ASHTABULA — Don Quixote spends part of his summer in “Man of La Mancha.” at the Ashtabula Arts Center Straw Hat Theatre.
This winner of five Tony Awards will be performed today thrugh Sunday and June 19, 20, 21, 25, 26 and 27. All Straw Hat Theatre shows begin at 8 p.m.
Written by Dale Wasserman with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion, “Man of La Mancha” tells a classic story that is filled with soaring music, romance, fantasy and heartfelt gallantry.
“The story of Don Quixote is framed by scenes in a prison during the Spanish Inquisition, where Miguel de Cervantes — the author of the story — awaits judgment," says director Douglas Anderson of Ashtabula. “Because of this dual story, every actor had to play two roles. And every one of them, whether stage veterans or utter newcomers, has worked hard to differentiate their roles,” he said.
“The cast has been a sheer joy to work with. In Bob Godfrey's mighty baritone, we have one of the truly great voices in northeast Ohio singing the role of 'Don Quixote.' Lydia Weeden, who only last summer made her arts center debut, brings fire and vulnerability to the role of Aldonza. And Curtiss Barron, a perennial Arts Center favorite, was born to play Sancho Panza.”
The Straw Hat actors are accompanied by a live orchestra playing a musical score which includes such show-stopping numbers as “The Impossible Dream,” “Dulcinea,” “What Do You Want of Me?” “Little Bird, Little Bird” and many more.
“Tessa White has provided us with some delightful choreography that fits the understated world of the show,” Anderson says, “while Clay Nielsen’s fight choreography is so suspenseful and hilarious that it will have you either on the edge of your seat or in stitches — and probably both. Phil Mullet has designed a set that perfectly evokes the gritty, inescapable reality of Cervantes' world. And the costumes, by Melissa Nielsen, subtly show the fine line between fantasy and reality.”
Advance tickets can be purchased by calling the arts center at 964-3396. Those purchasing advance tickets will receive a $2 per ticket off of the regular, box office ticket prices. Advance tickets are $12 patron seating, $10 adults, $9 seniors/students. Reservations can no longer be made without pre-payment.
Walk-ins are welcome to any "Man of La Mancha" performance if seating is available. Walk-in tickets are $14 for patron seating, $12 adults and $11 seniors/students.
An even bigger savings can be had by theater-goers who purchase a season subscription. Each subscription offers three discounted admissions to any Straw Hat show this season. All three admissions can be used at one time or one admission can be used at each of the three productions. Subscription prices are $33 patron seating, $27 adults, and $24 seniors/students. Arts Center members will receive an additional discount. Subscriptions will be on sale through Monday.
WEEKENDER / Entertainment
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Romance, fantasy in ‘Man of La Mancha’
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