Paul A. White/Special to the Reporter-News
Taylor Huff, left, Joshua Alexander and Richard Gomez in ACU’s “Man of La Mancha.” At the Abilene Civic Center Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
I got a sneak peek at Abilene Christian University’s “Man of La Mancha” Wednesday night, sitting in the Abilene Civic Center as the cast and crew went through its last rehearsal before the final dress on Thursday.
Given that the musical debuted in 1964, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I found another play of that era, “Camelot” to feel dated and actually left at intermission when I saw it some time ago. But I went into this with an open, and just the slightest bit skeptical, mind.
But when I walked into the nearly empty auditorium and saw the set, it stunned me speechless. ACU alum and professional scenic designer David Utley created a towering set that seemed to grow organically out of the floor of the stage. The set alone is worth the price of admission, but stick around for the engaging night of theater to follow.
The brick walls and iron gates became the setting for an enchanting story revolving around a magical storyteller. Miguel Cervantes is thrown into prison to be interrogated by the Inquisition. When his fellow prisoners want to put him on trial, he requests that he be allowed to present his defense in the method he knows best — charades, or theatrical vignettes.
Cervantes becomes Don Quixote, man of La Mancha. He is accompanied and supported by his man servant, Sancho Panza, who is loyalty personified. Quixote quickly pulls the rest of the prisoners into his world of make believe.
Another key player is Aldonza, the kitchen maid/prostitute, who becomes Quixote’s muse and ideal of womanhood. He renames her Dulcinea, which roughly translates to “sweetheart.”
Joshua Alexander, as Quixote, and Richard Gomez, as Sancho, capture our attention from the moment they walk into the dungeon. Alexander’s Quixote stands tall and certain of himself, despite his dingy surroundings. Gomez strikes a solid balance between being funny and standing with his master.
As Quixote and Sancho mount their “horse” and “donkey” (wooden racks), I could easily imagine them riding through the countryside searching for those in need of their help. Alexander, clad in rusty armor, with his beard and face covered in aging makeup, transforms from a college student into an idealistic old man, filled with fervor and purpose.
When Gomez sings “I Like Him,” he made me smile and laugh and feel the admiration Sancho has for Quixote. His performance throughout the play charmed me.
Huff as Dulcinea portrayed her character’s contempt and confusion and eventual acceptance of Quixote adroitly, showing her toughness and her vulnerability at key moments. When she fights off the muleteers and they abduct her, I felt every flinch and every blow.
The cast did a fabulous job, especially the men who repeatedly mock and assault Aldonza/Dulcinea. They pulled off menacing particularly well. Jonathan Steffins, who played Padre Perez, brought Eddie Redmayne to mind, from his waving curls to his mannerisms.
Behind the scenes, like any great theater production, stands a strong team, from guest director and ACU alum Jesse Galvan, also an Abilene native, and ACU’s Kari Hatfield, assistant director, Jeannette Lipford, vocal director, Sandy Freeman, costume director, and Gary Varner, tech director.
Once again, the ACU homecoming delivers.
