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Writer's pictureJeanné McCartin

REVIEW: Man of La Mancha at the Rep





WHAT: Man of La Mancha
WHERE: Seacoast Repertory Theatre
BLURB: A Beautifully Textured Production
HIGH POINT: Outstanding Talent Across the Board

TL;DR: A refreshing, and contemporary production of a classic, which makes the inquisition relevant. Smashing visuals and performances.

It's hard to know how to put this, without angering longtime Man of La Mancha fans. But, hear me out.

Yes, it's a great musical, with some of the theater's more memorial and haunting tones. But quite honestly it's become tired over the years, largely due to productions that "phone it in," using its original die and tone.

The Seacoast Rep production does not present the orthodox, which is why this is an incredibly exciting show. It departs from the formulaic in many ways; a futuristic dystopia setting, costuming that lacks La Mancha's traditional markings, a female Cervantes, and much more. It's as if someone put technicolor to an old black and white - though the production is largely done in grays.

These elements make this piece contemporary, exciting and above all heartbreakingly relevant to today.

"La Mancha" is the story of Cervantes, (Shaina Schwartz) a performer/poet incarcerated along with their assistants, during this future inquisition. Before the official state passes judgement on them, they are brought before the prison court, comprised of political prisoners (such as Cervantes), thieves, murderers etc., and who are led by "The Governor" (Ben Hart).
In their own defense Cervantes performs a play, employing the aid of cellmates to tell the story of Don Quixote.
A good man, Quixote is damaged by life's difficulties and retreats into a world of his own making. He imagines himself a knight pursuing righteousness and along with his trusted companions goes on the road looking for wrongs to right.

Quixote imagines windmills as giants, a shaving basin as a holy relic and a tavern peasant as a high-born lady.

Harsh reality, and a family that insistence he be cured, takes its toll on his thin grasp on reality.

The musical sports a few of theater's most recognizable tunes, The Impossible Dream, Man of La Mancha, and Dulcinea, among others.

Now, to set the stage with the affecting visuals.

Ben Hart and Brandon James' set makes a potent impact. The audience peers through a 15-feet mesh fence topped by barbed wire, which rings the performance space, (not obstructive).

The stage, awash in gray, with the occasional splash of blue or yellow light, is arranged with tiered boxes, bleachers of a sort, and a working water fall.
Kelly Gibson's lighting is moody, striking, and evocative.

DW's artful costuming is done in a range of grays, with small flashes of color in harmonious values. The style and silhouettes are evocative of a grime futuristic period and go a long way in marking the piece.

And now to the dynamic players who make this stage a portal to another world that is current, past and future.
Shaine Schwartz makes for a phenomenal Cervantes/Don Quixote. As the former they are charming, and as the character Quixote from the play-within-a-play's, they are impeccable.

Schwartz's Quixote is passionate, vibrant, childlike, and yes, delusional. As such they tear at the heart with an incredibly moving performance.

And then there are the songs - each perfectly delivered by Schwartz, with a particularly moving rendition of "The Impossible Dream," which rightfully received cheers and applauds from the audience.

Sancho is performed by two actors Gabriel Silva, the principle who signs the role, and Tobin Moss, his shadow, who voices it, and appears more a companion. The two could not be more perfect, symbiotic and endearing, both offer outstanding and captivating performances.
The signing is smartly directed and performed in an organic way, making it appear scripted. The effect is beautiful and adds interesting texture to the piece.
Alexandra Mullaney (photo above) as Aldonzo is another standout in this cast of riches. Everything is right, the attitude, edges, and softening. And then there's that voice - stellar.

Ben Hart plays the Governor, stepping in for Jamie Bradley. Here again, a splendid performance; a subtle but commanding character, who sports a spot-on voice.

To a person this cast of 23 hands in strong work, including Jason Faria, Isabel Ginsberg, Jennifer Bubriski, Alyssa Dumas, Matt Kasnetz and others.
Every solo, no matter its length, is laced with character. And the collective ensemble soars, creating a pleasing and impressive sound.
Musical Director Walter "Bobby" McCoy has put together a band of excellence that creates a full, rich, impactful sound - prominent, yet never overpowering.

Much of the show's success is due to the significant vision of Directors Ben Hart and Brandon James; its look, casting, and staging. They deliver a vibrant, perfectly-timed work that brings a classic into the current and breaths fresh air through its soul.
This production of a classic musical is full of surprise, eloquent visuals, moving music and exceptional performances. It is most definitely worth your precious, discretionary time.

Warning: there is a hard to watch attach on a woman, which could be difficult for some viewers.

WHERE: Seacoast Repertory Theater, 123 Bow St., Portsmouth, NH
WHEN: through Mar. 5
COST: $35 to $60
CONTACT: (603) 433-4472; https://seacoastrep.org

STATS
Book by: Dale Wasserman,
Music by: Mitch Leigh
Lyric by: Joe Darion

Director: Ben Hart and Brandon James
Choreographers: Jason Faria and Alyssa Dumas
Music Director: Walter "Bobby" McCoy

Designers
Scenic: Hart and James
Lighting: Kelly Gibson
Sound: Andrew Cameron


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