The legendary optimism of Don Quixote comes to life in Hollister
this weekend with the San Benito Stage Company’s opening of
”
Man of La Mancha.
”
The musical, which first debuted as an off-Broadway production
in 1965, was a challenge for its local organizers.
The legendary optimism of Don Quixote comes to life in Hollister this weekend with the San Benito Stage Company’s opening of “Man of La Mancha.” The musical, which first debuted as an off-Broadway production in 1965, was a challenge for its local organizers.
“It’s a play within a play, so for staging it’s difficult to work with what we have,” said director Heidi Henderson. “Most shows have some special lighting or sounds, but with this show the music and the lighting are really a character themselves.”
The cast and crew were also faced with more than technical concerns.
“It’s almost like we’ve hit opposition with this show at every turn,” said Henderson. “Being in a small town we tapped a lot of our talent. It was a busy time of year, but we had some specific people in mind and we were willing to wait for them. That created a lot of conflicts.”
Other concerns threatened the production. Several cast members went through serious illnesses and Henderson suffered a death in the family, but they continued to press forward with what are now 12-hour days.
“The production group is absolutely wonderful,” said Henderson. “The cast comes in the afternoon, but they’re here from 7am to midnight getting this place ready.
“Man of La Mancha” will be showing at the Granada Theatre (336 Fifth St.) in Hollister for the next two weekends. Tickets are $15 an may be purchased at Dorothy McNett’s, online at www.sanbenitostage.org or at the door. Curtains will rise at 8pm on Oct. 22, 23, 29 and 30 and at 2pm on Oct. 24 and 31.
For more information, visit www.sanbenitostage.org.
