The "mad" knight, Don Quixote, escapes the reality of the Spanish Inquisition and his imprisonment in this play within a play.

Set in a prison, Cervantes and his fellow prisoners awaits their hearings and most probably torture and death, while holding Cervantes’ own prisoner-led mock trail.

The story of the Man of LaMancha revolves around tax collector Alonso Quixano, who, in his own mind, becomes a retired gentleman, obsessed with truth, virtue and chivalry.  Yet to others, he has seemed to have lost his mind after taking on the persona of nobleman Don Quixote.

Dressed in knights armor, and with his trusty sidekick, Sancho Panza at his side, he goes in search of windmills to duel and to courageously defend the honor of his ideal “lady”, Dulcinea.  In reality, she is the angry and bitter abused prostitute Aldonza, who works at an inn.

Considered to be one of the the first “modern” novels and usually near the top of any list of great stories, Man of La Mancha was written in the early 17th century by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.

The musical version of the drama, originally a Tony Award-winning Broadway play, just opened this past weekend at the intimate Church Street Theater in  Dupont Circle.  And the always entertaining Keegan Theatre group puts on an emotional and powerful performance. 

The highlight of the production must be Carolyn Agan’s portrayal of the rough whore, Aldonza (and lady Dulcinea).  With her powerful singing voice, she seems not to play the role effectively, but actually becomes her role.  You don’t believe she’s acting angry or bitter, you believe she truly is.  At several moments in the production, you could sense tears just below the surface of her character’s strong and defiant exterior in mid-song. She also effectively portrayed Martha Jefferson in 1776, at the Church Street Theater last year.

The other cast members perform and sing with gusto, delivering the moments of humor and irony believably, which brought chuckles and laughter when needed.  Michael Innocenti as the mostly rational Sancho Panza, Kevin Adams as the confused innkeeper/”governor”, and David Jourdan as the lead role (Don Q), also seemed to delight the audience. 

NOTE: Due to the adult subject matter (prostitution, violence and rape), this play is not suitable for children under 13. 

Man of La Mancha
Keegan Theatre production
Church Street Theater
1742 Church Street, NW
Washington, DC  (map it)
703-892-0202

Dates and Times – Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. Through August 16, 2008.

Tickets – $35.00, Seniors and students $30.00 and are available by calling 703-892-0202, Ext. 2 or by e-mail your request to boxoffice@keegantheatre.com.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Dupont Circle – Red line, then a 3-block walk.

Parking – Limited street parking and or use the parking garage at 1616 P Street (only $6.00 after 5:30).

Images – Courtesy of the Keegan Theatre. Photos by Ray Gniewek, #5 – Dave Jourdan as Don Quixote, #1 -Michael Innocenti as Sancho, #2 – Carolyn Agan as Aldonza  

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Post from: The DC Traveler