CRT's MAN OF LA MANCHA, Featuring Terrence Mann, Alix Paige, et al., Opens 6/7

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) launches its 2012 Nutmeg Summer Series with Man of La Mancha, running June 7 – 16 in the intimate Harriett S. Jorgensen Theatre (lower Jorgensen Auditorium) on the UConn campus, Storrs.

Terrence Mann returns to play the unforgettable Don Quixote. Mr. Mann originated the roles of Rum Tum Tugger in Cats, Javert in Les Miserables, and the Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast on Broadway. Mr. Mann will be leading a spectacular cast, which also includes last summer's audience favorite Richard Ruiz who played Alfred Doolittle in My Fair Lady and Alix Paige who played Eliza, also in My Fair Lady. James Barry, recently of Broadway's Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson returns to his hometown and alma mater to play the Padre.

Man of La Mancha tells the story of Miguel de Cervantes who, at the height of the Spanish Inquisition, is imprisoned and uses the story of the knight-errant Don Quixote to defend himself. The story features unforgettable characters such as Sancho Panza, played by UConn alum, Richard Ruiz and Aldonza played by last season's dazzling Eliza, Alix Paige. With its beautiful Latin-tinged score, the original production of Man of La Mancha ran for six years on Broadway, won the Tony for Best Musical and gave us the indelible anthem of hope, "The Impossible Dream."

The production will be directed by CRT Artistic Director Vincent J. Cardinal. Mr. Cardinal said "The great energy and entertainment Terrence Mann, Richard Ruiz, and Alix Paige brought to our stage last summer was so special that we had to reunite them for another classic of the American Musical Theatre! After seeing James Barry on Broadway in Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson, I knew we had to bring him back to his home town stage and alma mater this summer season."

Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Matinee performances start at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Single ticket prices range from $10 to $42. The intimate Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre is located on the campus of the University of Connecticut in Storrs and offers air-conditioned comfort and convenient nearby parking (free parking is in Lot 9 across from the Jorgensen Center, paid parking is available in the North Garage). Please call 860.486.2113 or visit www.crt.uconn.edu for tickets and additional information. Follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/CTRepTheatre and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/connecticut.repertory.theatre.

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