Walnut Creek Journal | EDGE Review | Pat Craig Review

JOHN C. STARK'S gray dungeon with its large drawbridge staircase, dramatically lowered from above, sets a most impressive atmosphere for Diablo Light Opera Company's (DLOC) current production, "Man of La Mancha." The prisoners add to the ambiance as they wait in their dismal world, every breath they take a struggle.

Into this cauldron of humanity, Cervantes (Paul Myrvold) and his faithful servant, Sancho (Robert Ponce), are flung. The struggling actor/poet had taken a job as tax collector and is thrown in jail when he tries to tax the church -- not the smartest move during the Inquisition.
The ever-optimistic Cervantes brings rare qualities-- hope and dignity -- to his new environment. As the prisoners hold their own trial to decide Cervantes' fate, the aging poet convinces them to let him mount his defense in the form of a story, with his cellmates portraying the various characters.

In previous productions that I have seen, the actor playing Cervantes/Don Quixote usually holds the show together. That is not the case here. The strong ensemble, including a beautifully voiced Melinda Meeng as Aldonza, make this production shine. Suzanne Brandt's clever choreography also brings excitement to the show, especially in scenes with the Muleteers and the gypsies. The actors' use of props and body parts for percussion during several songs adds to the splendid orchestration under the skilled baton of Cheryl Yee Glass.

While it is hard not to like Myrvold's convivial knight-errant, he didn't bring the needed intensity to the role. I certainly appreciate Myrvold's more subtle shading of Cervantes but would have preferred more energy, especially in the fight scene.

Despite this flaw, the music alone is reason to see the show. Such songs as "The Impossible Dream," "I'm Only Thinking of Him" (well done by Karen DeLong, Leandra Ramm and Robin Taylor) and "Dulcinea" linger in the memory.

"Man of La Mancha" continues through Mar. 16 at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Call 925-954-SHOW (925-954-7469).