A loose adaptation of the well-known Spanish novel "Don Quixote" by Cervantes, the musical employs a play within a play where the prisoner Cervantes must defend himself from his fellow inmates while awaiting the Spanish Inquisition. His defense takes the form of a theatrical presentation of the story of Alonso Quijana who has gone mad, "laying down the melancholy burden of sanity…"
He transforms himself into Don Quixote, knight errant, and goes on misadventures with his trusty servant Sancho Panza. However misbegotten his plans are, Don Quixote in his well meant delusions seems to engage the hearts and fancies of those around him, including the beaten down Aldonza, whom he mistakenly adores as the lady, Dulcinea. Through Cervantes' obstinate desire to see beauty and wonder in the mundane and rotten, Don Quixote raises the question of whether it is madness to "seek treasure where there is only trash" and if "too much sanity may be madness."
"Man of La Mancha," written by Dale Wasserman, music by Mitch Leigh, lyrics by Joe Darion, original production staged by Albert Marre, originally produced by Albert W. Selden and Hal James, plays in Covenant College's Sanderson Auditorium November 9-11 and 17 at 8 p.m., as well as on November 18 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors, students and staff. To reserve tickets or for more information, call the box office at (706) 419-1051 or email [email protected]. Please note this show does contain brief depictions of violence against women and may not be suitable for all audiences.