Excellent Wick Man of La Mancha

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A Most Excellent “Man of La Mancha” at The Wick

By Skip Sheffield

Who doesn’t love Don Quixote?

I sure do. From the first time I read Miguel de Cervantes' 1605 story of a misguided knight-errant I have identified with the idealistic but deluded character.

Boca Raton's Wick Theatre has another winner on its hands with its production of the often-played 1965 classic "Man of La Mancha." This play-within-a-play with music by Mitch Leigh, lyrics by Joe Darion and book by Dale Wasserman is right up there with the best of Rodgers & Hammerstein.

Dom Rugglero’s cast has no weak links. It is anchored by George Dvorsky’s triple play as writer Miguel de Cervantes, his most famous creation Knight-errant Don Quixote, and Alonzo Quijana, the elderly gentleman in a play-within-the play. Robert Anthony Jones gives comic relief and an everyman’s point of view as Cervantes’ loyal manservant and sidekick, Sancho Panza.

Alix Paige is younger and prettier than most Aldonzas I’ve, and she seems somehow more innocent, which makes her fall from the impossibly idealized Dulcinea all the more poignant.

George Dvorsky is also younger than most Quixotes I have seen, and seemingly more virile, which puts some crackle in his relationship with the fiery Aldonza.

Perhaps for reasons of economy The Wick has reverted to pre-recorded music. This creates some problems with timing and tempo, but not enough to take away from the sheer beauty of the music and singing. Musical director Michael Usua performs double duty as the Padre.

This show’s set, designed by Meghan V. LaLonde, is perhaps the best yet at The Wick, transporting us from the Spanish countryside to a dank and dark prison cell to a rowdy roadhouse full of rowdier people. La Mancha is a magical place I would visit again and again. This is one of the better versions I have seen.

Tickets are $63-$67. Call 561-995-2333 or go to www.thewick.org.