Man of La Mancha, based on Cervantes’ epic 17th-century novel, Don Quixote, is a remarkable, poignant, moving musical that was one of the first shows to musicalize a piece of historical literature. Set in the context of the Spanish Inquisition, Man of La Mancha is presented as a play-within-a-play. We encounter historical author Miguel de Cervantes in prison, awaiting trial by the Inquisition. When his fellow prisoners try to take Cervantes’ belongings from him, including his manuscript, Cervantes proposes a trial in which he proves the merit of the manuscript through a reenactment, enlisting his fellow prisoners as characters in his play. Together, they tell the story of the aged Alonso Quijana who believes himself to be a knight errant, names himself Don Quixote, and pursues an obsessive quest to attain an impossible dream. Against all odds, Quixote and his trusty squire Sancho Panza take to the road in a quest to chivalry, and seek out the good and innocent in a world filled with darkness and despair. Through the story, all the prisoners – at least for a moment – are transformed. The mad Don Quixote may think a windmill to be a giant and a tavern to be a castle, but along the way he also transforms a wretched woman into a beautiful lady – and proves that an old man’s belief can truly make him a knight. Man of La Mancha features such stirring songs as “Dulcinea” and the now-famous standard, “Quest” – more famously known as “The Impossible Dream.”

PERFORMANCE DATES: April 1-24, 1993

CAST:  Cervantes/Don Quixote – Kelly Carroll, Aldonza – Kasren Warshaw, Sancho – Kyle Hager, The Goernor/Innkeeper – Greg White, Antonia – Mischel Miller, The Duke/Dr. Sanson Carrasco -Steve Letro, Padre – Roger Maas, Housekeeper – Connie Penick, Pedro – Mark Mahieu, Anselmo – Jeff Dary, Jose – Jason Keezer, Paco – Jared Adams, Juan – Chris Holt, Tenorio – Pete Bethke, Ramon – Barry Metcalf, Maria – Deana Reimer, Fermina/Moorish Dancer – Elizabeth Marcrum, Barber – Mike Hall, Captain of the Inquisition – Raymond Mettling

ORCHESTRA/BAND: Flute/Piccolo -Betty Douglas and Nicki Homeier, Clarinet – David Kirby and Joanne Welchel, Oboe – Alejandra Garcia Trabucco, Bassoon – Denise Forbes, French Horn – Katie Humble and Marjorie Nazarenus, Trumpet – Bill Jenkins and Dan Nemeth, Trombone – Everett Mills, Guitar – Jim Johnson, Keyboard – Karla Kolenda, Percussion – Andy Miller and Jana Ross

CREW: Director – Don Steele, Stage Manager – Connie Penick, Costume Design – Dee Miller, Light Board Operator – Chris Keehn, Sound Design/Set Design – Keith Reimer, Set Design – Darleen Smith, Steve Letro, Barry Metcalf, Jared Adams, Jason Keezer, Lyn Yost, Sarah Simpson, Kirk Anderson, Hair/Make up – Johnny Martinez and Greg White, Properties Master – Marcia McVay and Linda Connelly

MENU: Tossed salad, grilled steak, baked potato, carrots, French bread, lemon tart.  Catering provided by Brona Love, Milly White, Darleen Smith, Lori Reetz, Claudia Pyle, Chris Pyle, Matt Cole, Karen Koontz, Dynette Brummit, Kathy Konrade, members of the Company.

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