Man of La Mancha — StageWrite Post

Full disclosure - there are shows that I don’t see because I don’t want to bias my opinion. The corollary of this is that certain shows are impossible for me not to love. Man of La Mancha is one of those shows. That, however, should take nothing away from the joy I derived from this production. Already expecting to be wowed by the reunion with my old friends in the dark and dirty dungeons of the Spanish Inquisition, I was overwhelmed by the spirit and potency of this production.

The story is well known, the songs have been performed countless times, but this production was an especially cohesive retelling. It’s possible that not everyone is aware of the quality that is provided in these productions that take place here in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts. The Actors' Equity cast brings Broadway to our summer vacation spot.

The theater is located in Pittsfield, MA.

The main characters all hit every note. Aldonza/Dulcinea, played by Felicia Boswell, is as provocative as I have ever seen and Jeff McCarthy, our Cervantes/Don Quixote, portrays the definition of nobility. I was particularly impressed by Todd Horman playing the Padre, a role I have never seen brought to this height in my countless prior viewings. The silently sultry performance provided by Northwestern University theater major, Sara Kase, as one of the gypsy dancers, is as hypnotizing as it is meant to be. Whether it's at Barrington Stage Company, Williamstown Theatre Festival, or other small production houses, it is a mistake to not include one of these regional productions when your summer plans bring you to this magical place.

Review by JMG

Side Notes:

We savored a delicious pre-theater dinner at Eat on North in the North on Main hotel in Pittsfield. Executive Chef Brian Alberg brings locally sourced, honest food to discerning patrons. The restaurant is a brief walk to the theater.

Melissa loved the chickpea and red quinoa cake.