This weekend, one man will joust with windmills on the stage of Juneau-Douglas High School during Juneau Lyric Opera\u2019s production of \u201cMan of La Mancha,\u201d the musical play adaption of the famous story \u201cDon Quixote\u201d penned by Cervantes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really important for us to pick a show with a message,\u201d said John Clough, president of JLO.<\/p>\n
The theme of dreaming of life as it should be, not as it is, might be even more valuable today than when the story was written in the 16th century. It\u2019s a story that should be accessible to the whole community, regardless of age, Clough said.<\/p>\n
Clough said the whole process of the production from start to finish took two years. This is the first play the company has done with such an extensive set, costumes and choreography. The set is the most mobile and technical yet, Clough added in an interview. Some set pieces had to be completed in an airplane hangar because they were so large. Set designer Nathan Rodda also created a descending staircase for members of the Inquisition to enter and exit the dungeon, which will raise and lower as the story calls for it.<\/p>\n
Some of the accessories the knights wear, such as their helmets, came from a professional costumer on Broadway. Otherwise, the costumes were made locally, designed by Shelly Wright who chooses clothes from second-hand clothing stores in Juneau and throughout the west coast and refashions them.<\/p>\n
A professional fight choreographer, Becky Engstrom, designed the action sequences and trained all the actors in how to make a believable \u2014 and safe \u2014 fight scene.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt looks insane,\u201d Clough said with \u201call the flailing around at once\u201d and with actors swinging all manner of props, from rakes to whips. At times there are over a dozen actors on stage battling it out, and though the scene appears chaotic, each move has been intensely rehearsed.<\/p>\n
He would know. Clough himself plays Pedro, a character he described as a \u201cnasty guy\u201d who uses a bullwhip. To effectively play the character, Clough had to learn how to safely and convincingly use the whip.<\/p>\n
The final performances of \u201cMan of La Mancha\u201d takes place this weekend. Performances are Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m., and a 2:30 p.m. closing matinee on Sunday, March 20. All performances take place at the JDHS Theater.<\/p>\n
Tickets for Man of La Mancha are available at the JLO website juneauopera.org, the JAHC website jahc.org, Hearthside Books, Rainy Day Books and at the door. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Contact Clara Miller at 523-2243 or at clara.miller@juneauempire.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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