A GLORIOUS QUEST AT A NOISE WITHIN
REVIEW: MAN OF LA MANCHA
BY RYAN LUÉVANO
“To dream … the impossible dream,” the lyrics to the hit song of the 1964 musical Man of La Mancha have never meant as much as they do in A Noise Within Theatre Company’s revival of this work. This production eschews the customary opulence of traditional staging in favor of creative theater-play that stimulates the imagination while staunchly unfolding the drama.
Geoff Elliott and Kasey Mahaffy. Photo Credit: Craig Schwartz.
The scenic design by Fred Kinney sets the show in a bleak and desolate prison that’s adorned only with trash and cold metal bars that hang from the rafters. It’s in this environment that the prisoners must use only what they have at hand to act out the tale of Don Quixote.
The opening sequence sets the tone for the entire production by lighting the fuse that burns brighter as the show develops. We see how this is possible when Cervantes enters from the celling transforming into Don Quixote when he sings “Man of the Mancha”. Here director Julia Rodriguez-Elliot evokes play as theatre is created with found objects: mops, pots, trash bags, benches, stair units, and rags. This approach to this production holds true to Rodriguez-Elliot’s vision based a Picasso quote “[. . .]Art-making creates hope and idealism in the darkness of a prison cell.”
Geoff Elliott. Photo Credit: Craig Schwartz.
Geoff Elliott’s portrayal of Cervantes/Don Quixote is on par with the linage performers in this role such as: Richard Kiley, Raúl Juliá, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Hal Linden and Robert Goulet. Not only does Elliot’s physical appearance fit this role but also he’s a compelling performer that fully embodies the desperation of Cervantes and the conviction of Don Quixote. Furthermore, his singing voice is bold with a pearly disposition making all his songs especially “The Quest” (The Impossible Dream”) some of the most rousing music you’ll hear all evening.
Cassandra Marie Murphy as Aldonza is brash and fervent in all her acting choices and if that’s not enough she can sing. Murphy’s voice is a sweet and powerful instrument that beguiles audiences—from “It’s All the Same” to “Aldonza” prepare to be entranced. Kasey Mahaffy plays Sancho Panza that’s not the traditional round and stocky type but a tall Irishmen who is splendid in this role. Maffey is comical offering satisfying renditions of his charm songs “I Really Like Him” and “A Little Gossip”.
Cassandra Marie Murphy and Geoff Elliott. Photo Credit: Craig Schwartz.
WHAT ABOUT THE MUSIC DIRECTOR?
Music director Dr. Mellissa Sky-Eagle leads the seven-piece orchestra from the keyboard successfully keeping all the musical elements in line throughout the performance. What’s more the orchestra is situated in an elevated loft area on the opposite side of the stage—synchronization is not an issue here. The use of reverb is added to the actor’s microphones highlighting the bleakness of the prison cell.
Whether you’ve experienced Man of La Mancha on stage, or on DVD this revival at A Noise Within is an extraordinary piece of theater that is beyond compare. Man of La Mancha runs from March 26 – May 21, 2017 for tickets and more information visit: anoisewith.org
