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Man of LaMancha review
STAGES “Man of LaMancha”
Sees Life as it Ought to Be
by Pat Lindsey
“How lovely life would be if every man could weave a dream to keep him from despair.” Such was the hope of Miguel de Cervantes, the playwright-poet-tax collector who calls himself Don Quixote–the Man of LaMancha–and spins a tale to save himself from the 17th century Spanish Inquisition.
As the show opens in a grim stone dungeon filled with thieves and murderers, Cervantes is being charged for the crime of foreclosing on a monastery. The penalty is forfeiture of his possessions and possibly burning at the stake. Cervantes’ worldly possessions consist of a trunk of theater props and an incomplete script of a play that he immediately uses to plead his case to the Governor and jury. “Man of LaMancha” then becomes a play within a play as the characters Don Quixote and Sancho and their supporting cast of criminals take the audience on a gripping journey about a mad knight who is searching for lost chivalry.
James Patterson is perfectly cast as Don Quixote. He is masterful in both roles as Cervantes and Quixote and expert in adding just enough wit to remind us that Don Quixote is a madman. A beautiful baritone voice to belt out the memorable song, “To Dream the Impossible Dream,” is absolutely essential to this show and Patterson successfully gave me goosebumps and raised me to my feet for a Standing O.
Patrick John Moran plays Quixote’s faithful servant and sidekick with excellent comedic timing
in addition to a gorgeous voice. Quixote teaches him how a little imagination can bring him much joy and he remains devoted to his master to the bitter end when they together must face the Spanish Inquisition.
During his quest to follow his dream and add some measure of grace to the world, Don Quixote meets Aldonza, a bitter wench convincingly portrayed by Amanda Robles. She is referred to as an alley cat, but Quixote insists on calling her Dulcinea, who he envisions as a fine lady. As Aldonza, Robles is so coarse and rumpled that her angelic voice came as a surprise to me. She is the crown jewel of this trio of main characters who remind us to never stop dreaming, because anything you can dream can come true.
Ten other prisoners who help round out the cast in Cervantes’ tale form a sensational male chorus. STAGES has given us the complex characters, great voices, magnificent music, excellent period costumes, an outstanding set, and a timeless script that have made this five-time Tony Award winner a beloved theater experience for more than 50 years.
“Man of LaMancha” often teeters between grim reality and silliness. Dancing horses and Quixote’s sword that is very bent after he tilts with a windmill are images that remind me of the fun in this show. And when Quixote delivers the line, “Facts are the enemy of the truth,” the audience lets out a huge roar. He reminds us of how, in today’s world, we are inundated with news and fake news and that we have to determine which is true or false. We have that choice. We can also choose to believe in good and to see the beauty in all people and all situations.
The STAGES production of “Man of LaMancha” is a dream come true. See it at the Reim Theater in Kirkwood before the season ends on Oct. 6. For tickets, call 314-821-2407 or go to www.StagesStLouis.org.
