Ivoryton Playhouse to present Man of La Mancha, opening Sept. 7
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Contributed photo - Ivoryton PlayhouseDavid Pittsinger and Thalia Thiesfield star in the Ivoryton Playhouse's production of Man of LaMancha.Journal Register Co.
Ivoryton >> The Ivoryton Playhouse will open Man Of La Mancha on Sept. 7 and the timing could not be more appropriate. The media fueled circus that is the current political situation and the general instability of the world at large make dreaming impossible dreams an inviting and desperately needed antidote.
One of the world's most popular musicals, Man Of La Mancha, is based on Cervantes' masterpiece Don Quixote, and tells of the adventures of a mad, aging nobleman who embarrasses his respectable family by his adventures. Backed by his faithful sidekick Sancho Panza, he duels windmills and defends his perfect lady, Dulcinea.
The show itself has Connecticut roots. It was performed at the Goodspeed Opera House, which took a TV adaptation of "Don Quixote" by Dale Wasserman and turned it into a musical "Man Of La Mancha" with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion, back in 1965.
Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Man Of La Mancha is a remarkable show and one of the great theatre successes of our time. This is a play-within-a-play - a poignant story of a dying old man whose impossible dream takes over his mind. It's All the Same, Dulcinea, I'm Only Thinking of Him, The Impossible Dream, I Really Like Him and Little Bird remain in your thoughts and in your soul well after you see the show.
David Pittsinger*, who performed here last year to great critical acclaim as Emile de Becque in South Pacific, will perform the role of Don Quixote.
He will be joined by Talia Thiesfield as Aldonza, Brian Michael Hoffman as Sancho Panza, Jimmy Van Treuren* as the Innkeeper, Amy Buckley as Antonia, Melissa McLean as the Housekeeper and Matthew Krob as the Padre.
The motley crew of prisoners and muleteers include Brian Binion, Ryan Cavanaugh, AJ Hunsucker, James Ludlum, Conor McGiffin and Stephen Mir.
The show is directed by David Edwards who is doing double duty by also appearing on stage as Carasco. Choreographed by Todd Underwood, the set is designed by Daniel Nischan, lighting by Marcus Abbott and costumes by Elizabeth Cipollina. Musical direction is by Paul Feyer.
Man Of La Mancha runs through Oct. 2. Evening performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with matinees on Wednesday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Two additional Saturday matinees are set for Sept. 24 and Oct. 1 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $50 for adults, $45 for seniors, $22 for students and $17 for children and are available by calling the Playhouse box office at 860-767-7318 or by visiting our website at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org (Group rates are available by calling the box office for information.) The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton.
Story contributed by Ivoryton Playhouse, Ivoryton.