Nathaniel Stampley, Richard Ruiz & More to Star in Marriott Theatre's MAN OF LA MANCHA

Deemed one of the greatest musicals of all time and winner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical, MAN OF LA MANCHA rides into The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, previewing June 22, running through August 14 with a press opening on Wednesday, June 29 at 8 p.m. With book by Dale Wasserman, lyrics by Joe Darion, and an exuberant score by Mitch Leigh, the breathtaking musical tells the rich story of chivalry, romance, idealism and dreaming "The Impossible Dream." Complemented by Musical Director Ryan T. Nelson, six-time Jeff Award Winner Nick Bowling (The King and I at The Marriott Theatre, The History Boys and Fiorello! at TimeLine Theatre) presents a unique production of the classic tale, bringing to life the parallels between the struggles of 16th Century Spain with the challenges of modern day society.

"We want to present a version that audiences today can identify with," says Director Nick Bowling. "This story underscores the importance of creating your own destiny through the power of imagination and, most importantly, through taking chances - a struggle we face every day. Quixote serves as a reminder to live life to the fullest and face your fears head-on."

Presented as a play-within-a-play based on Miguel de Cervantes' epic Spanish masterpiece, The Adventures of Don Quixote, MAN OF LA MANCHA never fails to enchant audiences with its lyrical and musical mastery. As he awaits trial before the Spanish Inquisition, poet Cervantes faces a mock trial by his fellow prisoners, staging as his defense the adventures of the knight-errant Don Quixote, his loyal sidekick, Sancho, and the woman of his dreams, Aldonza.

MAN OF LA MANCHA stars Jeff Award Nominee Nathaniel Stampley as "Don Quixote" (Broadway/National Tour: The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess; Broadway: The Color Purple and The Lion King; London: The Lion King; Apple Tree Theatre: Big River; Milwaukee Rep: Dreamgirls, The Color Purple), Richard Ruiz as "Sancho" (The Public Theatre: Two Gentlemen of Verona The Musical; Encores: Fiorello!; Papermill and La Jolla Playhouse: Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame), four-time Jeff Award Winner Danni Smith as "Aldonza" (City of Angels at The Marriott Theatre; A Christmas Story at Paramount Theatre). Also starring in MAN OF LA MANCHA are Jonathan Butler-Duplessis as "Scorpion/Pedro," Lillian Castillo as "Graciosa/Antonia/Moorish Girl," Bobby Daye as "Barber/El Medico/Moorish Pimp," James Harms as "Padre/Judas Macabeo," Andrew Mueller as "Anselmo," Matt Mueller as "Duke/Carrasco/Knight of the Mirrors," Cassie Slater as "Mother Bane/Innkeeper's Wife/Housekeeper," Craig Spidle as the "Governor/Innkeeper," and Brandon Springman as "The Gypsy/Jose."

The production will feature set design by Jeff Kmiec, costume design by Nancy Missimi, lighting design by Jesse Klug, sound design by Bob Gilmartin, properties design by Sally Weiss, musical supervision and orchestra conducted by Patti Garwood.

The performance schedule for MAN OF LA MANCHA is Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., with select Thursday 1:00 p.m. shows. Ticket prices range from $50 to $55, including tax and handling fees. Call for student and senior discounts. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, there are a limited number of dinner and theatre packages available, which can only be purchased through the Marriott Theatre Box Office. On Friday and Saturday evenings, dinner reservations can be made at the King's Wharf restaurant. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, dinners are available at the Fairfield Inn. To make a reservation at either of these two restaurants, please call 847.634.0100. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets, please call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or go to www.ticketmaster.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.