Launching its 28th season, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre opens with the classic Broadway musical, Man of La Mancha, on Friday June 25 at the DeWitt Mainstage Theatre.
Few figures from literature are more enchanting than Cervantes' Don Quixote, and this rendition of the "knight of woeful countenance" in his pursuit of the Impossible Dream is a powerful blend of fantasy, romance, tragedy, comedy, and adventure. Whether he is battling windmills or defending the honor of his "lady," Don Quixote's story weaves the story of our dreams with humor that has spanned centuries. Although transferred to the silver screen many years ago, the music that has moved audiences for decades comes fully to life on the stage.
The cast is headed by a team of three talented Equity Guest Artists: newcomers Fabio Polanco as Cervantes, Heather Ayers as Aldonza, and audience favorite Dana Snyder (from The Compleat Wks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged)) as the devoted Sancho Panza.
OBIE award-winning Thomas Bullard returns to HSRT for an eighth consecutive season to direct this lively and touching tale. His past HSRT directing credits include 1776, 42nd Street, Much Ado About Nothing, and To Kill a Mockingbird. Bullard did his graduate work in Directing at the acclaimed Yale School of Drama. He now serves as head of graduate directing at Brooklyn College City University of New York, and is the founding director of the Manhattan Theatre Club.
Fred Tessler brings the triumphant and moving music to life as the Musical Director, while Meribeth Kisner-Griffin provides choreography. The period costumes are designed by Jenny Kenyon, and the stunning set by Brian Bembridge. Wally Holden is the lighting designer, and sound design is arranged by Richard Ingraham.
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This unforgettable musical will be performed on June 25, 26, 29, 30, July 1, 8, 13, 15, 17, 21, 29, 31, August 5, 14, 18, 21, 25, and 28 at 8:00 p.m., with a matinee performance on August 12 at 2:00 p.m. Two shows have already sold out, so buy your tickets soon. Also, be sure to reserve tickets for other HSRT productions this summer, which include the clever comedy Sylvia, drama and suspense in Twelve Angry Men, the 1960's rock n' roll "soap" opera, SUDS, Shakespeare's classic The Tempest, Back to Backstreet! (a second taste of Broadway cabaret at Backstreet Restaurant and Brew Pub) and two productions of the Children's Performance Series: "Free to Be…You and Me, and Mutiny in the Library.
Tickets are available now. The ticket office is located in the DeWitt Center, on the Hope College campus at the corner of 12th Street and Columbia Avenue. Prices range from $14-$22 for musicals, and $10-$17 for plays, with discount prices for children 12 and under. Season coupons, ranging from $37-$66, are also available. Ticket office hours are 10-5 Monday through Friday, noon-5 on Saturday, and one hour before all showtimes. Tickets can also be purchased by calling (616) 395-7890.