Photo Flash: Meet Davis Gaines and the Stars of MAN OF LA MANCHA at Orlando Shakes

Broadway veteran Davis Gaines and innovative in-the-round seating will be featured in Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF's (Orlando Shakes) production of Man of La Mancha. The multi-Tony Award-winning musical will run from September 6 - October 8, 2017 in the Margeson Theater. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast in character below!

Inspired by one of the greatest novels in Western literature, Man of La Mancha brings the audience into the world of the "mad knight" Don Quixote as he pursues his quest for the impossible dream. The internationally acclaimed musical is a glorious affirmation of the unyielding resilience of the human spirit. Featuring the classic song "The Impossible Dream," this timeless tale of love and adventure continues Orlando Shakes' streak of bringing the best of Broadway to the intimate Margeson Theater.

The decision to move Man of La Mancha into in-the-round seating came about as a solution to better meet the needs of audiences. Transforming the Margeson Theater into in-the-round seating will create an additional 69 seats, for a total of 390 tickets eligible to be sold per performance. It will also create a unique live theater environment that is rarely experienced in Central Florida.

Broadway veteran Davis Gaines will return to Orlando Shakes to star as Don Quixote. Best known for playing the title role in The Phantom of the Opera more than 2,000 times in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Gaines was last seen at Orlando Shakes in their 2015 production of Monty Python's SPAMALOT. Gaines also starred in the Theater's 2014 production of Les Misérables. Other Broadway and National Tour credits include Hello, Dolly! (with Carol Channing), Camelot (with Richard Burton) and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (with Alexis Smith).

Starring opposite Gaines as Aldonza is Laura Hodos. Hodos is a four-time Carbonell Award nominee and New Times Critic's Choice for best supporting actress in 2016. She has been seen in the new Frank Wildhorn musical, Bonnie and Clyde (Asolo Repertory Theatre), in the premiere production of Jolson at the Winter Garden (Maltz Jupiter Theatre), and in 1776 (Mad Cow Theatre). Hodos' cabaret, The Bard Takes Broadway was produced by Orlando Shakes for UCF Celebrates the Arts 2017.

Additional casting includes Matt Zambrano as Sancho, E. Mani Cadet as the Innkeeper, Patrick Oliver Jones as Dr. Carrasco, Victor Souffrant as the Padre, Alexander Mrazek as Pedro, Andrew Meidenbauer as the Barber, Alina Alcantara as Maria, Melanie Farber as Fermina, Fredy Ruiz and Shonn McCloud as Muleteer, and Deirdre Manning as Antonia.

Making his Orlando Shakes directorial debut is Nick DeGruccio. Recent directing credits include the Southern California Premiere of First Date (La Mirada Theatre), Sondheim's Company (Cabrillo Music Theatre), and the LA Regional Premiere of Next To Normal (La Mirada Theatre). DeGruccio also previously directed Gaines in Musical Theatre West's production of Man of La Mancha in 2012.

Musical Director Michael Raabe's past directing credits include Disenchanted! (Theatre at St. Clements/Westside Theatre), Hairspray (American Stage in the Park), End of the Rainbow (freeFall Theatre), and The Boy from Oz (TheatreZone).

The Orlando Shakes artistic team also includes Choreographer Kim Ball, Scenic Designer Jim Hunter, Lighting Designer Bert Scott, Costume Designer Denise R. Warner, Sound Designers Craig Beyrooti and Trevor Peters, Audio Engineer Britt Sandusky, AEA Stage Manager Laura Lockner, and AEA Assistant Stage Manager Stacy Renee Norwood.

Tickets ($18 - $65) can be purchased by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, online at www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 E. Rollins St.).

Photo Credit: Luke Evans

Davis Gaines as Don Quixote

Laura Hodos as Aldonza

Matt Zambrano as Sancho

Laura Hodos as Aldonza, Matt Zambrano as Sancho, and Davis Gaines as Don Quixote