Quixote comes alive
By Barb Baguley

Photo by Chris Simon South Simcoe Theatre's latest production, Man of La Mancha, began last week. The show runs until May 11. The show was also used as a fundraiser for York-Simcoe MP Peter Van Loan on Sunday. About 100 people attended the fundraiser.

Dreaming the impossible dream is just what the South Simcoe Theatre is doing in a very entertaining way with a production of Man of La Mancha.

The theatre of about 200 seats has been transformed into an authentic-looking dungeon and simple props transform the stage from the dungeon to a wayside inn and back again. The play opens with the sound of creaking stairs being lowered to allow access to the dungeon where the main character Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, portrayed brilliantly by Lorne Derraugh and his faithful man servant Sancho, played by Russ Clayton, are being held awaiting a hearing before the Spanish Inquisition.

Anumber of prisoners are being held for a variety of crimes and have created a society of their own where they proceed to try Miguel in their court to decide if he should be allowed to keep the meagre possessions he brought in a trunk or if they will find him guilty and take the possessions away.

All of this is taking place under the watchful eye of the Governor, played skilfully by Rob Townsend. This is when the audience meets Miguel's alter ego Don Quixote and the play within the play begins.

Miguel transforms himself with makeup from the trunk and Sancho, played very capably by Russ Clayton, helps him into his costume to transform into Don Quixote.

Symptoms of madness appear as Quixote sees a windmill and believes he is being attacked by a fourarmed giant and seeks refuge in the castle he sees in the distance. Quixote and Sancho arrive centre stage in a wagon drawn by two steeds. The castle is really a roadside inn where the chivalrous Quixote becomes enamoured with a serving wench of less than good standing, played superbly by Joanna Megraw.

There are many twists and turns where the capable and talented cast carry the audience on an emotional and wonderful journey where appearance is not always reality and we should always find the best in all people.

The music and songs are performed in a magnificent marriage with the drama on the stage and the talent of the cast.

The classic musical is directed by Scott A. Hurst with musical director Edwina Douglas, who brought the story to the stage in an entertaining and inspirational fashion.

I encourage you to attend this wonderful musical at The Old Town Hall, 1 Hamilton Street, in Cookstown. The show runs until May 11. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $22 and are available at the box office or by calling 458- 4432.