The Riverside Community Players concludes their landmark 100th Season with a captivating and deeply moving production of Man of La Mancha, reminding audiences why this classic musical has remained relevant for generations. This special season served as a retrospective of shows performed throughout the theatre’s long and celebrated history, and Man of La Mancha, making its return after a couple of decades, was a fitting and nostalgic choice. The production featured two members of its earlier staging, weaving a thread between its storied past and its hopeful future. The production opens on June 20, and runs through July 6.

Directed by Zach Simons, this reimagined staging is set in an authoritarian near-future, where an inquisitorial regime looms over society. Against this backdrop of repression, Miguel de Cervantes and Don Quixote’s hopeful idealism shines as a beacon of resistance, making its themes of perseverance and integrity even more resonant.

At the heart of this production is Alejandro Lopez, who delivers a spectacular performance as Miguel de Cervantes and Don Quixote. His commanding presence shines in every scene, capturing the idealistic dreamer’s fervor and vulnerability. From the anthem “The Impossible Dream” to moments of quiet reflection, Lopez delivers with remarkable range and emotional depth.

Rory Dyer shines as Sancho Panza, offering a performance imbued with warmth and sincerity. Dyer’s endearing innocence gives the loyal squire an accessibility that allows the character to connect deeply with the audience. Together with Lopez, Dyer forms a magnetic duo, providing moments of comic levity balanced by profound emotion.

Sarah Ayotte shines as Aldonza, delivering a compelling arc that guides the audience from skepticism to understanding, and ultimately, to accepting and loving Don Quixote’s idealistic quest. Ayotte captures this emotional journey with a captivating performance and strong vocals, making Aldonza’s transformation one of the production’s highlights and a moving embodiment of hopeful resistance.

Throughout the production, the cast delivers musical performances that are both technically impressive and deeply felt. From “I’m Only Thinking of Him” to the rousing “I, Don Quixote,” the singing captures the heart and spirit of the piece, rising to a professional caliber that elevates the show.

With its timeless message of perseverance and a cast that breathes new life into its characters, Riverside Community Players’ Man of La Mancha is more than a night of entertainment, it’s a reminder of the power of dreaming beyond the boundaries of the possible, even when faced with a world that threatens to extinguish that flame.

Man of La Mancha runs from June 20 through July 6 at Riverside Community Players. Evening performances are at 8 PM on June 20, 21, 27, 28, and July 5. Matinees are at 2 PM on June 22, 28, 29, July 5, and July 6. Tickets are available online at the theatre, ot the online box office. Due to nearby construction, a large section of the theatre’s parking lot is currently inaccessible. Patrons are encouraged to park on the fourth floor of the Riverside Community Hospital parking structure, where a shuttle service will be available to transport guests to and from the theatre.