Theatre Studies and Music Departments Present Man of La Mancha
The classic musical Man of La Mancha will be performed by the theatre studies and music departments April 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 at 8 p.m. in Sternberger Auditorium. The musical is directed by Professor Jack Zerbe, with musical direction by Choral Director Wendy Looker. Tickets are $5 for the public and free to members of the Guilford College community. For reservations, call 336-316-2414.
Upon being imprisoned by the Spanish Inquisition, poet and actor Don Miguel de Cervantes presents the tale of the errant knight, Don Quixote, as his defense in a kangaroo court run by the prisoners. His story not only earns him the right to keep his original manuscript, but also reawakens a sense of optimism in the downtrodden prison population.
Originally produced in 1965, Man of La Mancha anticipated the dawning idealism at the end of that decade. According to director Jack Zerbe, “this play with music celebrates the power to imagine one’s way to a better world despite difficult obstacles. It resonates deeply with the college’s commitment to positive social change and Quakerism’s belief in the inner goodness of human beings.”
Arguably one of the most frequently produced musicals of all time, Man of La Mancha,written by Dale Wasserman, with music by Mitch Leigh, and lyrics by Joe Darion received five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and ran for a record breaking 2,328 performances. Its score includes several popular hits, such as Dulcinea, What Does He Want of Me?, and The Impossible Dream. The music department and a reduced orchestra of professional musicians will help audiences hear these classic tunes afresh.
April 6, 2007