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'Man of La Mancha' has history at CVLT
(by Bob Abelman - September 24, 2009)
'Man of La Mancha' has history at CVLT
By BOB ABELMAN
This time last year, the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre produced "Guys and Dolls: In Concert," a stripped-down version of the 1951 Tony Award-winning musical performed with a full 25-piece orchestra on stage. The event ran for three performances, and, while other local theater companies struggle to find an audience, the CVLT facility sold out.
"It was a remarkable weekend," recalled Thomas Neff, president of the theater board. "So many of the CVLT faithful showed up."
"And," added Donald Edelman, who directed the production, "each performance was met with a standing ovation."
History repeats itself from Sept. 24 to 27, when the CVLT and the Chagrin Falls Studio Orchestra provide theatergoers with another limited-run show-in-concert. The classic musical "Man of La Mancha," directed by Mr. Edelman, with musical direction by Stephen Eva and choreography by Ida Porris, takes the stage.
Written with passion and compassion by Dale Wasserman, with enchanting music and lyrics by Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion, "Man of La Mancha" was first performed on Broadway in 1965 and has enjoyed successful New York revivals in 1972, 1977, 1992 and 2002.
The play takes place in the 16th century. An imprisoned author, Miguel Cervantes, spins a tale of the idealistic, foolish yet brave Knight of the Woeful Countenance -- Don Quixote de la Mancha -- while he waits for his interview with the Spanish Inquisition. In the tale, Quixote is accompanied by his down-to-earth sidekick Sancho Panza, who, according to the show's most memorable song, joins him on the quest to "dream the impossible dream. To fight the unbeatable foe. To bear with unbearable sorrow. To run where the brave dare not go."
By staging "Man of La Mancha," the CVLT also repeats history in a different sense, for this show was previously performed on the Chagrin Falls stage in 1970. In fact, it was the very first community theater production of "Man of La Mancha" in the country. Its five-week run generated the largest paid box office in the history of the theater. "People were literally sitting in the aisles," recalled Mr. Edelman, who played Sancho.
For the current incarnation, Frank Laukiavicious becomes Cervantes-Don Quixote, with Pat Mazzarino as Sancho and Rebecca Marks as Quixote's lady fair, the prostitute Aldonza. Other key roles are performed by Sharon Lloyd, Gene Karlen, Carol Ernst, Aubrey-Kristen Fisher and Christopher Aldrich.
Whether today or four decades ago, "Man of La Mancha" tells an evergreen story that dares its audience to "right the unrightable wrong. To love pure and chaste from afar. To try when your arms are too weary. To reach the unreachable star."
This production runs for only four performances, 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $25, with $20 specials for students and seniors on Thursday and Sunday. A reception will be held following the Sunday performance, and complimentary wine will be served during intermission at all performances. CVLT is at 40 River St. in Chagrin Falls. Call the box office from 1 to 6 p.m. at (440) 247-8955 for tickets.
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