Scaled-down 'La Mancha'
is big on entertainment

BILL FARK
For the North County Times

Don Quixote, the romantic titular hero in Miguel de Cervantes' novel, has traveled extensively since his first appearance in 1605. This first modern novel has been translated into practically every written language of the world and adapted as an opera, a ballet and numerous plays.

The Knight of the Woeful Countenance rode into North County last weekend. As "Man of La Mancha," Dale Wasserman, Mitch Lee and Joe Darion's popular musical version of the Don Quixote story, he once again set about defending the helpless and righting the wrongs of the world. In the process, the North Coast Repertory Theatre presented a modest but satisfying evening of entertainment.

The show is small in scale, but not in production values. Scenic designer Marty Burnett has expanded the small stage into public areas to provide performance space for a cast of 12. Co-directors Kathy Brombacher and Sean Murray's tight staging and Don Ward's close-in choreography work well within what is still a fairly small area.

The show is a play within a play. Cervantes, thrown into prison during the Spanish Inquisition, has to defend himself in a court of fellow prisoners. His method is to dramatize the novel he is working on. He takes the role of Don Quixote, with other parts filled by the inmates, who are also his jury and audience.

Murray cast himself as Cervantes/Quixote, with John C. Guth as Quixote's servant/companion/friend Sancho Panza. Other performers include North Coast regulars in strong principal roles: Sandy Campbell as the scullery maid Aldonza, Don Quixote's Lady Dulcinea, and Jim Chovick and Dagmar K. Fields as the Innkeeper and his wife.

Performances are pretty much all of a piece, all a bit broad for the small performing area. The actors took a long time to find a common rhythm on opening night, but got it right about halfway through the long first act.

Murray is onstage throughout and carries the greatest responsibility for the show's success. He is a capable actor who sometimes overemphasizes the comic aspects of Quixote's character, but captures every nuance of the knight errant's tender moments. His quiet scenes with Aldonza are very effective. He is less confident vocally, managing the demands of "The Impossible Dream" carefully.

Guth is a likable Sancho Panza, almost tail-waggish in showing affection for his eccentric master, but never missing a comic opportunity. Campbell plays Aldonza/Dulcinea as an interesting mix of beaten-down acceptance, angry flashes and reluctant humanity. Her voice is well-suited to the role, a warm mezzo with a good range and intense dramatic projection.

Chovick's familiar shtick is right for the character of Innkeeper and doubtful Master of the Castle. Ralph Johnson stands out vocally as a country priest, and David Radford is edgy as Don Quixote's nemesis, Dr. Carrasco.

Brian Imoto as the Barber has a funny scene with Quixote.

Other characters who add to the ambiance and overall quality of the production are Quixote's relatives, his fellow prisoners and muleteers. They are played by Nasli J. Heeramaneck, Carlos Martin, Tom Viveiros, Angelo D'Agostino-Wilimek and Joy Nicole Yandell, with everyone playing at least two roles.

Production values are high. Don LeMaster (keyboards), Rik Ogden (guitar) and Bix Bettwy (percussion) provide excellent musical accompaniment.