Review: Hampton Theatre Company's First-Ever Musical MAN OF LA MANCHA

You can feel the energy at the Hampton Theatre Company (HTC) as they mount their first musical. In their inspired thirty-four-year history, they have presented plays strictly. However, recent technical upgrades have provided them with the opportunity to present musicals. In a brave decision, they have wisely chosen to offer iconic Tony winner Man Of La Mancha. You're probably thinking, doesn't the Long Island venue have a rather intimate stage? They do. Do they deliver superbly? That is a resounding yes.

Co-Directed by HTC's Diana Marbury and Edward A. Brennan, the tale centers on Cervantes as he puts on a play starring as crazy, old knight Don Quixote. He and his fellow prisoners are awaiting their hearings with the Spanish Inquisition, and the fictional sequence that Cervantes performs ends up, shall we say, getting into his head. Fellow literary lovers will recognize the loose adaptation of Dale Wasserman's 1959 teleplay I, Don Quixote which in turn inspired Miguel de Cervantes' 17th-century novel Don Quixote.

HTC vet Matthew Conlon is excellent as Cervantes or, Don Quixote in his play. The complexity and Mr. Conlon's delivery of the role are thrilling. Moreover, Elora Von Rosch has an intense take as Aldonza or, Dulcinea in the fantasy. Indeed an audience favorite is her impassioned performance of What Does He Want Of Me in act one and the heart-tugging reprise of Dulcinea in act two. Rick Grossman, in his HTC debut, is also a standout as Sancho, Cervantes' trusty assistant, and Squire in the play sequences. Indeed, he collects many laughs from the excited audience. Overall, the company is brilliant with each taking on multiple roles. The flow between fantasy and reality are flawless.

Man Of La Mancha is a big show, and it is genuinely intriguing and propitious seeing it on an intimate stage. The essence of this show does not depreciate in this production. If you are more of an avid patron of the theatre, seeing what is supposed to be a big show in an intimate setting may be beneficial.

On the creative team, Sean Marbury designs the superb set for the charming East End venue. The dungeon gloomily decorated in a cinder block look is chillingly heightened by Sebastian Paczynski's atmospheric lighting design. A special kudos to Mr. Paczynski for the ominous Knight of the Mirrors number. You will also adore the stellar live band headed up by Amy Frederico McGrath as they perform the iconic score wonderfully.

Man Of La Mancha is indeed another hit for Quogue's Hampton Theatre Company. If opening weekend is any indication, tickets are sure to be sold quickly. For their first-ever musical, this will undoubtedly be a must-see this season.

Man Of La Mancha is presented by the Hampton Theatre Company at the Quogue Community Hall through April 7th. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 1-866-811-4111 or visit www.hamptontheatre.org.

Book by Dale Wasserman, Music by Mitch Leigh, Lyrics by Joe Darion, Directed by Diana Marbury & Edward A. Brennan, Musical Direction by Amy Frederico McGrath, Set Design by Sean Marbury, Lighting Design by Sebastian Paczynski, Sound Design by Seamus Naughton, Set Décor by Diana Marbury, Costume Design by Teresa LeBrun, Stage Management by Carlene DeScalo

Starring Matthew Conlon, Elora Von Rosch, Rick Grossman, Joe Mankowski, James M. Lotito, Jr., Anthony Arpino, Nora Moutrane, Jessica Howard, Andrew Gasparini, Kyle Breitenbach, Michael Sean Jones, and Alyssa Marino

Photo Credit: Tom Kochie Photo

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