Photo Flash: MAN OF LA MANCHA Opens Friday at Portland Opera

Portland Opera will present the classic American musical, Mitch Leigh's Man of La Mancha, at the Keller Auditorium on Friday, June 9. Man of La Mancha has inspired audiences for decades with its witty tale of chivalry, undoing of wrongs, and bringing justice to the world. It has been an enormous success with both audiences and critics since it first appeared on Broadway, winning five Tony Awards, including "best musical."

"Man of La Mancha is now regularly performed by opera companies with its stirring dramatic melodies sung by fully trained lyric voices, accompanied by a full orchestra," said Christopher Mattaliano, Portland Opera General Director. "The uplifting story, unforgettable characters, and timeless songs like 'The Impossible Dream' make it one of the most endearing works of American musical theater."

Check out photos from the show below!

The story is inspired by Miguel Cervantes' great novel "Don Quixote," but librettist Dale Wasserman framed his tale as a play-within-a-play, and included the character of Cervantes himself. The audience first meets Cervantes in prison, where he is awaiting trial by the Spanish Inquisition. He presents the story of Don Quixote to his fellow prisoners­-assuming the character of Don Quixote-and invites them to "enter into his imagination.' They oblige, and in turn participate in telling the tale, while enacting its many colorful roles.

Photos courtesy of Portand Opera

Reggie Lee and Jason Howard
Reggie Lee and Jason Howard
Reggie Lee and Jason Howard
Reggie Lee, Jason Howard, and Tara Vendetti