Man of La Mancha

Pasadena gets fantastically foolish this spring with A Noise Within's production of Dale Wasserman's celebrated "Man of La Mancha." The theatre, who always puts on exceptional classic material, presents this show with the proper passion worthy of the mad knight who is at the center of the story.

Director Julia Rodriguez-Elliott puts a fearless spin on the classic, giving us a refreshing take, which in turn makes it more modern and relatable. The show will continue its run of living its "impossible dream" through May 21.

The work is inspired by Miguel de Cervantes' "Don Quixote," with the author serving as the main character. Written by Wasserman, with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion, it has been performed thousands of times and has collected various Tony Awards.

Taking place during the Spanish Inquisition, the author and poet, played by the brilliant Geoff Elliot, finds himself in a prison where he must tell stories to his fellow inmates in order to survive. With the help of his squire, Sancho Panza, played amusingly by Kasey Mahaffy, Cervantes unfolds a tale of a man on the brink of insanity.

The story is presented as a play-within-a-play, with a whimsical story full of honor, love and loss. Don Quixote's musical adventures tell many tales, the most powerful being that of hope in a dark world.

Elliot is simply marvelous as the lead, taking command of the stage from beginning to end. He is as convincing as a shining knight as he is an old man on the threshold of a psychotic break and will make you fall in love as easily as he can break your heart. His delivery is powerful, amorous and will leave you in awe. Mahaffy offers much of the comic relief in the show as the adoring squire, displaying great chemistry with the leading man.

Playing the love interest in "Man de La Mancha," is the lovely Cassandra Marie Murphy. She plays the part of Aldonza with raw emotion that seems effortless. Her powerful vocals filled the theatre with pure magic; wait for her rendition of "Dulcinea" which drips with heartache.

Rodriguez-Elliott opted for a minimalist setting, executed flawlessly by scenic designer Fred Kinney. She states, "The modern-day setting -- a bleak, destitute 'holding tank' for prisoners -- is intentional. Reminiscent of third-world prisons and military detention centers, I want this La Mancha to feel personal, intimate, epic." Everything, from Kinney's design, to Angela Balogh Calin's costume design, to Ken Booth's lighting expertise, achieve her goal.

Musical direction is perfected by Melissa Sky-Eagle, who leads a talented orchestra through popular numbers like "Man of La Mancha," audience favorite "I'm Only Thinking of Him," "I Really Like Him," and of course, "The Quest." Her direction achieves a musical beauty that accompanies the story perfectly.

The power of storytelling lies at the heart of "Man of La Mancha," which makes it just that much more fitting as a closer of A Noise Within's remarkable 25th season. Storytelling forms the basis for a thriving arts and culture community, and this quaint theatre continuously keeps them alive through their extraordinary performances. Make sure you make your way to see "Man of La Mancha," and let the show take you on an adventure you won't soon forget.

"Man of La Mancha" runs through May 21 at A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd in Pasadena. For tickets and information, call 626-356-3100 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.