Man of La Mancha's High Caliber Score Still Delights

Man of La Mancha, the current production at WaterTowerTheatre, is one of the last classics from The Golden Age of the American Musical.  It has a magnificent score (Music by Mitch Leigh, Lyrics by Joe Darion) as well as an excellent book (Dale Wasserman) with a universal theme. The musical opened on Broadway in 1965 and had a marathon run of nearly five years, has been revived on Broadway four times and was filmed.  The song "The Impossible Dream" became a smash hit and was recorded by dozens of vocalists from Elvis Presley to Ethel Merman.

The WaterTowerTheatre production is a fine opportunity to hear this exceptional score in live performance.  Whether you're unfamiliar with the music or the songs are old friends, you will enjoy Musical Director Sheilah V. Walker and the Orchestra play the vigorous melodies at the Addison Theatre Centre with its superior acoustics.

Man of La Mancha was adapted by Mr. Wasserman from his teleplay "I, Don Quixote."  It tells the story of Spanish Author Miguel Cervantes, who is forced to testify before the Inquisition.  While waiting for his trial, he tells the story of Don Quixote, an idealist who recognizes the good in everything and everybody—even when they have trouble accepting it themselves.

At the forefront of this production is Patty Breckenridge, who plays Aldonza, a scullery maid who Don Quixote declares is a noble lady.  Miss Breckenridge is obviously no stranger to Musical Theatre.  Besides having a soaring singing voice, she is clearly accomplished at dramatic acting as well.  This shone through in how she enthused every song with fiery emotion and her total command of the stage during the dialogue scenes.  Her plaintive "What Does He Want of Me?" and charged "Aldonza" were easily the highlights of the evening.  Appropriately, the production ended with her leading the company in the Finale—a dynamic rendition of "The Impossible Dream."

Paul Taylor and Randy Pearlman certainly looked the parts of Don Quixote and his squire, Sancho Panza.  Melinda Wood Allen revealed a notable singing voice as well as a flair for comedy which was shown to good advantage in "I'm Only Thinking Of Him."  Kimberly Whalen also demonstrated ability in the brief role of Antonia, Don Quixote's niece.

Clare Floyd DeVries' multi-unit set had so much character it almost seemed to be performing along with the actors.  Michael A. Robinson's costumes were evocative of The Middle Ages and quite serviceable as well—they allowed the performers to switch from one role to another instantaneously.

This production of Man of La Mancha would have stood on firmer ground if the direction had been a bit steadier.  The power of the story was lost due to performances that were somewhat weak.  Lines that should have gotten hearty laughs only received mild chuckles.  Instead of being consistently moving, the production only touched our emotions in certain spots.

However, please see this production.  You will enjoy hearing the score from a paramount musical and appreciate the superb performance of Miss Breckenridge.

Man of La Mancha will run through October 29.  For more information, please visit WaterTowerTheatre's website.

Photo 1:  Paul Taylor

Photo 2:  Patty Breckenridge

Photo 3:  Patty Breckenridge and Company

Photo Credit:  Mark Oristano 

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