“Man of La Mancha” Opens April 18 at FVCC

Flathead Valley Community College’s Theatre and Music programs present the 1965 play-within-a-play, “Man of La Mancha.” Performances are scheduled for April 18-20 and 25-27 at 7 p.m. in the campus theatre.

“Man of La Mancha” opens with historical author Miguel de Cervantes and his right-hand man in prison, awaiting trial by the Spanish Inquisition. When his fellow prisoners try to take his belongings from him, including his manuscript, Cervantes proposes a trial in which he proves the merit of the manuscript through a reenactment, enlisting his fellow prisoners as characters in his play. Together, they bring to life the story of the aged Alonso Quijana who believes himself to be a knight errant, names himself Don Quixote and pursues an obsessive quest to attain an impossible dream.

The play features a cast of 20 actors with Mikey Christensen as Don Quixote, Emily Baker as Aldonza and Nick Brester as Sancho. A live-pit orchestra comprised of community, faculty and student musicians is led by Nicole S. Sanford. Amy Beth Chisholm is the vocal director. Audience members will be treated to composer Mitch Leigh’s “Dulcinea” and the “The Impossible Dream,” among other stirring songs.

Tickets are $20 for the general public, $15 for senior citizens and $10 for all students. Tickets are available for purchase at the door or in advance at the FVCC Bookstore or online at www.fvcc.edu/theatre.​