and dance and steal their prized possessions (like a manuscript) while subjects are under their spell. (Tammy West in a red skirt with the long dangly silver belt danced circles around the victims in more ways than one. [The audience groaned and tried to warn the blissfully ignorant of impending theft!])
He changes her name from Aldonza to Dulcinea. She, not so willing for a name change.
Please! Be wary of scoundrels along the travel route, like "moors" who can bewitch adventurers with song and dance and steal their prized possessions (like a manuscript) while subjects are under their spell. (Tammy West in a red skirt with the long dangly silver belt danced circles around the victims in more ways than one. [The audience groaned and tried to warn the blissfully ignorant of impending theft!])
Throughout the show, the actors’ conviviality is evident and their delight transfers to the audience.
The music of the 14 (!) member orchestra under the direction of Chuck Schmidt was a critical piece of the show's enjoyment, impossible to dream this show without them.
Ken and Patti Crowley’s always effective lighting with changing colors and intensity give certain scenes a special glow to complement the story. Their spotlight is especially prominent when the captain of the Inquisition (Bob Rosenberg) in silver armor opens the iron gate at the top of the dungeon to deliver a haunting message in a shimmering combination. (Riley Leonhardt, designer of period costumes.)
It's been years since I've seen this Man, and how I’ve missed him and his message of perseverance and hope that never grows old.
The show is one of the first historically fictionalized musicals to be presented on stage, winning five Tony Awards in 1966, including Best Musical and Best Original Score for Dale Wasserman, Mitch Leigh, and Joe Carion.
Other cast members are: Chris Anderson, John Totten, Caroline Kinney, Kaitlin Craig, Adam Cook, Luis Vasquez, Brad Blythe, David Maeng, Dave Reph, Sally Ann Flores, and Amy Treat.
Suzy Moorstein directs with stage management by Samantha and Elliot Fulda.
Other production creators are Will Taft, sound direction; Vince Worthington, set design; Laura Mills, properties; and Kim Leone, intimacy coordinator and fight choreographer.
What: Man of La Mancha
When: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16-17 at 8 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively, and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Oct. 17-18
Where: Hylton Performing Art Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 20110
Cost (with fees): Adults, $35; Seniors, $29; Students, Military, Groups, $25
For more information: Ticket office: 703-993-7759, Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. or email: Hylton@gmu.edu, ph. 703-993-7550
Alert: Before the curtain goes up, an announcement is made that the show contains matters of mental health and sexual assault.
The music of the 14 (!) member orchestra under the direction of Chuck Schmidt was a critical piece of the show's enjoyment, impossible to dream this show without them.
Ken and Patti Crowley’s always effective lighting with changing colors and intensity give certain scenes a special glow to complement the story. Their spotlight is especially prominent when the captain of the Inquisition (Bob Rosenberg) in silver armor opens the iron gate at the top of the dungeon to deliver a haunting message in a shimmering combination. (Riley Leonhardt, designer of period costumes.)
It's been years since I've seen this Man, and how I’ve missed him and his message of perseverance and hope that never grows old.
The show is one of the first historically fictionalized musicals to be presented on stage, winning five Tony Awards in 1966, including Best Musical and Best Original Score for Dale Wasserman, Mitch Leigh, and Joe Carion.
Other cast members are: Chris Anderson, John Totten, Caroline Kinney, Kaitlin Craig, Adam Cook, Luis Vasquez, Brad Blythe, David Maeng, Dave Reph, Sally Ann Flores, and Amy Treat.
Suzy Moorstein directs with stage management by Samantha and Elliot Fulda.
Other production creators are Will Taft, sound direction; Vince Worthington, set design; Laura Mills, properties; and Kim Leone, intimacy coordinator and fight choreographer.
What: Man of La Mancha
When: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16-17 at 8 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively, and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Oct. 17-18
Where: Hylton Performing Art Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 20110
Cost (with fees): Adults, $35; Seniors, $29; Students, Military, Groups, $25
For more information: Ticket office: 703-993-7759, Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. or email: Hylton@gmu.edu, ph. 703-993-7550
Alert: Before the curtain goes up, an announcement is made that the show contains matters of mental health and sexual assault.
Don Quixote and Sancho Pancho. Engraving by Gustave Doré/Wikipedia, 1863
Don Quixote goes mad from his reading of books of chivalry. Engraving by Gustave Doré/Wikipedia. Originally published 1863; this edition 1906.
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