MAN OF LA MANCHA Plays AtMountain Play Outdoor Theater 5/24,31, 6/7,13,14 & 21

The Mountain Play - ‘A Great Outdoor Adventure' and the San Francisco Bay Area's most magical outdoor theater experience, is proud to present for the first time in its 96 year history, the Tony Award© winning musical Man of La Mancha for its 2009 season.

Loosely based on the life of writer Miguel Cervantes, author of "Don Quixote" and prisoner during the Spanish Inquisition, this beloved tale of dreaming the "Impossible Dream" will enjoy its debut at a remarkable San Francisco Bay Area landmark- the Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre on the slopes of Mount Tamalpais.

Performances will be on Sunday May 24, 31, June 7, June 13 (Saturday), June 14, and June 21.

All Shows begin at 1pm. Pre-show begins at 11 am. Please arrive at least one hour prior to show. Live performances by local talent will entertain between stage time.* See entertainment line up below

Tickets range from $23 -$40 General Admission. Premium packages which include guaranteed seating in the shade, nearby parking, and a catered lunch up to $165. Children 3 and under are FREE. Group discounts and Online Specials available at the Mountain Play website- www.mountainplay.org

HOW TO GET THERE: The Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre is located off scenic Highway 1 in Marin County, CA. Patrons are encouraged to take the Shuttle Buses provided, hike, or bike to the venue as parking is limited. For more information and schedules visit the Mountain Play Experience section of the website for directions, tips and detailed explanations.

CONTACT: Call (415) 383-1100 or visit www.mountainplay.org

The 2009 production of Man of La Mancha marks the debut of this stunning musical masterpiece in the Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre on Mount Tamalpais. Inspired by the life of Miguel de Cervantes, the play, written by Dale Wasserman, is set during the Spanish Inquisition and begins when Cervantes (Bill Elsman), is thrown into prison with his manservant and threatened by menacing criminals. Coming to his own defense, Cervantes wishes to enact a play he has written called "Don Quixote de La Mancha." By enlisting a colorful cast of prisoners and using items from his trunk, Cervantes' whimsical tale comes to life... thus, a play within a play is born. Cervantes plays an elderly scholar who wanders the Spanish countryside as Don Quixote, a valiant knight-errant in search of justice and adventure.

With his faithful squire Sancho Panza (Randy Nazarian), Quixote lives in a world of self-deluded fantasy and has a penchant for turning the mundane into the magical: he battles a windmill he believes to be a monster, imagines a run-down inn as a regal castle, and challenges the local Barber (Greg Wolff) to a duel for the mystical Golden Helmet of Mambrino, which in reality is simply a shaving basin.

Although often humorous, Quixote's visions have brought shame and embarrassment to his family who wish to cure him of his illness. His niece Antonia (Sophia Rose Morris), the Housekeeper (Sandi Weldon), and the sarcastic Dr. Carrasco (Michael Cassidy) seek the counsel of a Priest (Buzz Halsing) to help them cure Alonso of his madness. Meanwhile, Quixote continues to live in his own fantasy world and is fixated on achieving honor and glory. He fights for the honor of his Lady Dulcinea (Linda Gaudiani), who is actually the peasant Aldonza, and befriends the sympathetic Innkeeper (Ray Martin) who humors Quixote and the beautiful world he has imagined. In the end, even the most vehement critics cannot resist Quixote's infectious optimism, idealism and pursuit of the "Impossible Dream."

With an unforgettable score by Mike Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion, Man of La Mancha features some of Broadways most memorable songs like "The Impossible Dream," "Dulcinea," "I Don Quixote" and more.

To enhance the Spanish theme of this year's production, the Mountain Play has arranged for a lively line up of pre/post show entertainment from a diverse selection of high quality talent.

May 24: Lara Johnston - 19 year old pop singer is the daughter of Doobie Brothers Tom Johnston (vocals/guitar) and appeared on MTV's Rock the Cradle. www.larajohnston.com

May 31: Manuel Romero- 19 year old pianist/guitarist who writes, performs and sings in both Spanish and English. Romero also played Richie Valens in a production of Buddy Holly and was in the film "Altar Boys." www.manuel-romero.com

June 7: Yaelisa & Caminos Flamencos- Emmy award winning Flamenco Dance Troupe from the East Bay. www.caminosflamencos.com

June 13: Jessica Fichot- A French chanteuse and graduate of Berklee School of Music. Fichot sings in French, Spanish, English & Chinese. www.jessicasongs.com

June 14: Gaucho Gypsy Jazz - Gypsy Jazz band formed in 2002 has performed at DjangoFest. www.gauchojazz.com

June 21: Fito Reinoso - A native of Cuba, Reinoso performs authentic Afro/Cuban Jazz from Cuba. www.oyeproductions.com

Post-Show entertainment: Daniel Maya -Flamenco guitarist extraordinaire. www.oyeproductions.com

In addition, at each of the six performances, pre-show activities will entertain the whole family including Puppet shows by Randal Metz, and face painting by Tam High Drama Dept.

Pat Siriani will perform and sign for the hearing impaired at the first three shows, May 24, 31, and June 7th in her 29th year on the mountain. The fourth show, June 13th will be described for the visually impaired.

The poster art for this year's play was created by Gabhor Utomo, a San Francisco based freelance illustrator and veteran poster artist winner for the Mountain Play.

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