In the Depths of a Dungeon, Hope Rises: Village Playbox's Stirring Man of La Mancha

by Mike McKeon

You know, the one thing I’ve always loved about Spring was the concept of rejuvenation it brings. The scent of new flowers in bloom with birds singing. Beautiful blue skies to get lost in and try to lose your worries, even if for a short time. Because all of these things give me, and hopefully all of you, hope. I must say, I felt the message of hope boldly and clearly in this past weekend's production from The Village Playbox of Man of La Mancha, directed by John Blackwell and Assistant Director Steve Allen. Performed in the cozy basement of First Presbyterian Church on 28 Seventh St Haddon Heights, New Jersey. This performance invites the audience to understand the world of the Spanish Inquisition from new perspectives, in an attempt to convey optimism and compassion among adversity and oppression. 

As you enter the welcoming First Presbyterian Church, you are directed to the basement where the production occurs. For this production specifically, the basement was the best place to set the scene of the late 16th-century prison common room, in rural Spain during the notorious Spanish Inquisition. The stage looked great and was complete with a well, a working fireplace and even a drawbridge-style entrance utilized multiple ways for different scenes. Credit for the great set construction goes to Mike Tursi, Bill Binder, and Ken Van Dyk, along with Set Painters: Emily McDermott, Molly Weaver,  Piper Byrne, Tim Koob, and Beth Fand Incollingo. Costume Designer, Donna Allen, did great bringing this performance together. While the majority of the costume design was perfect for the time period, a few small pieces were modernized which did feel a little distracting. The set design was strongly supported throughout the whole production with AWESOME sound and light design provided by Gary Kochey and Music Director John Demchak. The lighting, sound, and music were professional and right on queue. For example, something as simple as altering the lighting clearly communicated to the audience, the characters were in a new space. 

The beginning of the production is set to portray the prison as the cast slowly files into the common room while the Overture plays.  As the music fades away we are introduced to Captain of the Inquisition (Steve Allen) escorting Sancho Panza (Ed Silberman) and Miguel de Cervantes (Timothy Koob) into the prison. This was Koob’s second time portraying Miguel Cervantes and it showed. After the Captain leaves the room Sancho and Miguel “meet” the other prisoners including the Governor (Jim McDermott) who decides to give Miguel a chance to plead his defense for his crimes. McDermott also has the role of Inkeeper, and transitions between the two so well I wasn’t sure it was the same person at first. While starting his defense, Miguel reaches into his large box of props and begins to turn himself into Don Quixote, using stage makeup, a fake beard and mustache. As Miguel prepares his appearance he enters into a monologue to set the tone for the story to begin.  Koob’s ability to alter his appearance while staying completely in character was hypnotizing. By the time his monologue was complete, I hadn’t realized that every other cast member had slowly disappeared backstage, leaving Koob alone as Don Quixote. This made the transition very clear: a second story, with new characters, was seamlessly taking shape before our eyes. 

Quixote and Sancho head off to the “castle “ in the distance. Sancho is still supported by Silberman wonderfully. Sancho is the only character who remains close and loyal to Cervantes in both story versions. This consistency of Sancho's character choices, makes the stories blend as intended by the close of the show. As they journey to the “castle” we are introduced to the Innkeeper (Jim McDermott), his wife Maria (Beth Fand Incollingo), and the beautiful Aldonza (Emily McDermott).  Quixote professes his unbridled love for Aldonza while singing the song “Dulcinea” in an impressive display of choreography, (choregraphed by McDermott). McDermott showcases her strong vocal abilities in multiple songs, especially my favorite - "Aldonza". Additionally, featured in several choreographed numbers are the rough and tough Muleteers including Tori Tatulli, Ariel Johnson, Doug Cohen (also plays Pedro), and Piper Byrne. This group perfectly brought an element of discomfort and unease to the room every time they harassed and tormented Aldonza. There was a lot of fight choreography throughout this performance which would have benefited from the expertise of a certified Fight Choreographer. With that being said, what this cast accomplished on their own was very impressive.

While Quixote and Sancho are settling in the “castle” we quickly learn of Quixote’s family's interest in his “well-being”, by listening to his Niece Antonia (Marie Altmann), his housekeeper (Lauren Altmann), and Padre (Stu Sklar) sing together - “I’m Only Thinking of Him”. These three beautifully harmonized this song together which made their motives of greed more clear, especially once we are introduced to Antonia’s fiancé Dr. Carrasco played by Matt Griffin post-song. Griffin did a great job of maintaining the misogynistic attitude of a period-appropriate man of Nobility. Sancho and Quixote’s adventure continues with many new encounters, each with performers playing more than one role. One of these encounters included Gypsies and seductive belly dancers (Doug Cohen and Piper Bryne) robbing Sancho and Quixote blind. I must also give credit to every actor who portrayed more than one character throughout the show.  You all did a great job of making it clear which character was speaking and which part of the story we were in, whether it was Cervantes’ or Quixote’s. Again this is an additional nod to Director John Blackwell and Assistant Director Steve Allen’s great work with these performers and their overall vision.  

I must insist you go see this amazing show to start your Spring season! Hopefully, it can add some hope to your day too. This show is closing soon (May 17th), so make sure you get tickets while you can! http://www.villageplaybox.org/tix/checkoutmainstage.htm