Taproot’s ‘La Mancha’: Delusion or revelation?

The setting is a dungeon for heretics facing torture by the Inquisition in 16th-century Spain. An old man telling a story moves his fellow prisoners from despair to hope. The story is about another old man, one who dares to live life, not as it is but as it ought to be.

That man, of course, is the “Man from La Mancha.”

However, that man is also the “Man” as originally conceived by Cervantes in his “Don Quixote,” which was based on his time in prison in Algiers centuries ago. It is also filtered from Spanish into English, page to stage and interpreted by Taproot.

The marvel here is the relevance.

Given the media’s spectacular service to the general public, heaven knows everyone is well aware of life as it is. But how many of us ponder life as it ought to be?

Scott Nolte’s directing puts that question front and center.

Realistically, in the mesmerizing performance of Jeff Berryman in the leading role: You can’t take your eyes off Berryman; he is the Pied Piper if ever there was one.

Comically, in the uproariously funny Don Darryl Rivera as Berryman’s manservant: This little guy makes Falstaff look like a straight man.

And in a redemptive way, in the transfiguring tour de force of Candace Vance from Shoreline: Vance moves from sinner to saint, cynic to optimist, and in the process invites you to consider the possibility.

Edd Key’s musical directing as supported by musicians Jared Borkowsky, Gordon Tibbits from Edmonds and Ivan Artenga, contribute mightily to the swells of emotion, courtesy of music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion. Unless you’ve heard them here, you haven’t heard “The Impossible Dream” or “Little Bird, Little Bird” or “A Little Gossip” or “Dulcinea.” They are inspiring.

Called for and delivered in scenic designs by Mark Lund and costume designs by Sarah Burch Gordon. This “Man’s” physical stage makes The Hole of Calcutta look like “Paradise Regained.” It’s no place for Mary Poppins.

This is community theater staging a timeless classic with something to say now. It does or doesn’t resonate. Either way, it puts things where they are.

I am still resonating.

Reactions? Comments? E-mail Dale Burrows at entopinion@heraldnet.com or grayghost7@comcast.net.