BWW Reviews: Insight Theatre Company's MAN OF LA MANCHA

Man of La Mancha has become a community theatre staple, and as such, gets staged with some degree of regularity. While some of these are uneven affairs at best, the Insight Theatre Company's current production is an exception, combining the talents of a splendid cast with sharp direction and choreography to produce an engaging and compelling evening of entertainment.

When Don Quixote/Miguel de Cervantes and his faithful servant Sancho Panza are thrown into a prison dungeon to await their turn with the inquisition, they find themselves facing another trial instigated by their fellow prisoners. In his defense, Cervantes uses his talents as an actor and playwright to conjure up a whimsical, yet heroic tale that chronicles his own adventures in the guise of Don Quixote. To paraphrase one line of dialogue: "He's either the maddest wise man, or the wisest madman."

Joneal Joplin delivers an exceptional performance as Don Quixote, alternately pathetic, comic, tragic and heroic depending on the circumstance, but always in control and riveting to watch. His performance of "The Impossible Dream", perhaps the most famous number from Mitch Leigh (music) and Joe Dorian's (lyrics) score, is poignant and dramatic. He's nicely paired with Christopher Hickey as Sancho, and though he may be a bit physically imposing for the role, he nonetheless completely inhabits the part, and gives the character a stunningly high pitched voice. Julie O'Neill cuts a lovely figure as Aldonza/Dulcinea, the object of Quixote's affection and admiration.

A solid supporting cast includes: Laura Ernst as Antonia, Cervantes' concerned neice; Elise La Barge as his worried housekeeper; Conor Dagenfield as the concerned Padre; Jordan Reinwald as his troubled friend Crassco; Paul Balfe as the barber whom Quixote takes his trademark hat from; Doug Irwin and Jenni Ryan as the Innkeeper and his wife; Christina Rios as Fermina; and Billy Bommarito, Greg Cuellar, Nate McClure, Mark Holzum, and Troy Turnipseed as the Muleteers; as well as ChrisTina Ramirez, Amanda Jerry and Destiny Hooper.

Edward Coffield's direction is finely focused, and his has the entire cast invested and enthusiastic from start to finish. He's aided by Michael Baxter's choreography, which adds a great deal of spice to the proceedings. Ross Bell's music direction is also well done, and the assembled ensemble is tight and dynamic throughout. Caitlyn Ayer provides a nicely realized set design that fills the stage, while lending the rustic atmosphere necessary for this portrait of sixteenth-century Spain. Kaitlyn Breen's lighting scheme neatly makes the most of each dramatic moment, while Laura Hansen's costumes lend period authenticity.

Insight Theatre Company's well mounted and executed production of Man of La Mancha continues through August 22, 2010.