The Catskill Chronicle

Review by Barry Plaxen

FORESTBURGH, NY (June 30, 2011) – “Man of La Mancha” was first produced in 1965. The early to mid-60s was a time of the culmination of the “totally integrated” musical, when the songs were character-driven extensions of the book, and the books were either dramas or serio-comedies. “Man of La Mancha” is one of the major examples of that genre.

Writer Dale Wasserman concocted an inspired wedding of the time of Cervantes’ life when he went before the Inquisition and his story of Don Quixote. He brilliantly wove the two into this musical. And like many great works, i.e. “Hamlet” and “Our Town,” “Man of La Mancha” can be viewed on many levels. There’s the interesting plot which takes place in a dungeon in Seville, at the end of the 16th century and various places in the imagination of Miguel de Cervantes. There’s a plot about bringing hope into the lives of the lowest echelons of society. There’s a plot about living in a world of one’s own creation and being called “mad” vs. living in the world of society’s “imagination.” And all this against the backdrop of the Inquisition and, of course, man’s inhumanity to man.

All these elements and the music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion make “Man of La Mancha” a magical theatrical experience. It is perhaps the ultimate “serious” American musical after “West Side Story,” offering audiences an unequalled thoughtful and emotion-provoking evening of uplifting and inspired musical entertainment.

I urge you to see it at Forestburgh Playhouse where it opened on Tuesday, June 28.

The production, beautifully staged and paced by Edward Juvier, with musical direction by Mindy Cimini and imaginative costumes by Ashleigh Poteat, attends to all the depth and sparkling beauty in the book and songs. No aspect of Wasserman’s work is overlooked or dismissed.

There were some “sound design” issues which hampered the onset of Kevin Loreque’s performance in the dual role of Cervantes / Don Quixote. Fortunately, the issues were resolved during the performance so that Loreque was able to progress without problems. His performance culminated with a very moving death scene.

Pilar Millhollen and Jim Bray were just about perfect in their major supporting roles of Aldonza / Dulcinea and The Manservant / Sancho Panza. Ronald King stood out as The Governor / Innkeeper with his clear booming voice and stage presence.

The entire cast conveyed the inhumanity of the times and the horror of the dungeon as they all took on dual roles of prisoners and the characters in Cervantes’ story, wherein lies Wasserman’s theatrical magic. Supporting actors Dann Dunn (also the choreographer), Alexander Pimental, Belinda Allyn, Lori James and Elliot O’Rourke Peterson were all joined by members of Forestburgh’s talented 2011 company, too numerous to mention, each and every one of them performing their dual roles with clarity, exuberance, intelligence and skill, under the helm of Juvier’s outstanding direction.

“Man of La Mancha” will run through July 10 and deserves to be seen. Call 845-794-1194 for your tickets.