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The Broadway musical Man of La Mancha is one of the most beloved and often performed musicals of the American Musical Theatre. It has stood the test of time and has been translated into numerous languages and performed across the world for decades. Based on the 16th century novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, Man of La Mancha creates an imaginary world where a play within a play takes place. The main character is Miguel de Cervantes, an actor, poet and “tax collector,” who is imprisoned by the Spanish inquisition for “foreclosing on a church.” The plot of Man of La Mancha intertwines historical elements of Cervantes life as well as aspects of the famed novel. Cervantes himself (in real life) was at one time a tax collector and was imprisoned for a short period of time. Man of La Mancha also borrows heavily from the theatre world. The show has a very improvisational feel about it…the old “open a trunk and pull out the props and costume pieces” routine… harkening back to its renaissance roots. Everyone in the show is both a character and an actor. The audience is asked to suspend its disbelief while people play horses, prisoners, innkeepers, dukes, governors, gypsies and guards of the inquisition. The whole thing is a marvelous theatrical adventure framed by some of the best and memorable songs of the American theatre.
“Dulcinea,” “I Don Quixote,” “To Each His Dulcinea,” and of course the inspiring anthem “The Impossible Dream” are but a few of the songs that drive the action and tell this thrilling and compelling story. Don Quixote is a somewhat farcical character who dreams of being a Knight Errant and “sallying forth” to save the world from evil. Along with his trusty sidekick Sancho Panza, Quixote fights windmills (imaginary Ogres), saves damsels in distress and battles demons. Quixote is both adventurer and philosopher ultimately. He reminds us that pursuing a dream is more inspiring and beneficial to the world than simply living in the limitations of society. Idealism is the key and Quixote is unashamed to embrace it and make the world a better place.
It is not without note that this musical was a product of the 1960’s; a time when Martin Luther King Jr. was giving his immortal “I Have a Dream” speech. Americans were rebelling against established rules and regulations and seeking a freer and better existence. College campuses were full of idealistic students searching for meaning and truth. To many, the “Impossible Dream” did not seem so impossible. In today’s world, we have entered yet another new generation with a new set of dreams and hopes. The message of Don Quixote and Man of La Mancha reinforces the importance of having and pursuing dreams, dreams that will create a better world for everyone. Is this idealism, foolishness or both? In today’s world, there always seems to be someone standing by saying, “you can’t” or “that won’t work,” or “that’s not possible.” Fortunately, there also are those who insist that impossible things can be done and go about proving it every day.
The wonderfully crafted and musically brilliant Man of La Mancha celebrates life and offers a thrilling evening of inspiring and motivating theatre. The CBT production promises to deliver everything one would imagine this play should. Resident artist David Kortermeier plays Cervantes/Quixote, with Katy Wolfe Zahn playing Aldonza/Dulcinea and guest artist Neil Friedman playing Sancho. There is a cast of 34 people comprised of area professionals and graduate and undergraduate students and a 16 piece professional orchestra. Man of La Mancha promises to close out our 35th season with a bang! The show plays at the Clarence Brown Theatre April 15-May 2, 2010.
The University of Tennessee | College of Arts & Sciences | UTK Theatre Department | Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 | 865-974-5161
