I’ve just experienced one of the best theater surprises of my life. I was told we were “going to the city for an activity.” We drove into Chicago. I didn’t recognize the area. We parked on an alley. We walked a block. A woman outside a bar said, “Man of la Mancha? Step right in!” I grinned at my husband – “I looooove ‘Man of la Mancha’!” Could it be THE musical?, or something else? Given the place, I didn’t dare hope for too much.
We entered a small room, part bar, part tapas fonda. People sat on small tables and right there, front and center, was a small, grungy stage. Our hostess took us to our table. She wore burgundy scrubs. She told us the asylum patients would arrive soon. I didn’t know what to think — the space was small and crowded already. Nothing against the insane, but on such close quarters? I was relieved to see my husband smile — she had been kidding – at least I hoped so.
We ate some tapas served by a friendly, charming waiter. He was Tom Moore, one of the actors. I looked at the program and the music — Yes! This was the musical I loved — the one I dreamed of performing. Except that in my childhood daydream I was Don Quijote … and that part was always played by a man.
The food was okay, not great: gazpacho with ice cubes in it, empanadillas, marinated mushrooms, spinach salad, tortilla espanola — (not!). But I was soon to find out : It wasn’t about the food.
I scanned the program over and over. Who was playing Don Quijote? All the males were listed with other roles. Then I saw: A female lead was to be Don Quijote! Dream coming true: right here, right now.
As the show began, the first number grabbed my heart and my imagination and never let go. “I shall impersonate a man … Come, enter into my imagination and see him.” Diane Brothers proceeds to become Don Quijote by applying makeup to her face on the spot and transforming in body and soul as she delivers the first amazing musical number of the evening. Throughout the play, I am moved to tears by her commitment to the character, her flawless performance and the passion with which she and the other cast members performed on that cramped tapas bar/stage … on that cold night, on that alley. Only in Chicago.
This was a spectacular, powerful, inspiring performance bringing back the dream, the quest — a testament to the power of belief. Also a reminder of what happens when, vulnerable, we confront our mirrors.
If you live in Chicago or are visiting here in the next month (show extended through December), you must see Theo Ubique Theater’s performance of “Man of La Mancha.” It is a timeless journey of love and respect for ideals … an homage to the power of storytelling and the craft of brilliant, passionate musicians and artists.
The fabulous cast? Anthony John Lawrence Apodaca , Danielle Brothers , Trisha Hart Ditsworth, Kyle Greer, Sarah Hayes , Michael Herschberg, Kent L. Joseph, Tom Moore, Maggie Portman, Daniel Waters, Jennifer Young.
I also think Man of La Mancha has much to offer in terms of higher ideals and commitment to a cause. Thanks for the recommendation, we’ll try to check it out. Have a wonderful holiday!
Roberto, I agree. Absolutely it does! This is one of the reasons why it is a classic and timeless. Theo Ubique’s theater company was able to stay true to the work, while at the same time making it completely relevant to the audience … we all have dreams, want to serve, want to succeed, want to do good things. Thanks for your great comment.