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'Man of La Mancha' a triumph of the human spirit

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Contributed by: Margie Anne Clark on 3/5/2008

"In order to attain the impossible, one must attempt the absurd." - Miguel de Cervantes

The triumph of the human spirit as depicted by Miguel de Cervantes in the Santa Clarita Regional Theater's production of "Man of La Mancha" soared to unbeatable heights during its opening weekend at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center in Valencia.

Veteran actor James Horan, starring as Don Quixote and Cervantes, cast a spell on audiences who packed the house on opening night, March 1, when the cheering crowd gave a standing ovation to 'La Mancha's' spirited cast and crew.

In his role of the humble playwright-turned-prisoner, Horan as Cervantes, reaches for the unreachable star in a quest to save his skin - and perhaps a few souls along the way. In the persona of Don Quixote, he presents his case - without question or pause - in the form of a cleverly crafted play in the midst of the Spanish Inquisition.

Horan, of "Star Trek'"and "General Hospital" fame, comes to the SCRT as a special guest artist with the permission of Actors' Equity.

Superbly directed by TimBen Boydston and Patti Finley, "La Mancha "boldly transports audiences to another time and place, with a message of hope and optimism that is as relevant today as it was in Cervantes' time.

Complementing Horan's outstanding vocals are cast members George M. Chavez (Sancho), and Lori D'Itri as Aldonza/Dulcinea.

Rounding out the cast are Tamarah Ashton-Coombs (the Housekeeper) Kelly Roberts (the Barber) Michael Davies (Governor/Innkeeper), Brent A. Denison (Captain of the Inquisition), Sean Goodman (Padre), Kamber Moen, Kelly Bader (Antonia), Rebecca Coombs (Fermina), Erik Klein, Marlow Weisman and Joe Aboulafia.

Also appearing are Jarod Scott as Carrasco/the Duke and Nicholas Laemmer as Anselmo. Also in the cast are Carla Bambo, Loren Burghout, Caleb DiPaola, Joshua DiPaola, Kristie Hoefflin, John Morris and Edward A. Nason.

As part of a new tradition that began last year with the theater's opening night of "Beauty and the Beast," more than 100 guests enjoyed the opening night festivities in grand style, as part of the First Nighters' Club.

Prior to curtain, guests enjoy dinner and drinks at the lovely home of Dave and Doreen Barsky in the exclusive Woodlands Estates, just around the corner from the Performing Arts Center, located on the campus of College of the Canyons.

"La Mancha" continues its run at the Performing Arts Center on Friday and Saturday, March 7 and 8, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, March 8 at 2 p.m. with a final performance on Sunday March 9 at 2 p.m.

To order tickets to see "Man of La Mancha," call the Canyon Theatre Guild box office at 661-799-2702.

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