Seattle Musical Theatre to Open Season with MAN OF LA MANCHA, 9/12-28

Seattle Musical Theatre kicks off its 2014-2015 season with Tony Award winning classic MAN OF LA MANCHA, book by Dale Wasserman, lyrics by Joe Darion, and music by Mitch Leigh. Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Score and Best Musical, MAN OF LA MANCHA follows the eccentric Don Quixote, his faithful manservant Sancho, and the tough, but beautiful Aldonza in a mythic and spiritual quest for the impossible dream. With Director Rick Wright at the helm, MAN OF LA MANCHA runs September 12-28, 2014 at Magnuson Park. Tickets ($20-$35) are available through brownpapertickets.com or by calling 1-800-838-3006.

Based on Miguel de Cervantes's picaresque novel Don Quixote, MAN OF LA MANCHA begins when Cervantes is thrown into an Inquisitor's prison with his comedic companion Sancho. Set upon by desperate and dangerous muleteers who put him on trial, Cervantes transforms into Don Quixote, the man of La Mancha, the impossible dreamer, regaling them with his past gallant adventures. During the play-within-a-play, Quixote declares the prison's streetwise prostitute, Aldonza, as the fair lady Dulcinea, and insists that within everyone is a divine spark worth fighting, and dying, for.

"Quixote says, 'Woman is the soul of man,'" says Director Rick Wright. "For me, this story is about Aldonza's character arc. This story is about her. I also love LA MANCHA for the music, the beautiful orchestrations. It's got inspirational songs, funny songs, romantic songs. It's really got something for everyone and I hope everyone enjoys it."

Seattle favorite Jeff Church (Village, SecondStory Rep) takes on the titular role as "Cervantes/Don Quixote"; with Dustyn Moir ("Paul" in A Chorus Line at SMT) as "Sancho"; and Cherisse Martinelli (Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Leavenworth Summer Theatre, Central Theatre) as "Aldonza." The cast also includes David Caldwell, Benjamin Cournoyer, Marty Durham, Spencer Fairbanks, James Fesalbon, Melissa Fleming, Tod Harrick, Rebecca Maiten, David Otten, Dima Pogrebniak, Brian Pucheu, Kelly Tallariti, Joshua Valencia, and Ava Yaghmaie.

John Allman (The Who's TOMMY) returns to SMT to music direct the rich and powerful score that includes favorites "Man of La Mancha," "The Impossible Dream," "Dulcinea," and "I Really Like Him." The artistic team also includes choreographer Annie Toro, light and sound design by Caleb Dietzel, costumes by Alison Owen, and sets by Steven Fogell.

The mission of Seattle Musical Theatre is to engage and entertain the community by producing new and traditional musicals. The theater nurtures local talent by providing training and artistic development opportunities for children, youth, and adults from all walks of life. SMT's vision is to enrich the entertainment and educational value of live theater in the Northwest region; provide a premiere environment for nurturing artistic and technical talent; and develop the Magnuson Park theater facility as a key cultural resource for civic, arts, and other community organizations. SMT at all times will strive to demonstrate and inspire these values among the Board of Directors, staff, artists, volunteers, patrons, and donors.

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