Man of La Mancha

Director’s Note:

“To reach the unreachable stars.” How can one not be moved by a show with such a profound and soaring message? “To see life as it should be.” These words resonate deeply within me, for they capture a vision of hope, of aspiration, of striving for something greater than ourselves. I feel intimately connected to the powerful themes woven throughout this musical. “This is my quest”: Each day, I endeavor to reach my own “stars,” to help them realize their worth and the boundless potential within them. This “is my duty, nay, my privilege” to share the transformative power of theatre with these incredible “stars” — to ignite a spark, to uplift, and to inspire.

I first encountered Man of La Mancha when I was sixteen. The story of Don Quixote — a man with an unwavering belief in the impossible — captivated me, not only for its profound, moving themes but also for its humor, wit, and joy. Later in life, I had the privilege of visiting Spain several times with my husband (who had lived there for a while), and I fell in love with both the country and its beautiful people. That enchantment stayed with me, and ever since, I’ve dreamed of directing this remarkable show. And now, here we are. I couldn’t feel more fulfilled. With a beloved story, the perfect cast, a breathtaking orchestra, in a theatre I’ve lovingly nurtured, and with an extraordinary production team, the journey to this moment has truly been nothing short of a “glorious quest.”

So, with immense pride and gratitude, I invite you to experience Man of La Mancha, my favorite musical. May it inspire you as deeply as it has inspired me. Enjoy! ~Toni Butler”

Man of La Mancha is one of the world’s most popular musicals. Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th-century masterwork “Don Quixote” and set during the Spanish Inquisition in the 1600s in Seville, Spain. The original 1965 production won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Miguel Cervantes is in prison awaiting trial during the Spanish Inquisition. He and his fellow prisoners perform a play-within-a-play, telling the story of the elderly Alonso Quijana, who renames himself “Don Quixote” and goes on a quest to right all wrongs in the world. The rousing, Spanish-inflected score includes the classic numbers “The Impossible Dream,” “I, Don Quixote,” “Dulcinea,” “I Really Like Him” and “Little Bird.”

Man of La Mancha performed March 14-24, 2025

Cast:

The first character listed is the name/character in the reality of the story (the character/s in parenthesis are the character/s they portray in the the play within the play, Don Quixote).

Miguel de Cervantes (Alonso Quijana/Don Quixote)Russ (Gil) Murdock
Manservant (Sancho)Seth Goldklang
Prisoner (Aldonza/Dulcinea)Karllen Johnson
The Duke (Dr. Sanson Carrasco/Knight of Mirrors)Jack Sheehan
Prisoner (Padre)Devan Alder
The Governor (The Innkeeper)Tevan McPeak
Prisoner (Maria)Lilli Stout
Prisoner (Antonia)Annie Grace Bearden
Prisoner (Housekeeper)Rebekah Price
Prisoner (Pedro/Knight Attendant)Wade Farr
Prisoner (Anselmo/Knight Attendant)Matthew Zimmerman
Prisoner (Barber/Muleteer)Nate Denning
Captain of the Inquisition/Prisoner (Muleteer/Moor)Sean Hyte
Soldier of the Inquisition/Prisoner (Muleteer/Moor/Knight Attendant)Todd Davies
Soldier of the Inquisition/Prisoner (Muleteer/Moor Solo/Knight Attendant)Nic Ashley Benner
Prisoner (Windmill/Tenorio/Moor/Knight Attendant)Adam Lynn
Prisoner (Paco/Moor)Hyrum Housley
Prisoner (Juan/Windmill/Moor/Knight Attendant)Cooper Stout
Prisoner (Jose/Moor)Jaron MacDonald
Prisoner/Flamenco Dancer (Horse/Muleteer/Knight Attendant)David Oliphant
Prisoner (Donkey/Muleteer)Andrew Ignacio Butler
Prisoner (Muleteer/Moor/Knight Attendant)Elias Miller
Prisoner Prisoner (Kitchen Woman/Moor Girl Solo)Malea Hyte
Prisoner (Kitchen Woman/Moor)Alysia Daines
Prisoner (Kitchen Woman/Moor)Emi Ford
Prisoner (Kitchen Woman/Moor)Hannah Martin
Prisoner/Flamenco Dancer (Kitchen Woman/Moor)Jordyn Walker
Prisoner (Kitchen Woman/Moor)Katherine Colton
Prisoner (Kitchen Woman/Moor)Kirsten Butler
Prisoner (Kitchen Woman/Moor)Miranda Giles
MascotBaby Sancho