SARASOTA (SNN TV) – Asolo Rep will soon begin their modern take of “Man of La Mancha.”
Asolo Repertory Theatre says “Man of La Mancha” is considered by many to be one of the best musicals of all time. It’ll be reimagined by director Peter Rothstein which retells the story of Don Quixote.
The musical closes the Asolo Rep season. Mauricio Martinez plays writer Miguel de Cervantes. He’s being held in a modern-day prison with a friend and colleague, as opposed to the original story which took place during the Spanish Inquisition. Martinez says the play is about “the difference of seeing life as it is versus what it could be or should be.”
Actor Janely Rodriguez, who’s playing Aldonza, says the show speaks to issues dominating headlines today, saying, “People thought Don [kee-hoe-tee] Quixote was crazy, and it’s the same thing over and over. Change the title and it could be trans people, Black people, immigrants, Jewish. We’d have the same war and violence instead of acceptance and empathy, something that uplifts your spirit.”
