It was a solemn scene with chains and bars accompanied only by candlelight. A spotlight and a single pirouette performed flawlessly by one of the male troupe members accompanied by a Spanish song set the mood of the Music Circus sensation The Man of La Mancha.

The setting was that of a prison where Miguel de Cervantes, also known as Don Quixote, played by Walter Charles, told his story of love and never giving up on your dreams as a defense in a mock trial held by the prisoners, to save his beloved manuscript from destruction.

The first act was full of witty puns and adult humor describing Quixote, a wise man who is a little mad, accompanied by his loyal servant Sancho, played by Kevin Ligon, and his quest for the love of Aldonza, a less-than-ladylike “serving wench,”played by Valerie Perri. Quixote then renames Aldonza to Dulcinea as he believes it is more beautiful and fitting for her.

The second act followed with a more serious tone as reality crept through the characters imaginary world. As Quixote’s journey ended, Dulcinea inspired everyone to believe that Quixote’s ideal of living the impossible dream will remain forever.

Cervantes himself was put on trial during the Spanish Inquisition with charges of being an honest man and foreclosing a church. As the lights dimmed, his fellow prisoners who had come to feel close to him, as well as his alter ego Quixote, whom he had created to save himself from those very prisoners, watched as he and his servant were taken away and sang “The Impossible Dream.”

The play was based on the adventures of Quixote and Sancho originally illustrated in 17th century satirical novel, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra’s, Don Quixote. The novel was later translated into a play and titled The Man of La Mancha.

The live orchestra kept the energy levels high in the theater with skillful playing and creative uses of sound and sound effects that accompanied the wonderful performances of the actors.

The round stage that the Music Circus is famous for was utilized beautifully as the actors constantly moved about in their modest costumes of weathered dresses and torn pants.

The stunning performance was followed by a well deserved standing ovation.

As people left the theater with the look of satisfaction on their faces they simply said, “Amazing.”

The Man of La Mancha will be playing until August 16th, ticket prices starting at $50. For more information please visit the Music Circus website at: www.californiamusicaltheatre.com/index.cfm.