|
|
Man of La Mancha
By Joseph N. Feinstein
Audiences have been thrilled and delighted with the antics of Don Quixote and his buddy, Sancho Panza in Man of La Mancha since its opening in 1965. The same thrills, the same excitement, the same enjoyment can be yours, one more time, when you go to see this fabulous production at A Noise Within in Glendale.
Don Quixote is played by Geoff Elliott, the co-founder of this theater; his lovely wife, Julia-Rodriguez Elliot, is directing. Yes, the stage is much smaller; yes, the sets are fewer and more sparse; yes, the actors creep about inches from the audience–-but this polished, clever, innovative, and thoroughly enchanting performance will engage you every moment of its 105 minutes.
Unlike the Broadway production, this is played with no intermission. Here your imagination is requested as Cervantes enters his cell and meets his fellow political prisoners during those trying times of the Inquisition. You are then asked to suspend all those memories of other productions of this play as seen in larger theaters to help create the mood, images, and suspense of the story this cast of seventeen stalwarts perform. David O’s music is revised and performed on piano, and Kevin Tiernan’s guitar and drums are not the grand orchestra of the original version. There is, however, a distillation of Dale Wasserman’s essence of character and story, Mitch Leigh’s wonderful music, and Joe Darlon’s magnificent lyrics all done simply, astutely, and poignantly.
The cast is terrific: Allan Blumenfeld’s portrayal of Sancho Panza captures the character of Quixote’s manservant who really likes his master; Nadia Ahern’s Aldonza does everything right in becoming Dulcinea; and Gregory Franklin’s Padre comes across believably as he sings the beautiful “To Each His Dulcinea”. But it is Geoff Elliott’s mellifluous speaking and singing voice which hearkens us back to the original Don, Richard Kiley, and reminds all of us how imagination, hope, and impossible dreams can take us forward from darkness to light, despair to hope, and death to life.
The entrances, exits, and on-stage performances are masterfully directed by Ms. Elliott with care and precision. There isn’t a wasted moment here as sets are altered in seconds, places are taken, and the shuffling about of so many people is done effortlessly and creatively.
Credit Soojin Lee with some of the most beautiful shmatas (rags) ever seen on any stage. Ken Booth adds intelligent lighting that couldn’t have been too easy to execute. Ken Merckx delivers choreography for a few rousing fight scenes which are performed quite realistically. Included are some of Wasserman's notable quotes: “A knight without a lady is like a body without a soul," “Facts are the enemy of truth," and "Being charged with being an idealist is the worst part of an honest man!”
Come prepared to enjoy yourself thoroughly and let your imagination soar. Come with children so that they may experience this wondrous treat. This gift of the Elliott’s will be here through May.
Man of La Mancha A Noise Within 234 So. Brand Boulevard Glendale 91204
Tel. 818-240-0910, Ext. 1; Tickets Friday, Saturday eves, Sunday matinees: $38; Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday eves, Saturday Matinees: $34; Performed Sat. April 7 @ 2 and 8 p.m.;
Sunday, April 8 @ 2 p.m.; Friday, May 4 @ 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 5 @ 8 p.m.; Sunday May 13 @ 2 and 7 p.m.; Wednesday May 16 @ 8 p.m.; Thursday May 17 @ 8 p.m.; Saturday May 26 @ 8 p.m.; Sunday May 27 @ 2 and 7 p.m.
|
|
|
|
