Dream The Impossible Dream With MAN OF LA MANCHA In Cambridge

The 2018 Season continues on high note this fall with the epic Broadway musical Man of La Mancha on stage at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge (formerly Dunfield Theatre Cambridge) from October 10 to November 4. This timeless tale of love and redemption starring Artistic Director Alex Mustakas as Don Quixote is sure to enthrall audiences with its enchanting melodies and grand theatrical transformations.

At the end of the 16th century, in a bleak dungeon, the imprisoned playwright Miguel de Cervantes is awaiting trial by the dreaded Spanish Inquisition. But first he must face a court of fellow prisoners anxious to relieve him of his few possessions - including a precious unfinished manuscript. In order to save himself, Cervantes proposes a trial in which he will prove the merit of the manuscript through a re-enactment, enlisting his fellow prisoners as characters in his play. Together, they tell the story of the aged Alonso Quijana, who believes himself to be a knight errant named Don Quixote on a quest to attain an impossible dream. Against all odds, Quixote and his trusty squire Sancho Panza embark on a chivalrous journey to seek out the good and innocent in a world filled with darkness. Through the story, all the prisoners - at least for a moment - are transformed. The mad Don Quixote may think a windmill to be a giant, and a tavern to be a castle, but along the way he also transforms a wretched woman into a beautiful lady - and proves that an old man's belief can truly make him a hero.

Considered one of the greatest musicals of all time, Man of La Mancha is famous both for its inspiring story and memorable songs like "I, Don Quixote (Man of La Mancha)", "Dulcinea", "It's All The Same" and the iconic anthem "The Impossible Dream". Anchored by its breathtaking score, Man of La Mancha takes audiences through the entire spectrum of human emotion from laughter to tears, as it explores the noble themes of idealism and courage in the face of despair.

David Hogan, who is currently the Co-Artistic Director of the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, directs this production. Hogan has worked as a professional director, producer, choreographer, actor and dancer for more than 35 years, appearing at the Stratford and Shaw Festivals for many seasons. Hogan previously directed Godspell, Songs of Sinatra, Hollywood Sings and Broadway Heroes for Drayton Entertainment. He is joined by Music Director Konrad Pluta, Set Designer Allan Wilbee, Costume Designer Jessica Pembleton and Lighting Designer Kevin Fraser.

The outstanding 20-member cast is led by Alex Mustakas playing three parts including Cervantes, Don Quixote and Alonso Quijana. It has been a lifelong dream for him to be in this show. Mustakas saw the national tour of Man of La Mancha at the O'Keefe Centre for the Performing Arts (now the Sony Centre) on a high school trip in 1979 and was so affected by Richard Kiley's portrayal the title role that he became determined to have a professional career in the performing arts. Although he mostly directs and oversees Drayton Entertainment these days, Mustakas has appeared on stage in a variety of roles including The Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance, Franklin Hart Jr. in 9 To 5: The Musical and Captain Hook in Peter Pan: The Panto, among many others.

"Man of La Mancha has special meaning for me, as it largely inspired me to pursue a career in the performing arts," says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director & CEO for Drayton Entertainment. "I'm both excited and intimidated to step into the boots of Don Quixote and tell this remarkable story alongside an exceptional company of artists."

Aaron Walpole will play his faithful companion, Sancho Panza. A former Canadian Idol semi-finalist, Walpole has built a very successful stage career appearing in Les Misérables and Jesus Christ Superstar on Broadway and on the national tour of Kinky Boots, among other shows. He has appeared in several productions for Drayton Entertainment including Rock of Ages, Honk!, The Drowsy Chaperone, West Side Story, and Disney's The Little Mermaid.

Kelly Holiff takes on the demanding role of lowly servant girl Aldonza, who is idolized by Don Quixote as the virtuous Dulcinea. Holiff won praise earlier this season as Ursula in Disney's The Little Mermaid and as a featured vocalist in Kings & Queens of Country.

Renowned Canadian baritone Curtis Sullivan takes on the role of Cervantes' prison adversary The Duke and then Quixote's nemesis, Dr. Carrasco. Amber Tomlin, who played Maria in West Side Story earlier this season, is Antonia. Andrew Scanlon is The Padre with veteran actor Victor A. Young as The Governor and Innkeeper.

The talented company also includes Graeme Goodhall as Tenorio, Dani Jazzar as Paco, Susan JohnstonCollins as Maria, Amanda Leigh as Alonso's Housekeeper, Anthony MacPherson as Jose, Jamie McKnight as Juan, Dan Payne as the Captain of the Inquisition, Kale Penny as Anselmo, Drew Plummer as Guard/Knight, Tim Porter as The Barber, Brent Thiessen as Pedro, Jennifer Thiessen as Fermina/Moorish Girl, and Samuel Van Dusen as Guard/Knight.

Based on Cervantes' 1612 novel Don Quixote, Man of La Mancha is a moving musical masterpiece that was one of the first shows to musicalize a piece of historical literature. Written by Dale Wasserman with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion, Man of La Mancha opened Off-Broadway in 1965 and was an immediate critical success. It transferred to Broadway in 1968, winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The musical has been revived four times on Broadway, becoming one of the most enduring works in the musical theatre canon.

Man of La Mancha is proudly sponsored by JG Group of Companies. The Media Sponsors are the Jewel 92 Brantford, KX 94.5 Hamilton and The Hamilton Spectator. The Design Sponsors are Schiedel Construction and Martin Simmons Architects. The Orchestra Sponsor is Tri-City Pianos. The 2018 Season Media Sponsor is CTV. The 2018 Season is sponsored by John & Terry Hamilton.

Regular performance tickets are $46 for adults, $27 for youth under 20 years of age, and $37 for groups of 20 or more and select Discount Dates. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.

Man of La Mancha is on stage from October 10 to November 4. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge (formerly Dunfield Theatre Cambridge) Box Office, online at www.draytonentertainment.com or by calling (519)-621-8000or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).

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