BWW Reviews: NERTC Tackles MAN OF LA MANCHA

For its fall offering, the New England Regional Theatre Company mounted an ambitious and stirring production of Man of La Mancha at the Orion Performing Arts Center in Topsham, Maine. The sixteen-person cast and twelve-musician ensemble invested this touching revival with passion and intelligence. Directed by John Willey, the 1965 Dale Wasserman-Mitch Leigh-Joe Darrion musical based on Miguel de Cervantes' epic novel, Don Quixote still burns with intensity, idealism, and a much-needed antidote in a chaotic modern world - the courage and hope to "fight for the right" and follow the quest.

Willey strikes the right balance between comedy and drama, and he handles the musical's framing device - that of Cervantes recounting his tale in a prison of the Inquisition - with visual and theatrical aplomb. He keeps the entire cast on stage for the duration and uses the exceptionally wide Orion space inventively, so that the action flows naturally and his musical staging is completely organic. Moreover, he elicits from his actors a fervent luminosity that proves inspiring.

Rebecca Beck's musical direction is professional and fluid, while Dave Doyon leads the twelve-piece orchestra with energy and heart - few errant passages in the brass section and a slightly muffled sound due to the placing of musicians in the stage right box notwithstanding. Particular mention to onstage guitarist Brian Cullen for his lyrical playing in numbers like "Little Bird." Elizabeth Rancourt-Smith, Kyle Aarons, and Tracy Kapocious provide effective solutions to the choreographed numbers, especially the "Horse Dance" and the "Knight of the Mirrors." The set by John Willey consists of a series of moveable props, dominated by the moat-like walkway high above the stage; it creates the dark, dismal realm of the prison and then transforms readily into the inn and Alonso Quijana's house. Gerald Brann's lighting design cements the flow of the action and makes the subtle shifts between dream and reality. Devon Cromwell manages a well-balanced sound design for the large auditorium.

The cast led by Pat Scully as Don Quixote and Melanie Willey as Dulcinea give spirited performances. Scully brings a quiet dignity and the poetry of a gentle dreamer to the title role, and his creamy baritone handles the signature solos with ease. Ms. Willey embodies the Aldonza-Dulcinea transformation poignantly, and though the music may not be ideal for her naturally high soprano, she is masterful at delivering a song with dramatic intent, making her second act "Aldonza" is a highlight. Phil Chin makes a charming, elfin Sancho Panza - bumbling, yet endearing - and he employs his baritone to excellent effect.

Ben Proctor makes a strong impression as the Padre by virtue of his ample, well-schooled tenor, as does Jenny Brown with her lyrical soprano as Antonia. Kevin Gerber is a bemused Innkeeper with Tracy Kapocious as his shrewish wife. Clay Hawks brings to life a trio of pompous parts, most notably that of Don Carrasco, and Cathy Matero offers a vibrant spin as the Barber in "Golden Helmet of Mambrino." The four muleteers, Marc Rodriquez, Brian Cullen, Newton Dubs, and Ben Weston, are appropriately boorish. Marcelle La Chance (Housekeeper/Dancer), and Lindsay Barker (Fermina/Dancer) deliver some graceful choreographed interludes, while Mike Rowe rounds out the ensemble as Captain of the Inquisition.

Congratulations to this excellent community theatre group for daring to follow its quest and for measurably enhancing the landscape of Midcoast Maine theatre.

Photos Courtesy NERTC, Sararose Willey, photographer

MAN OF LA MANCHA ran November 7-9, 2014, at the Orion Center for the Performing Arts, Topsham, ME. For information on future productions, contact NERTC at nertc.org or 207- 798-6966

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