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Theater
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Tuesday, 03 November 2009 05:16 |
 By K.D. Hopkins
If you are of a certain age group, you probably recall learning or singing “The Impossible Dream.” It brought tears to my eyes as a child even having not seen the play or read the story.
I did eventually read the story as a teenager and it became one of my favorites. Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre Company has refreshed my love of the story and the music.
The talent and inventiveness of Theo Ubique always astound me. They have explored gender bending in other productions – most recently “The Taming of the Shrew.”
In “La Mancha”, the role of Cervantes/Don Quixote is played by the gifted Danielle Brothers. From the time Cervantes is dragged into the asylum, I was held rapt by her performance.
In fact, from the time the audience enters, the cast is wandering about in character. They must have been studying some of the more disturbed denizens of Rogers Park. It made me ponder the state of schizophrenia and delusion. Are they ‘crazy’ or have they taken some partially visible quantum leap?
That is the beauty of this classic story. What can be called society’s whore is one man’s Dulcinea. In Quixote’s perception of her perfection he raises the consciousness of the other inmates and thus they break free of the prison of what is deemed insanity.
Sarah Hayes is in the role of Aldonza. She has the voluptuous face and body that recalled for me Sophia Loren who played the role on screen. Her voice is gorgeous and the she plays the conflict of self-hatred and acceptance with grace and subtlety.
There is comedy in this story and Theo Ubique is known for deft comic portrayals. The supporting roles are funny and heartbreaking. Trisha Hart Ditsworth as the Barber and a convincing horse was quite good. Michael Herschberg does dual duty as the innkeeper and his wife-the puppet.
Maggie Portman is the choreographer for the production and is cast as Antonia. Her rendition of “I’m Only Thinking of Him” is a gem. She also brings the laughs as a horse.
Anthony John Lawrence Apodaca as Pancho sings another musical gem. He sings of his inconceivable devotion to Don Quixote with “I Really Like Him.” It is the perfect explanation for the often-inconceivable way that people become devoted to their friends. The simple explanation is the best.
The rest of the cast is excellent. Kent Joseph does a scary turn as the Governor and then the menacing Pedro. Tom Moore is the Duke and Dr. Carrasco. Kyle Greer is Anselmo and quite funny as the Housekeeper.
Daniel Waters is fun to watch as an inmate and then as the Padre in Quixote’s fantasy. Jennifer Young does a fine job as the Captain and she plays a pretty good violin to boot.
This show is a Broadway-sized production most ably and beautifully done in a cabaret setting. That is the special gift and vision of Theo Ubique. I highly recommend this show. There is violence and a disturbing rape scene so parents are warned.
“Man of La Mancha” plays Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 7pm. This production is staged at the No Exit Café, which is located at 6970 N. Glenwood Ave. in Chicago. Dinner is optional one hour before curtain and will be served by one of the fabulous cast members. Tickets are available online at www.theoubique.org or by calling (800) 595-4849. |
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