Theater Review—

Theater Barn’s Limitations

Don’t Hurt ‘Man of La Mancha’ Production

By Julie Stern

RIDGEFIELD — Last fall, at the start of the theater season, I was dismayed to see that two different theater companies had elected to stage Man of La Mancha. This concern was heightened after Long Wharf’s phenomenal production this past spring, because I couldn’t see how any other version could fail to be overshadowed by it.

Happily, as it turns out, The Ridgefield Theater Barn, with its cramped stage and crowded seating arrangements, has turned its limitations into assets, with an interpretation that relies on the intimacy of a small venue.

As always, Ridgefield is thoroughly professional. When the audience is so close to the actors, the careful attention to theatrical detail is all the more enjoyable because it is right there in front of you. From Peter Sayer’s convincingly sturdy prison setting and Sally Fine’s superb costuming and makeup to the adroit choreography with which director Craig David Rosen weaves his performers on and off stage to effect changes of scene, everything contributes to the immediacy of the experience.

And, in a theater small enough that there is no need to mic the singers, all the voices come through with clarity of diction and purity of tone that reinforce the fact that this is one of the most glorious musicals ever written.

Every production I have ever seen of Man of LaMancha (and these have been many, dating back to its Off-Broadway original opening) has used some form of animal props to serve as the horse and donkey that Quixote and his squire, Sancho Panza, use as they ride along the road to glory. In this case, however, the animals rate separate mention in the playbill, and for good reason.

Wearing equine masks, Arlene “Ozzie” Ashburn and Molly Spitz practically steal the show with their whimsical prancing and coy responses. The journey down the highway becomes a charming dance routine, and when  Aldonza (Laura Budzelek) goes into their stable stall to feed them, the entire audience is tempted to pet them.

Thomas Sheehan’s imposing Cervantes/Quixote, and his comic foil Bill Russell as Sancho both demonstrate that they have acting talent to match their singing. Ms Budzelek brings attractive looks and a rich tone to her role as well.

The supporting cast does a fine job as well, especially Rachel Corn as Quixote’s niece who, of course, is “only thinking of him,” and Lionel Pina as Pedro, the leader of the muleteers.

This is definitely worth bringing your picnic over to Ridgefield, and enjoying a musical classic, deftly performed.

(Performances continue at the theater barn, 37 Halpin Lane, weekends through July 14. Curtain is Friday and Saturday at 8, with Sunday matinees offered on June 24 and July 1.

Call 203-431-9850 or visit TheaterBarn.org for ticket prices, reservations, and additional information.)