PUTNAM – Miguel de Cervantes timeless story of Don Quixote comes to life when the Bradley
Playhouse presents the classic musical, Man of La Mancha.
Performances are scheduled for the first three weekends of April, with Friday and Saturday
shows at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Reserved seating is $21.00 for adults and $18.00
for students and seniors.
“This show is one of my all-time favorites,” commented Director David T. Panteleakos. “I
remember seeing actor Richard Kiley in the lead role when I was a child and it made such an
impact on me. I’m working with a very talented cast and look forward to bringing this classic
musical to the Bradley stage.”
Man of La Mancha features Dan Healy in the triple role of Cervantes/Alonso Quijana/Don
Quixote; Carl Mercier as Quixote’s loyal squire, Sancho; and Linda Colangelo as Aldonza.
The musical adaptation of Cervantes’ story, written by Dale Wasserman, takes place in Spain at
the end of the 16th century during the Spanish Inquisition. Cervantes is a playwright/actor and
political prisoner who awaits trial. To pass the time, he tells the other prisoners an elaborate tale
of Alonso Quijana a retired country squire, gone mad at the injustices of world. In Quijana’s
mind, he has become Don Quixote, a knight-errant ready to sally forth to right the wrongs of
the world. Quixote encounters a number of colorful characters on his quest, including Aldonza,
a harlot who he claims to be his fair lady. As Quixote is led off to answer to the Inquisition,
he takes comfort knowing that he has convinced his fellow prisoners to take up his message of
perseverance and hope.
“In addition to the theatrical and musical talents of our cast and crew, the set design and
authentic-looking costumes will really pull the audience into the story,” commented Panteleakos.
“Man of La Mancha promises to be an entertaining evening for theatre-goers of all ages.”
In addition to Panteleakos, the Man of La Mancha production team includes Assistant Director
Carole Hayes, Producer Laura Crosetti, Choreographer Keri Danner, Vocal Director Diane
Pollard, Music Director Marc Poitras and Stage Manager Christie Deary.
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