Fri, Nov 20 2009
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Published June 17, 2009 05:27 pm - WEEKENDER for June 19, 2009: It is difficult to put aside remembrances of productions past, but in the case of “Man of La Mancha,” now on the stage of Straw Hat Theatre on the grounds of the Ashtabula Arts Center, it is a necessity. ‘Man of La Mancha’ uplifting experience A REVIEW By ROGER SMITH ASHTABULA — It is difficult to put aside remembrances of productions past, but in the case of “Man of La Mancha,” now on the stage of Straw Hat Theatre on the grounds of the Ashtabula Arts Center, it is a necessity.
Directors’ interpretations are just that, and it is necessary to write about what is seen on stage rather than compare to other performances — good or bad. I often wonder why Pablo Picasso undertook to render his vision of Don Quixote. Then I think that he didn't just draw or paint with abandon, but with a purpose in mind — for us to see something as he saw it. That was Don Quixote's goal, too: Quixote felt it was lunacy to see the world as it was rather than how it should be. He saw the good and beauty in all as he made the effort to add a measure of grace to the world. Ultimately, the moral is that each of us can do that. Though "Man of La Mancha" is a tough undertaking for community theater, the cast at Straw Hat Theatre does an admirable job with this production. As a mater of fact, there are some excellent portions that bring tears and loud applause — especially in the second act . Bob Godfrey, cast in the title role, undoubtedly has one of the finest voices ever heard on the Straw Hat stage, and in this production he wows — especially with his rendition of “The Impossible Dream.” His sidekick, Sancho Panza, is played by Curtiss Barron. Barron has become a mainstay in local theater because his talent dictates that he should be. His performance as Sancho was delightful. Though thin of voice when compared to Godfrey, Lydia Weeden as Aldonza/Dulcinea caught the spirit of the maidservant/wench and was convincing in her roles. Fred Robsel as the innkeeper and the governor of the prison offered his usual first-class performance. The choreography by Tessa White and Clay Nielsen (fight) was just enough and well executed. Kudos goes to Deborah Inks as the music director for directing an orchestra that was very pleasant to hear. It is evident that this cast, crew and director Douglas E. Anderson made every effort to put together an enjoyable, uplifting production of a show that is sometimes presented as a’downer’ All in all, “Man of La Mancha” is worth sallying forth to see. Tickets may be ordered by phoning the arts venter box office at 964-3396. You can catch the show tonight, Saturday and Sunday and June 25, 26 and 27. Curtain time for each performance is 8 p.m. 
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