AMERICUS — Sumter Players Inc., and Georgia Southwestern State University Theatre, Communication, and Media Arts Department announce their co-production of the musical theater  classic, Man of La Mancha. Directed by Donna Minich, this gorgeous musical will play at the historic Rylander Theatre in downtown Americus March 10-13 with 8 p.m. showtimes Thursday through Saturday, and a 2:30 p.m. matinee show on Sunday.
It is the late 16th century, and Miguel de Cervantes, a failed author, has been thrown into a dungeon by the Spanish Inquisition, along with his trusted manservant, and they await a trial for offenses against the Church. Their fellow prisoners arrange a mock trial in order to steal their possessions, and to mount his defense, Cervantes puts on a play, transforming himself into the aged Don Quixote de La Mancha: a knight errant who spends his time battling imaginary foes, seeking to right all wrongs by tilting at windmills and upholding the chivalric code for ladies of the night.  His manservant becomes his faithful squire, and the other prisoners join in as the rest of the characters in the story.
Along with the moving tale that is woven onstage, the beautiful score and songs will stay with you long after the show is done.  Such numbers as “I, Don Quixote”, “Dulcinea”, “I’m Only Thinking of Him”, and the classic number “The Impossible Dream” will magically transport you to the world of this iconic and eccentric knight, and his glorious quest.
Patrick Peacock, fresh from his Sumter Players directorial debut with The Andersonville Trial, takes on the role of Don Quixote, and Dr. Ken DiNella, who previously graced the stage as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh in Anything Goes, will follow him as his faithful squire Sancho Panza. The prostitute Aldonza will be played by Rachel Riemke, last seen as the murderous Aggie Wheeler in The Game’s Afoot, or Holmes for the Holidays. Rounding out the rest of the talented cast are: Richard Nettum, Mark Culpepper, Justin Fisher, Nashua Chantel, Ryan Mournighan, A.J. Bailey, Richard Thornton, Eric Jones, Jonathan Minich, Di’Jon Dupree, Michelle Dalva, Hannah Pendergrass, Grace Dalva, Caylin McCubbin, Justin Neal, Eric Dalva, Ezra Yant, Moses Simmons, Jesse Riano, Heather Thornburgh, Julia Skala, Michelle Carty, and Corriere Wilson. Making special guest appearances in the show are Pat Spann, Ralph Cornwell, Kevin Kwashnak and Rucker Smith.
The production team includes: Jen O’Rourke (stage manager/costumer/properties manager); Jonathan Minich (stage manager), Kaylynn Partridge (music director – vocals & orchestra), Beth Tyrer (music director – orchestra/rehearsal accompanist), Todd Lunneborg (assistant music director – orchestra), Patrick Owen (assistant music director – orchestra), Brooks Nettum (choreographer), Richard Thornton (assistant choreographer), Tom Wheeler (rehearsal accompanist), Stephanie Harvey (costumer), Michelle Dalva (costumer), Jesse Riano (costumer), Elizabeth Gurnack (costumer), and Ray Mannila (set & lighting designer).  Sumter Players, Inc. and GSW also extend a special thanks to Hannah Ricketts of Fabulous Feet Dance Studio for her assistance with auditions.
Tickets can be purchased through the Rylander Theatre Box Office (229-931-0001 or www.rylander.org), and additional information can be found through the Rylander Theatre or through Sumter Players Inc. (www.sumterplayers.org). This production is made possible through special arrangement with Tams- Witmark Music Library.