WBT to Stage MAN OF LA MANCHA This March

Man of La Mancha, set in 17th century Spain, is a powerful blend of tragedy, romance, comedy and adventure. The musical tells the story of Miguel de Cervantes' wrongful imprisonment during the Spanish Inquisition. In his defense, Cervantes shares the elaborate tale of Don Quixote. Backed by his faithful sidekick, Sancho Panza, Don Quixote pursues his quest for the Impossible Dream. He is a man who sees good and innocence in a world filled with darkness and despair. This inspiring musical invites the audience to explore the contrast between the reality of Cervantes' prison cell and the dream of Quixote's quest for perfection.

The story is both very entertaining and very moving, and will warm the heart of everyone whose spirits were ever raised by the prospect of a victory by the underdog against all the odds. The score is a musical delight and contains one of the most poignant moments in musical theatre as Don Quixote relates his personal credo in "The Impossible Dream".

Man Of La Mancha is adapted from Dale Wasserman's non-musical 1959 teleplay "I, Don Quixote", which was in turn inspired by Miguel de Cervantes and his seventeenth-century masterpiece, "The Adventures Of Don Quixote". The original telecast starred Lee J. Cobb, Colleen Dewhurst and Eli Wallach.

Man of La Mancha was first performed at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Connecticut in 1964. The original 1965 Broadway production ran for 2,328 performances and won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The musical has been revived four times on Broadway, becoming one of the most enduring works of musical theatre.

We are thrilled to bring this classic hit musical to the WBT stage! David Wasson will direct the show. The Associate Director/Choreographer is Michael Dauer, The Musical Director is Patrick Hoagland.

Our production stars:. Taking the stage as Don Quixote/Cervantes will be veteran Broadway performer Paul Schoeffler. The role of Aldonza is played by Michelle Dawson. Gary Marachek provides some comic relief as Quixote's sidekick, Sancho Panza. Geoff Belliston is the kindly innkeeper, Ian Knauer plays Dr. Carrasco. Sarah Hanlon plays Antonia and Alan M-L Wager is the Padre.

Featuring the talents of: Jose Antonio, Joanne Borts, Eric Briarley, David Cantor, Alan Gillespie, John Paul LaPorte, Gabriella Perez, Diego Rios, Dougie Robbins, Corinne Scott, and Joseph Torello.

Set and Costume Design is by Michael Bottari and Ronald Case, Lighting Design is by Andrew Gmoser, Sound Design is by Jonathan Hatton, Steve Loftus is the Technical Director, The Costume Coordinator is Matthew Hemesath, James Jelkin is the Fight Director, The Production Stage Manager is Victor Lukas, properties are by Grumpy Props. Lisa Tiso is the Associate Producer.

Paul Schoeffler (Cervantes/Don Quixote) Broadway: Rock of Ages (Hertz), Sweet Charity (Vidal opp. Christina Applegate) Peter Pan (Hook, for A&E) Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), Cyrano (Le Bret) Nine, Victor/Victoria, Sunday in the Park with George. Off Broadway; Wintertime opposite Marsha Mason at Second Stage, Martin Luther on Trial at the Pearl, No Way to Treat a Lady, The Fantasticks and The Cherry Orchard. National Tours include Javert in Les Miserables and Sheldrake in Promises/Promises. Regional: world premieres of Yeston/Kopit's Phantom, Ahrens/Flaherty's The Glorious Ones, numerous productions as Higgins in My Fair Lady and Don Quixote in La Mancha (Barrymore and Broadway World noms for best actor). NY concert work includes Broadway by the Year and Broadway Unplugged at Town Hall and 54 Below. TV: Person of Interest, Law And Order, Guiding Light, All My Children, Midnight Caller and numerous seasons of Courage the Cowardly Dog.

David Wasson (Director) brings 40 years of experience as an actor, director and writer to Man Of La Mancha. He honed his directing skills under the tutelage of Tony Award winning Director Albert Marre. He worked with Pulitzer and Tony Award winner, Director Joshua Logan and Tony winner, Director Martin Charnin. His first professional job was in the first (1972) Broadway revival of Man Of La Mancha at Lincoln Center, with mentor and life-long friend, Richard Kiley. He did the Broadway revivals in 1977 and 1992, the '77 run with Mr. Kiley and the '92 run with Raul Julia. He has performed or understudied every male principal role and has logged almost 1400 performances of the show in that 30 year span, and assisted Mr. Marre in the direction of the '92 revival and the '98 national tour. He is forever grateful to Richard Kiley, Albert Marre and Mitch Leigh, who shaped him as an actor, director and producer. For the past 3 years David has turned to film making, as both writer and director. His first independent feature, "Do You Think I'm Pretty?" garnered both the prestigious "Accolade" Award and the Indie Gathering's "Blue Star Award." His second film "Best Served Cold" will be hitting the festival circuit this summer.

Reservations: Call (914)-592-2222. Also at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com

Group Reservations: Discounts for Groups of 20 or More: Call 592-2225.

Luxury Boxes: Call 592-8730, for private parties of 6 to 22. Enjoy dining and theatre in an elegant private box. Additional features include an expanded dinner menu, hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, private powder room, and Luxury Box reserved parking. Additional cost, call for details.

Ticket Prices Dinner & Show range between $56.00 and $84.00 PLUS TAX depending on the performances chosen. Beverage Service & Gratuities are not included in the ticket price. Discounts are available for children, students, and senior citizens at selected performances. Also check the website for on-going Special Offers! More news at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com

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