Broadway’s Davis Gaines stars in stunning Man of La Mancha at Musical Theatre West

Vicki Paris Goodman
Culture Writer

I’ve loved the soundtrack from Man of La Mancha since childhood. But I’d never managed to attend a performance of the popular musical, of which the book by Dale Wasserman, music by Mitch Leigh, and lyrics by Joe Darion are nothing short of brilliant. So I’d say it was high time I saw the show. And what a show!
Anyone familiar with the songs from Man of La Mancha knows several of them are stand-alone sensations. But performed within their intended context they project unimaginable new layers of meaning and emotional impact.
The 1965 Tony Award-winning musical drama is set amid the unspeakable brutality of the Spanish Inquisition. The story finds playwright and poet Don Miguel de Cervantes in a prison awaiting his hearing. With his amiable and fiercely loyal squire, Sancho Panza, in tow, de Cervantes’s flowery rhetoric quickly sets him apart as an oddity within the collection of inmates.
In a mock trial held among the prisoners, de Cervantes presents his rather unorthodox defense in the form of a play in which each of the other inmates is enlisted to play a part.
De Cervantes himself takes on the role of Alonso Quijana, an eternally optimistic man who copes with his cruel circumstances by choosing to dwell within his own imagination. As such, he becomes Don Quixote de La Mancha, an “errant knight” of flawed skill but impeccable honor and moral integrity. He designates an embittered and untrusting serving girl and prostitute named Aldonza as his lady Dulcinea. Hence, Man of La Mancha embeds an elaborate dream sequence within a play within the play.
Musical-theater phenomenon Davis Gaines, who starred in Phantom on Broadway and elsewhere, delivers the title role with astounding vocal facility, timing, and sensitivity. His thrilling performances of the title song (“I, Don Quixote” ), “Dulcinea,” “Golden Helmet of Mambrino,” and “The Impossible Dream” are mesmerizing start to finish. His deep and melodious speaking voice is equally enthralling.
Gaines’s Don Quixote is at once brave, noble, and kind— a combination that stands in stark contrast to the vulgar and abusive behavior of the other male inmates.
In another glaring contrast to the buoyant Quixote, Gaines’s co-star Lesli Margherita’s Aldonza is coarse and angry. Unlike Quixote, she is all too grounded in her cold reality, viewing hers as a life of untold misery with no way out. Her situation is summed up in her rousing performance of “It’s All the Same.” As Aldonza, Margherita exudes a primitive sensuality, which is showcased throughout by Carlos Mendoza’s spot-on choreography.
A surprising highlight of the show is the exciting trio performance of “We’re Only Thinking of Him,” sung by Karenssa Kegear, Dynell Leigh, and Jason Webb.
Meanwhile, squire Sancho, played with jovial equanimity by Justin Robertson, looks after his fearless master. When questioned by the mystified Aldonza as to why he so loyally defends the seemingly crazy Quixote, Sancho renders a thoroughly endearing performance of “I Really Like Him.”
Quixote perseveres in his brand of respectful but persistent wooing until Aldonza’s indifference to him turns to curiosity, as of a strange phenomenon. Eventually she becomes enrolled in his dream only to find herself harshly plunged back into her soulless reality.
Yet another stirring highlight is the cruelly sweet “Little Bird, Little Bird,” sung by a chorus of cast members.
Worthy of mention is Sam Zeller, in the role of Pedro, whose muscular physicality makes a statement of its own, particularly in the scenes in which Aldonza is beaten by the men.
Everything about this production of Man of La Mancha is rousing and inspiring. Every scene appeals to the emotions and left me wanting more. Director Nick Degruccio has done a flawless job guiding his exceptionally talented cast. Musical director Matthew Smedal’s excellent orchestra, which features solo Spanish guitar in some of the musical numbers, performs live in the pit during each performance. Vocal performances are all outstanding. Run, don’t walk, to the box office (or phone or go online) to secure your tickets for this wondrous production of Man of La Mancha.

Musical Theatre West’s Man of La Mancha continues at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, located at 6200 E. Atherton St., on the campus of Cal State Long Beach, through Feb. 26. Performances are Thursday (2/23) at 8pm, Fridays (2/17, 2/24) at 8pm, Saturdays (2/18, 2/25) at 2pm and 8pm, Sunday (2/19) at 2pm and 7pm, and Sunday (2/26) at 2pm. Tickets start at $20 (plus a $3 per-ticket service charge) and can be purchased through the MTW Box Office at (562) 856-1999 x4 or online at musical.org.