Man of La Mancha

"The Man of La Mancha," produced twice in the 1970s by John Kenley at Memorial Hall, is making a welcome return to Dayton for the next two weeks.
Opening with a preview on Thursday, Oct. 29, the Human Race Theatre Company is presenting the powerful two-act musical by Dale Wasserman at the Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton. The show directed by Scott Stoney opens officially on Friday and continues through Sunday, Nov. 15.
Set in the 16th century in a prison in the city of Seville, Spain, the entire action takes place there and in various places in the imagination of Miguel de Cervantes, otherwise known as Don Quixote.
In a rare stage appearance, Kevin Moore -- the Human Race executive director -- portrays the title role, heading a cast of more than a dozen supporting actors. Other leading roles are played by Melissa D'Amico as Aldonza and David C. Maxwell as Sancho Panza, Quixote's sidekick.
With music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion, the sumptuous score includes "The Impossible Dream," "Dulcinea,", "It's All the Same," "The Dubbing" and "Aldonza."
Local musical director Scot Woolley is helming the Loft musical direction for "The Man of La Mancha."
Incidentally, playwright Dale Wasserman spent more than three years relentlessly pursuing the life of Miguel de Cervantes before taking pen in hand to write this classic musical. His goal was to pay tribute to Cervantes indomitable spirit.
The Broadway production nearly 40 years with Richard Kiley in the lead role literally galvanized audiences as well as the critics.
Tickets for the Human Race production range from $29 to $36. For ticket information, call 228-3630 or visit online at www.ticketcenterstage.com