ASHTABULA — It is difficult to put aside remembrances of productions past, but in the case of “Man of La Mancha,” now on the stage of Straw Hat Theatre on the grounds of the Ashtabula Arts Center, it is a necessity.
Directors’ interpretations are just that, and it is necessary to write about what is seen on stage rather than compare to other performances — good or bad.
I often wonder why Pablo Picasso undertook to render his vision of Don Quixote. Then I think that he didn't just draw or paint with abandon, but with a purpose in mind — for us to see something as he saw it.
That was Don Quixote's goal, too: Quixote felt it was lunacy to see the world as it was rather than how it should be. He saw the good and beauty in all as he made the effort to add a measure of grace to the world. Ultimately, the moral is that each of us can do that.
Though "Man of La Mancha" is a tough undertaking for community theater, the cast at Straw Hat Theatre does an admirable job with this production. As a mater of fact, there are some excellent portions that bring tears and loud applause — especially in the second act .
Bob Godfrey, cast in the title role, undoubtedly has one of the finest voices ever heard on the Straw Hat stage, and in this production he wows — especially with his rendition of “The Impossible Dream.”
His sidekick, Sancho Panza, is played by Curtiss Barron. Barron has become a mainstay in local theater because his talent dictates that he should be. His performance as Sancho was delightful.
Though thin of voice when compared to Godfrey, Lydia Weeden as Aldonza/Dulcinea caught the spirit of the maidservant/wench and was convincing in her roles. Fred Robsel as the innkeeper and the governor of the prison offered his usual first-class performance.
The choreography by Tessa White and Clay Nielsen (fight) was just enough and well executed. Kudos goes to Deborah Inks as the music director for directing an orchestra that was very pleasant to hear.
It is evident that this cast, crew and director Douglas E. Anderson made every effort to put together an enjoyable, uplifting production of a show that is sometimes presented as a’downer’ All in all, “Man of La Mancha” is worth sallying forth to see. Tickets may be ordered by phoning the arts venter box office at 964-3396. You can catch the show tonight, Saturday and Sunday and June 25, 26 and 27. Curtain time for each performance is 8 p.m.
WEEKENDER / Entertainment
Related Photos
Discussion
‘Man of La Mancha’ uplifting experience
A REVIEW
- WEEKENDER / Entertainment
-
-
Bee Gees' Robin Gibb dies after long cancer battle
With his carefully tended hair, tight trousers and perfect harmonies, Robin Gibb, along with his brothers Maurice and Barry, defined the disco era. As part of the Bee Gees — short for the Brothers Gibb — they created dance floor classics like "Stayin Alive," ''Jive Talkin'," and "Night Fever" that can still get crowds onto a dance floor.
-
‘Come Fly Away’ a dance karaoke to Sinatra songs
WEEKENDER for May 18, 2012: Karaoke is defined as a form of entertainment in which amateurs sing popular songs accompanied by prerecorded music from a machine.
-
3 more ‘DreamScape’ events
Ballet Theatre Ashtabula holds the final three performances “DreamScape” on the Ashtabula Arts Center, today through Sunday.
- CALENDAR for May 18, 2012
-
'Housewives' says farewell with grace and humor
There was nothing desperate about this finale. ABC's "Desperate Housewives" concluded its rocky, racy and macabre eight-season run with a tidy, affectionate send-off.
-
At the Ashtabula Arts Center they want to DANCE, DANCE, DANCE
WEEKENDER for May 9, 2012
-
CALENDAR for May 11, 2012
WEEKENDER for May 11, 2012
-
Victorian-era play takes on an electric theme
WEEKENDER for May 4, 2012: "In the Next Room, or the vibrator play” takes place in the Victorian era shortly after the advent of electricity — Thank you, Mr. Edison! — and explores the treatments of hysterical men and women.
-
Ballet Theatre Ashtabula performs ‘DreamScape’
WEEKENDER for May 4, 2012: Ballet Theatre Ashtabula “Dream Scape” will launch a spring dance concert May 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20.
-
CALENDAR for May 4, 2012
WEEKENDER for May 4, 2012
- More WEEKENDER / Entertainment Headlines
-
