by Paula Kaplan-Reiss
The Tony award winning Man of La Mancha was a virtual soundtrack of my childhood when the album was released in 1965. The yellow cover illustrated by Al Hirschfeld is a vivid memory, as is the voice of Richard Kiley as Cervantes/Don Quixote singing the classic The Impossible Dream. As a six-year-old, I was clueless as to what the story was about. But, I loved all the songs. While I saw one unmemorable production at the George Street Playhouse in New Jersey decades ago, I looked forward to seeing this musical at The Two of Us Productions at Copake Grange.
Taking place in 16th Century Spain in the time of the Inquisition, the play within a play is held in a dungeon in Seville Spain. Miguel de Cervantes, a failed author-soldier-actor and tax collector has been arrested by the Inquisition and thrown into a dungeon with his manservant, Sancho Panza for foreclosing on a monastery. Faced with other prisoners about to beat him and rob him of his possessions, the ‘Governor’ decides to try Cervantes for his offenses. Charged with being an idealist and a bad poet, Cervantes pleads guilty and offers up a play in his defense, enlisting the help of the other prisoners as performers. He goes into his trunk and turns himself into Alonso Quijano, or Don Quixote de La Mancha, a man who has been driven mad by his desire to become a knight and fight for justice.
At times, the story that is told is convoluted, as I struggle to determine what and who is real and what is portrayed as drama in service of the leading character, Cervantes/Quixote (Mark Leinung). What is clear is Cervantes sees the good in people which distracts him from seeing reality. The prisoners and Muleteers are not an empathic group, often being physically abusive and making fun of Quixote. As a tragicomic character, Quixote clings to the ideas of nobility including honor and romance, wanting to see the world as it should be.
When Sancho (Keith Allerton) is asked why he follows Quixote, he answers simply through song, I Really Like Him.
Quixote decides Aldonza (Constance Lopez), a scullery maid and prostitute in the prison is his lady, Dulcinea. Frustrated with being seen as a better woman than she sees herself, Aldonza rejects his vision of her. She asks, What Does he Want of Me? She is not used to receiving kindness without having to give something in return.
Other characters in Quixote’s story include Antonia (Karissa Payson), his niece who is engaged to Duke/Dr. Carrasco (Zachary Wobensmith), a man who is cynical and narcissistic, and concerned about marrying into the family of a madman. Together with the priest, Padre (Zachary Nayer) and the Housekeeper (Cyndi Miller), they sing, I’m Only Thinking of Him in lovely harmony.
Wishing to be dubbed a knight, he asks the Innkeeper (Mason Lowe), whom he perceives as a nobleman to grant him knighthood. The Innkeeper calls him Don Quixote de La Mancha, Knight of the Woeful Countenance, a song the company sings, due to how battered and bruised he presents. Quixote wears his knighthood proudly.
Mark Leinung has a difficult job stepping into Richard Kiley’s shoes. At times he is successful when he projects confidence while he sings. While he has a lovely voice, he does not always seem comfortable. Yet, he does play a sympathetic character to which the audience responds warmly. The Impossible Dream, a big moment, is delivered competently.
Lopez, a mainstay and choreographer for this production and this theater, fits right into the role of Aldonza/Dulcinea, with her brassy, sassy performance. While she has the vocal range, the strength of her voice is not always as strong as this role requires. Her songs are not easy and truly demand amazing vocals. Yet, she is undaunted and projects ease in her character. While rebuffing Quixote’s adoration, we are moved when she longs to be Quixote’s Dulcinea as he is dying and no longer remembers her. Her strongest number is Aldonza.
At times Allerton as Sancho projects more strength and confidence than did Leinung as Quixote. I questioned his position as sidekick. Yet, his performance is satisfying.
Nayer displays a beautiful voice as Padre and is suited to this role and is the understandable Vocal Director for this musical. When singing To Each His Dulcinea, however, he seems over-choreographed rather than using his natural instincts to convey the lyrics.
The strongest voice belongs to Wobensmith in the unlikable characters of The Duke and Dr. Carrascaro. His strong professional theater background is evident.
While Diane Barkstrom dances well as the Gypsy Dancer, the fight scenes seem choreographed and directed by Stephen Sanborn less effectively. Never easy to present a believable physical conflict on-stage, I am not pulled into the skirmish involving most of the company. The scene where Aldonza is attacked works more effectively.
Sanborn does an incredible job conducting a full orchestra behind a wall next to the stage. How fortunate to have eight wonderful musicians to play this iconic score and follow this cast perfectly.
Sanborn is also responsible for the simple set, lighting and sound design of the 16th century dungeon. With stools, a steamer trunk, and grey columns, as well as projections of a windmill and a church, the setting is adequately conveyed.
Costumes by Lopez ably present the different characters in period appropriate wear. Various props including swords, helmets, and mirrored shields are used when the Knight of the Mirrors and his gang force Quixote to see himself as others see him. When the Barber (Matt Leinung) wears a gold wash basin on his head, Quixote sees a Golden Helmet of Mambrino, which the company sings to the barber.
Man of La Mancha, presented by The Two of Us Productions & RARE Inc., may not live faithfully up to my childhood memories, yet gives an earnest production that the practically full house happily enjoyed. Following the storyline (and recounting it for this review) is not simple. But, the themes of looking for the good in others and questing after the Impossible Dream are worthwhile goals which we must always pursue.
The Two of Us Productions & RARE, Inc. presents “Man of La Mancha”, book by Dale Wasserman, music by Mitch Leigh, and lyrics by Joe Darion, direction and musical direction by Stephen Sanborn, from November 6-13, 2026, at the Copake Grange on Empire Road in Copake, NY. CAST: Mark Leinung as Miguel de Cervantes/Alonso Quijana/eDon Quixote, Keith Allerton as Sancho, Connie Lopez as Aldonza, Mason Lowe as the Inn Keeper, Karissa Payson as Antonia, Cyndi Miller as the Housekeeper, Zachary Nayer as the Padre, Zachary Wobensmith as Dr. Carrasco, Matt Leinung as Pedro and the Barber, Brandon Macey as Anselmo, Diane Barkstrom as the Gypsy Dancer, Fran Martino as a Muleteer and Knight Attendant, and John Peterson as the Captain. CREATIVE TEAM: Set, lighting, and sound design by Stephen Sanborn, costume design by Constance Lopez
Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees are at 3pm. The comfortable & accessible Theater at the Copake Grange is located at the Copake Grange Hall located at 628 Empire Road in Copake NY, right around the corner from the clocktower in the center of town. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for Students & Seniors. Please call for Group Rates. For advance reservations visit www.TheTwoOfUsProductions.org or call 518-771-1003.