William Michals, with hair
A Welcome Return to La Mancha
By Skip Sheffield
My latest visit was opening night of “Man of La Mancha,”
which runs through July 21 at Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St. , West Palm Beach
This is a stripped-down, readers’ theater concert-style production
of the venerable musical that debuted on Broadway in 1965 and has been revived
there four times. Just because there are no elaborate set pieces and not all
performers are off-book does not make this production any less moving.
Guest director Clive Cholerton, former artistic director of
Caldwell Theatre, has chosen his cast well. It is anchored by Broadway veteran
William Michals, who obvious knows the show like the back of his hand. Michals
has a stirring baritone voice and a sensitive approach to his character of
Miguel De Cervantes/Don Quixote, an aging man who is considered mad by most, or
at least delusional, and dangerous by the dark forces of the Spanish
Inquisition.
As Dale Wasserman’s book presents the story as a
play-within-a-play, it is fascinating to see Michals change before our eyes. A
16th century failed author, soldier, actor and tax collector transforms
into Alonso Quijana, aka the fabled knight-errant, Don Quixote, with just a
little makeup, wig and facial hair.
The role of scullery maid and woman of easy virtue Aldonza,
whom Quixote imagines to be the spotless maiden Dulcinea, is a showcase and a
challenge to any woman. Alix Paige, who is from this area but has played the
role on Broadway, is equally convincing as the sardonic Aldonza and the baffled
but flattered Dulcinea.
All of the actors have dual roles: Ken Clement as the
Governor and the innkeeper; Barry Tarello as the Duke and a padre; Nick Duckart
as Pedro and a house keeper; Rodrigo De la Rose as Dr. Carrasco and a Knight;
Cassandra Zepetia as Antonia and a gypsy; Joshua Grosso as Anselmo and a
Captain, and doing triple duty, Leah Sessa as Maria, an itinerant barber and a
gypsy. Part of the fun is watching actors change roles with a minimum of fuss.
Oh and by the way, the voices are beautiful and befitting
Mitch Leigh’s music we have all come to know and love. Who cannot be stirred by
“The Impossible Dream” or moved by the delicate, passionate “Dulcinea?” Care is
paid to the lesser-known songs too: the ironic “I’m Only Thinking of Him,” the
mournful “Little Bird,” the lusty “Golden Helmet of Mambrino.” Kudos to musical director Caryl Ginsberg Fantel.
Finding beauty within stark prison walls by the sheer power
of imagination is the magic of “Man of La Mancha.” You have but a brief time,
through July 21, to be transported by this magic.
Tickets are $35 ($10 students). Call 561-514-4042 or visit www.palmbeachdramaworks.org.
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