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'Man of La Mancha'
Dan Healy as Don Quixote in rehearsal. The Bradley Playhouse will present "Man of La Mancha" starting next weekend. Courtesy photo.
PUTNAM — Miguel de Cervantes timeless story of Don Quixote comes to life when the Bradley Playhouse presents the classic musical, “Man of La Mancha.”
Performances are scheduled for the first three weekends of April, with Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2. Reserved seating is $21 for adults and $18 for students and seniors. Tickets are available online at www. thebradleyplayhouse.org or by calling 860-928-7887. Tickets are also available at the theatre. All seats for 2013 are reserved, however, tickets may be available at the door.
“This show is one of my all-time favorites,” said Director David T. Panteleakos. “I remember seeing actor Richard Kiley in the lead role when I was a child and it made such an impact on me. I’m working with a very talented cast and look forward to bringing this classic musical to the Bradley stage.”
Man of La Mancha features Dan Healy in the triple role of Cervantes/Alonso Quijana/Don Quixote; Carl Mercier as Quixote’s loyal squire, Sancho; and Linda Colangelo as Aldonza.
The musical adaptation of Cervantes’ story, written by Dale Wasserman, takes place in Spain at the end of the 16th century during the Spanish Inquisition. Cervantes is a playwright/actor and political prisoner who awaits trial. To pass the time, he tells the other prisoners an elaborate tale of Alonso Quijana, a retired country squire, gone mad at the injustices of world. In Quijana’s mind, he has become Don Quixote, a knight-errant ready to sally forth to right the wrongs of the world. Quixote encounters a number of colorful characters on his quest, including Aldonza, a harlot who he claims to be his fair lady. As Quixote is led off to answer to the Inquisition, he takes comfort knowing that he has convinced his fellow prisoners to take up his message of perseverance and hope. “In addition to the theatrical and musical talents of our cast and crew, the set design and authentic-looking costumes will really pull the audience into the story,” said Panteleakos. “Man of La Mancha promises to be an entertaining evening for theatre-goers of all ages.” In addition to Panteleakos, the Man of La Mancha production team includes Assistant Director Carole Hayes, Producer Laura Crosetti, Choreographer Keri Danner, Vocal Director Diane Pollard, Music Director Marc Poitras and Stage Manager Christie Deary.