Review Roundup: MAN OF LA MANCHA at Orlando Shakespeare Theatre

MAN OF LA MANCHA, with a book by Dale Wasserman, music by Mitch Leigh, and lyrics by Joe Darian, runs at Orlando Shakespeare Theatre through October 8. Inspired by one of the greatest novels in Western literature, Man of La Mancha tells the tale of the "mad knight" Don Quixote as he pursues his quest for the impossible dream. Trapped inside the walls of a dungeon during the Spanish Inquisition, Don Quixote transforms his surroundings into a magical landscape of epic battles, majestic lords and ladies, and beautiful dreams.

The cast stars Davis Gaines as Quixote/Cervantes, Laura Hodos as Aldonza/Dulcinea, Matt Zambrano as Sancho Panza, E. Mani Cadet as Innkeeper/Governor, Patrick Oliver Jones as Dr. Carrasco/Duke/Knight, Victor Souffrant as Padre, Alexander Mrazek as Pedro, Andrew Meidenbauer as Barber, Alina Alcantara as Housekeeper/Maria, Melanie Farber as Fermina, Fredy Ruiz as Muleteer, Shonn McCloud as Anselmo/Muleteer, Deirdre Manning as Antonia, Isiah Columbus as Muleteer/Guard, Junior Nyong'o as Muleteer, Austin Larkin as Muleteer/Captain, Tyler Tanner as Muleteer, Joshua Parrott as Muleteer/Guard, and Terrance Campbell as Muleteer.

MAN OF LA MANCHA is directed by Nick DeGruccio, with musical direction by Michael Raabe, choreography by Kim Ball, scenic design by Jim Hunter, lighting design by Bert Scott, costume design by Denise R. Warner, and sound design by Craig Beyrooti and Trevor Peters.

Let's see what the critics had to say!

Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel: In short, this "Man of La Mancha" looks and sounds fantastic - and that goes beyond the technical effects. Music director Michael Raabe has turned the acting ensemble into a choir, brimming with a rich sound. Not just the leading players display vocal prowess; the supporting actors are in great voice, too... If Gaines is the show's soul, Laura Hodos is its heart. As a downtrodden cynic whose eyes are opened to the magic of possibility, Hodos is magnetic as she spits "Nobody touches my heart." And she blazes through her character's signature song, "Aldonza."

Michael W. Freeman, Freeline Productions: Davis Gaines cuts a truly commanding presence as Cervantes, the tax collector, playwright and dreamer in the legendary Broadway show "Man of La Mancha," now being performed at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, that he's thrilling ever[y] moment he's on stage... The cast of 19 actors work as a superb ensemble, and it's hard not to be deeply moved when Don Quixote sings "The Impossible Dream" at the end of Act I, or when the entire cast returns to it at the play's closing. Life truly can be unforgiving and cruel, but it's up to all of us to figure out just how far escapism can carry us along.

Photo: Luke Evans

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