Regional Reviews: Philadelphia Man of La Mancha Also see Rebecca's reviews of Sister Act and The Secret Garden
Man of La Mancha has a book written by Dale Wasserman, music by Mitch Leigh, and lyrics by Joe Darion. It is framed as a play within a play, opening with famed author Miguel de Cervantes being thrown into a cell to await trial before The Spanish Inquisition. Cervantes attempts to win over his fellow prisoners by putting on a play about an old gentleman named Alonso Quijana who has come to believe he is the brave knight errant Don Quixote de La Mancha. While his family tries to find and bring him home, Don Quixote confuses windmills for dragons, roadside inn for castles, and a bitter prostitute named Aldonza for his own noble lady-fair Dulcinea. Although there are more than a few funny moments, the play is ultimately a dark and serious work about the transformational power and concrete limitations of idealism. Robert Newman stars as Cervantes, Alonso Quijana, and Don Quixote. Newman has no trouble creating strong distinct characters, embodying a Don Quixote who is appropriately bumbling but undeniably sympathetic and even a little bit noble. Newman's choice to talk-sing some classics like "Man of La Mancha (I, Don Quixote)" and "The Impossible Dream (The Quest)" may not sit well with some listeners, but it keeps the focus on the lyrics without limiting these songs' emotional impact. As Aldonza, Tamra Hayden also does a little Rex Harrison style talk-singing and it works decidedly to her advantage. Her rendition of "It's All the Same" is lacking because her voice sounds weak in the song's higher ranges. That weak sound is especially jarring because it is so inconsistent with Aldonza's crude character. Hayden finds her footing by the second act and her rendition of "Aldonza" is spectacular. Speaking, spitting, and barking the lyrics that she is not totally comfortable singing, Hayden's performance is raw and powerful. Danny Rutigliano brings both vocal skill and fantastic comedic instincts to his performance of the reluctant assistant and squire Sancho. The role of Padre is performed admirably by Robert Farruggia, and Lauren Cupples is excellent as Don Quixote's niece Antonia. Another stand out is the twelve-piece orchestra whose rich and powerful performance brings the entire theater to life. Liz Atkinson's sound design ensures that sound reaches the audience in all of its glory. Set designer Roman Tatarowicz has successfully turned the stage at Bristol Riverside into a cavernous dungeon for this production. The remarkable set is well served by Ryan O'Gara's lighting design. Keith Baker's production is not a perfect Man of La Mancha, but like Don Quixote himself, it is earnest, thought provoking, and inspiring. Leave your expectations at the door and you just might find yourself caught up in his impossible dream. Man of La Mancha runs through June 5th, 2016, at the Bristol Riverside Theatre at 120 Radcliffe Street in Bristol, PA. Tickets are available by visiting brtstage.org or calling the BRT Box Office at 215-785-0100. Cast: Crew: |