Review of “Man of La Mancha”

By: Ilyse Liffreing



This fall season the Academy of the Performing Arts right here at Huntington Beach High School has already performed spectacularly this year in one of the most memorable performances of this touching musical. Beautifully written by Dale Wasserman, “Man of La Mancha” follows the story of a man, rather a knight, by the name of Don Quixote searching for his dream, his “impossible dream” with his squire Sancho by his side. Overcome by a love pure and daunting, he falls for the grimy wrench Aldonza, or Dulcinea who cannot understand his love for her. Through his journey, he displays a man whose soul cannot be harmed by the darkest of situations in order to “reach the unattainable sky.”

In this rendition of “Man of La Mancha” the whole set takes place in a dingy dungeon where the prisoners await the men of the inquisition to take them away to their deaths. Madness and filth hangs over the place and only the story Miguel De Cervantes (Don Quixote) brings to life can lighten up the place with his courage. “Woe to the wicked,” he cries and, “To be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause!” The techies, stage crew, and costumers perform magnificently in bringing this musical to life.

As the valorous Don Quixote, Alex Syiek displays wonders with his remarkable stage presence and stunning voice in such classics as “The Impossible Dream” and “Man of La Mancha” and “Dulcinea.” Jake Wells as the faithful Sancho adds charm and humor to the plot with such songs as “I Like Him” and “A Little Gossip.” His character choices for Sancho are right on target. Aly Lespier as the destroyed Aldonza shows off her powerful vocals in the numbers “It’s All the Same,” “What Does He Want of Me,” and “Aldonza.” She truly brings the drama to the stage and her part. Brain Wessels as the Innkeeper, Jared Marino as Padre, Jessica Wilson as Antonia, and Zak Witson as Dr. Carrasco support the leads tremendously as well as the ensembles: Multeteers, Moorish Dancers, and Prisoners.



Being a prisoner and production assistant of this musical I of course have my own bias set up, but from what I heard from others, this show inspires its viewers and carries the message of pure love and bravery beyond the fear of death. Overall, this musical performed at the Rose Center Theatre and directed by Tim Nelson was not afraid to “reach the unreachable star.”