CAMDEN COUNTY CATCHING LA MANCHA FEVER
Man of La Mancha Performances
September 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7 pm
September 18 at 2 pm
Old Railroad Building now called "Theatre by the Trax"
1000 Osborne Road, St. Marys, GA
PURCHASE TICKETS AT THE ST. MARYS WELCOME CENTER, 111 OSBORNE ST., ST. MARYS CALL 912-729-1103 FOR INFORMATION.
Get your tickets now before they sell out. September 17th is almost sold out! You are going to love Man of La Mancha...the story of the quest for the impossible dream. It's inspiring. And funny, And musically amazing. Here's a recent press release. Sure hope to see you there!
Big entertainment is coming to St. Marys with St. Marys Little Theatre's premiere performance: "Man of La Mancha" to be performed September 9, 10,16, 17 and 18 at the old St. Marys Railroad Building which is now "Theatre by the Trax," 1000 Osborne Road.
With the return of live theatre to downtown St. Marys, a fever is brewing as residents and businesses get into the spirit of the play and all it represents. During the two weeks of the performances, local restaurants in St. Marys will be serving specially-designed menu items and special themed drinks that pay tribute to the play's Spanish setting. In keeping with the theme of the play, citizens will be asked to report all incidents of "valor, kindness, and nobility" that can be featured in the local press.
"I hope to add some measure of grace to the world," the play's title character, Don Quixote, says in explanation of why he does the things he does—giving when it's natural to take, battering at walls that won't break, and reaching for an unreachable star. As the play retells the story of Don Quixote's quest for truth and valor, beautiful songs emerge that touch the heart and soul of those inclined to hope for a better world. According to St. Marys Little Theatre Chair and Director of Man of La Mancha Barbara Ryan, when the final song, "Impossible Dream," is sung by the entire cast, "there will be no dry eyes in the audience."
Ryan said that the story, the venue, and the talents of the actors all add up to equal a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. The venue for "Man of La Mancha" is as impressive as the play itself. Once slated to be demolished, the old St. Marys Railroad Building is being transformed into a prison during the time of the Inquisition. Ryan praised the cast of La Mancha for their professional voices as well as their dramatic and comedic abilities.
"Few plays stir emotions as powerfully as La Mancha does," Ryan said. "It was important for us that we launch our theatre with a show-stopping performance, and I can't think of any play more rousing or more challenging than 'Man of La Mancha.'"
"I think people forget how funny this show is," Ryan said. "Don Quixote is a madman. Sancho, his sidekick, is hilarious, and even the housekeeper—played by a local Navy base chaplain—will have the audience rocking with laughter."
Don Quixote is played by Bill Raser whose voice is as distinguished as his lengthy acting bio. His co-star, Whitney Sanzero, plays Aldonza aka Dulcinea to whom Don Quixote dedicates all his knightly good deeds. Sanzero's operatic voice is the perfect tool with which to paint her view of the world—"The world's a dung heap, and we are maggots who crawl on it"—a view that is in direct contrast to Quixote's beliefs. But in the end, Aldonza, along with the other 20 hard-core prisoners, is transformed by the mad knight's quest to make the world a better place.
"Audiences will be entranced with the tapestry of fantasy, romance, fun, and thrilling drama," Ryan said. "And they will be reminded that there is good in this world and dreams come true if we continue to dream even of the impossible dream."
Tickets for "Man of La Mancha" can be purchased at the St. Marys Welcome Center, 111 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia, or by calling 912-729-1103. Tickets are $12 each for all ages, and $10 each for groups of ten or more.
