This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

Don Quixote, Impossible Dreams Arrive at the Alden Theatre

McLean Community Players Present "Man of La Mancha"

The McLean Community Players’ (MCP) production of the “Man of La Mancha” brings humor, warmth and hope to brighten a bleak winter.

Friday, at the Alden Theatre, the MCP opens a revival of the beloved classic. With a wonderful score and a talented cast, the show is destined to be a hit.

“Man of La Mancha” has endured for almost fifty years and garnered the coveted Tony for Best Musical in 1965. Based on Miguel de Cervantes’ masterpiece “Don Quixote,” the musical is a play within a play. The character Cervantes has been jailed while awaiting a hearing before the Spanish Inquisition. During his imprisonment, he and his fellow inmates enact a story of the adventures of the “mad knight,” Don Quixote.

Find out what's happening in McLeanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The MCP production is directed by Don Petersen, a veteran director for Prince William Little Theatre and other establishments.  A third grade teacher, he is directing his own pupils in a production about ancient cultures. Petersen had wanted to direct “Man of La Mancha” for many years and was thrilled when he was approached by the board of the MCP.  

He said, “It’s one of those shows where everyone is overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the play…There’s a lot of humorous dialogue…It’s an absolutely fantastic cast…wonderful actors and singers…The group has blended together really well.”

Find out what's happening in McLeanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Janice Rivera, who portrays Aldonza/Dulcinea, was like Peterson in that she had wanted to be involved with "Man of La Mancha" for a long time. She said, “I was in another production [of the play] at the Little Theatre and played the niece role…I was waiting for it to come around…I wanted to do this role for a long time.”

A freelance video editor by day, Rivera has been acting for many years in the DC area, including such stages as the Little Theatre in Alexandria and the St. Mark’s Players. She prefers musicals to plays and has a large vocal range.

The central character of “Man of La Mancha,” Cervantes/Don Quixote, is portrayed by television host and producer Mike Baker. “Don Quixote is so much like me. Don Petersen has so much good vision. He sees this man as a lot like me…a good man, do the right thing, looking forward not back…positive…I’m a dreamer,” he said.

Baker sees the play as uplifting and inspirational. The message, he said, “[is] how people should conduct themselves towards their way in the world.”

 “…To reach the unreachable star.”

Man of La Mancha, Alden Theater, McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue

 When: January 27, 2012 – February 11, 2012, Fridays and Saturdays, 8 PM; Sundays 2 PM

Tickets: $18/$20 for resident/nonresident

Additional Information: http://www.mcleancommunityplayers.org/MCP/

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?