Cervantes of the people
on stage
Newport’s Porthole Players open a window to “Man of La Mancha”
By BARBARA B. COVELL
For the TODAY
T
his is a powerhouse show that
converts the Alice Silverman Theatre
stage into a late 16th Century prison.
Once the curtain opens, audiences will
be transformed to that time as director
Cyn Wilkes guides a multi-talented cast
to tell the captivating story of Miguel de
Cervantes, a failed author, actor and tax
collector, imprisoned with his manservant
by the Spanish Inquisition. His crime?
Foreclosing on a monastery. He is in prison
awaiting final judgment.
The massive set includes a prison
drawbridge, which opens when Cervantes
and his manservant arrive with their
belongings. The prisoners are eager to steal a
large trunk Cervantes has brought. And this
is when the fantasy begins.
This is a story of courage told through
beautiful music and fine performances by
actors who play multiple roles. It flows
beautifully from a harsh reality into a fantasy
world, as told by Cervantes, who renames
himself Don Quixote de la Mancha. The
prisoners enter into Quixote’s fantasy world,
participating as actors in his play rich with
creative make-believe. At first they humor
him, portraying the roles of mule drivers at
an inn propositioning a serving wench and
part-time prostitute, Aldonza. Quixote sees
Aldonza and declares that she is his lady
Dulcinea. Aldonza, used to rough treatment,
is both flabbergasted and annoyed with
being called a lady. She is mocked by the
mule drivers.
Family involvement comes with Antonia,
Don Quixote’s niece, who goes with his
housekeeper to see the local priest. They
profess to only being concerned about
his welfare, singing “I’m Only Thinking
of Him,” but the priest realizes that the
women are more concerned about the
embarrassment of Quixote’s madness.
Antonia’s fiancé, Dr. Sanson Carrasco,
is upset about the prospect of marrying
into the family of a madman, so together
with the priest, Carrasco sets out to bring
Quixote back home.
From this point, the story is full of rich
imagery, fantasy, life’s challenges and the
frailties of humanity. The play within a
Dr Carasco (Paul
Kimberly), Padre (Brian
Haggarty) and Don
Quixote (Pete Theodore)
CHRIS GRAAMANS PHOTOS
Sancho (Cody Larsen) with Dulcinea (Megan Walter)
play comes to a close with a musical score
audiences will be singing for a long time.
The 20-person cast does an excellent job
in this Porthole Players production. Pete
Theodore is the consummate Cervantes/
Quixote with his powerful singing voice and
transformative acting skills. When he sings,
“The Impossible Dream,” audiences will be
moved to tears.
Cody Larsen brings his usual acting
chops to his role as manservant/Sancho
Panza. Watching him perform and sing
a cappella to Aldonza is magical. “The
14 • oregoncoastTODAY.com • facebook.com/oregoncoasttoday • November 29, 2019
Missive” and “I Really Like Him” are pure
entertainment.
Megan Walter gives a shining
performance with her clear soprano as
Aldonza/Dulcinea. Her character evolves
as her self esteem grows being the lady
Dulcinea.
And do not miss the fabulous trio of
Brian Haggerty, Cassie Lihou and Annie
Pusey singing a knockout rendition of
“I’m Only Thinking of Him” as the Padre/
Antonia/housekeeper. The timing, blocking
and vocal work in this song are excellent.
Jim Erickson is back on the Silverman
Stage as the barber/gypsy leader. “The
Barber’s Song” is pure joy to watch.
Erickson does a masterful job in any role he
takes on.
Jeff Lichtman is the governor/innkeeper,
performing “The Dubbing” and “Knight
of the Woeful Countenance.” Lichtman
has been in many shows on both PAC
stages and it is good to see him develop as a
performer.
Paul Kimberly plays three roles as the
Duke/Dr. Carasco/Knight of Mirrors
and does an excellent job. As an actor, he
shows range in his abilities. Linda Capshaw
portrays the Innkeeper’s wife, Maria, with
her usual spunk and skill. And Nikki Atkins
showcases her tremendous range by singing
the opening song as Jorge, while also playing
Dapple.
Director Wilkes says her mother took
her to see “Man of La Mancha” when she
was 10 and the show has captured her
imagination ever since then. When asked
what she hoped audiences would take
away after seeing this show, Wilkes said,
“Believing in hope can make the impossible,
possible.”
The orchestra, led by Howard Lackey
consists of 15 excellent musicians who help
make the music truly magic.
Barb Perkins is stage manager, Denise
Parker is assistant director/assistant stage
manager, Brad Capshaw is vocal coach,
Linda Capshaw coordinated front of house.
“Man of La Mancha” runs through
Sunday, Dec. 8, with performances at 7
pm every Friday and Saturday and 2 pm
matinées on Sundays. Tickets, $25 for
adults, $23 for students, are available at
coastarts.org or by calling 541-265-ARTS.
Cyn Wilkes dedicates this show to her
father, Lloyd Wilkes, who passed away
unexpectedly during this production. Wilkes
says, “He was a master craftsman, a union
carpenter for over 50 years, a Mason and
a Shriner and so very much more. I will
always dream my impossible dream, Pop, I
miss you.”