REVIEW: MAN OF LA MANCHA - Arizona Musicfest/Herberger Theater Center

Paulo Szot
Photo by Tim Trumble

by Gil Benbrook

Arizona Musicfest/Herberger Theater Center's fully staged concert production of Man of La Mancha brings fresh life to the classic musical, combining a talented cast led by Tony winner Paulo Szot with the glorious sound of a large orchestra performing Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion's memorable score. While the ending is emotionally powerful but relentlessly bleak, the performances capture the show's humor, idealism, and emotional depth that have made this show so beloved for over 60 years. Hearing the sweeping orchestrations live adds richness to the familiar songs, making this an especially rewarding production of a musical whose message of hope continues to resonate.

The story unfolds in a Spanish prison during the Inquisition, where playwright Miguel de Cervantes and his servant are imprisoned while awaiting a hearing. To defend himself against fellow prisoners who threaten to confiscate his belongings, Cervantes stages a play within the play, transforming himself into the idealistic Don Quixote. Joined by his loyal companion, Sancho Panza, Quixote sets out to right wrongs and pursue an impossible dream, seeing beauty and nobility where others see only harsh reality. His encounters with Aldonza, a serving woman whom he regards as the noble Dulcinea, reveal both the power and the fantastical nature of his idealism.

Mitch Leigh's score, with lyrics by Joe Darion, includes many well-known songs, including one of musical theatre's best: "The Impossible Dream (The Quest)." Dale Wasserman's book sets Cervante's 17th century novel "Don Quixote" as a play within a play during the Inquisition. The musical was based on Wasserman's teleplay, "I, Don Quixote," and his idea to use Cervante's himself as the character who tells the tale of the story he wrote, while he's waiting trial, is a master stroke in finding a way to pull the audience into the fantasy and idealism of "Don Quixote." However, the musical is episodic in nature, so it does have some detractions as it weaves back and forth between the tale of Quixote and the trials and tribulations of Cervantes. However, the sense of idealism and hope in the show is so strong and powerful that it just about makes up for any if its shortcomings.

As Cervantes and Don Quixote, Paulo Szot gives the production a commanding center. He brings dignity, warmth, and a touch of delightful eccentricity to the dreamer, making his devotion to chivalry feel sincere rather than merely comical. Szot's clear, resonant baritone singing voice excels throughout the score, particularly in the soaring anthem "The Impossible Dream (The Quest)," which becomes a stirring expression of the character's unwavering belief in a better world. Szot's larger than life operatic nature provides a powerful base for the character yet he also finds the humanity beneath Quixote's grand gestures, giving the role an emotional depth that makes the musical's poignant moments especially affecting.

Maria Bilbao brings strength and vulnerability to Aldonza, conveying the character's fierce independence while allowing glimpses of the wounded woman beneath her tough exterior. As Sancho Panza, David Josefsberg provides warm comic relief and steadfast loyalty, creating an appealing counterbalance to Quixote's lofty aspirations. Tyler Thompson offers a compassionate performance as the Padre; his solo of "To Each His Dulcina" is gorgeous. Ivana Martinic and James Zannelli as Antonia and Carrasco, respectively, bring contrasting perspectives to Quixote's idealism. Thompson, Martinic and Allison Graham deliver a lovely rendition of the "I'm Only Thinking of Him" trio.

As the Innkeeper who is somewhat confused by Quixote's lofty claims, Jesse Berger adds warmth and humor, including a lovely solo on "Night of the Woeful Countenance" assisted by Kathleen Berger. Chad Millar's lush vocals shine on a few small solo moments while CJ Blankenship, Tony Blosser, Tony Castellanos, Michael Paul Wallot and Rob Watson all do good work in a series of supporting roles. Together, the entire cast and the ensemble give the story energy and a nuanced sense of emotion throughout.

Mark Stoddard's direction and Kathleen Brazie's choreography keep the action lively and engaging without skirting the musical's more serious emotions. Although the production does not rely on elaborate scenery, a few large scenic elements and detailed period costumes help create a fully realized world. With the dramatic action unfolding mostly in front of the orchestra, along with a raised stage toward the back, it makes the musicians an integral part of the experience rather than a distraction under Josh Condon's expert music direction and conducting.

Due to its disjointed narrative and play within a play format, some may find the momentum of Man of La Mancha to have too many interruptions, but its score is glorious and the production at Arizona Musicfest/Herberger Theater Center succeeds through its strong performances, vibrant musical presentation, and heartfelt storytelling. It reminds us that pursuing an ideal is not foolish simply because success is uncertain, and that by having the courage to dream may be its own kind of victory.

Man of La Mancha runs through October 25, 2026 at Arizona Musicfest and the Herberger Theater Center, with performance at the Herberger Theater Center, 222 East Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ. For tickets and information, visit www.azmusicfest.org or call the Herberger Box Office 602-254-7399.

Music Director / Conductor: Josh Condon
Stage Director: Mark Stoddard
Assistant Director / Choreographer: Kathleen Brazie
Stage Manager: Courtney Kenyon
Costume Designer: Cheryl Bender
Costume Assistants: Joshua Morris, Laurena Kerber-Ketzel
Sound Designer: Brian Honsberger
Lighting Designer: Nathaniel White
Props Manager: Sarah Salmi
Audio Assistant: Matt Drui
Arizona Musicfest, Executive and Producing Director, CEO: Allan Naplan
Arizona Musicfest, Director of Concert Operations: Patrick Murphy
Herberger Theater Center, President & CEO: Mark Mettes
Herberger Theater Director of Production Services and Facilities: Nick Hutchinson

Cast: 
Don Quixote / Cervantes: Paulo Szot*
Aldonza / Dulcinea: Maria Bilbao*
Sancho Panza: David Josefsberg*
Innkeeper: Jesse Berger
Padre: Tyler Thompson
Dr. Carrasco / Knight of the Mirrors: James Zannelli
Antonia/Ensemble: Ivana Martinic
Tenorio / Ensemble: Raymond Barcelo
Maria: Kathleen Berger
Ensemble: Lauren Berman
Pedro: CJ Blankenship
Duke / Ensemble: Tony Blosser
Ensemble: Benjamin Cadriel
The Barber: Tony Castellanos
Ensemble: Aubrey Charee
Housekeeper / Ensemble: Allison Graham
Fermina / Ensemble: Mia Johnson
Anselmo: Chad Millar
Jose: Rashawn Mills
Ensemble: Lorin Mae Phillips
Ensemble: Cammie Roberts
Captain of the Inquisition / Ensemble: Michael Paul Wallot
Governor: Rob Watson

*Appears courtesy of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States