'Man Of La Mancha' Production Moves Action To the 1960s

By Steve Goldstein
Published: Friday, January 19, 2018 - 3:40pm
Audio icon Download mp3 (9.66 MB)

The "Man of La Mancha" has been one of the most popular musicals in America since it first hit the Broadway stage in 1965. Its story is based on Don Quixote and uses the concept of a play within a play.

A new production of "Man of La Mancha" by Arizona Theatre Company at the Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix continues through Jan. 28. It places the poet/tax collector Cervantes among a group of prisoners.

This production has moved the action to the 1960s during the Franco regime in Spain. And, unlike decades of other productions, this one makes flamenco dancing a centerpiece, and many of the actors also play multiple musical instruments — from guitar to violin.

Ana Marcu plays several instruments and is in the role of Antonia. Amelia Moore is a flamenco dancer and an important part of one the show’s most dramatic scenes when the lead female character Aldonza is abducted and violated. The two performers are with me to talk about the show.

The Show