Featuring an international cast of some of the best classically trained actors and singers in the United States, Asheville Lyric Opera Company (ALO) will present Man of La Mancha at Diana Wortham Theatre at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 15–16, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 17.
David Starkey, ALO artistic director, says, “Man of La Mancha really is a genuine culmination of a classic old story and grand vocal score. It will allow us to draw upon the producing elements that audiences have come to expect from the Asheville Lyric Opera.” It promises to be “an exceptional and extraordinary experience,” he adds.
Among those performing will be baritone David Malis in the title role of Don Quixote. David has performed multiple leading roles on the Metropolitan Opera stage and has worked with such great performers as Luciano Pavarotti and Kathleen Battle. Also joining the cast are soprano Donata Cucinotta and tenor Scott Wichael. Conductor Keith Chambers leads this all-star cast.
The opera is based on Miguel de Cervantes’ novel, Don Quixote, about knight-errant Don Quixote, his devoted squire Sancho, and Aldonza, the woman of his dreams (whom he insists is really Dulcinea). The mad (or perhaps merely misguided) Don Quixote sees the world as something fantastic, viewing windmills as giants and an old inn as a castle.
Set during the time of the Spanish Inquisition, it is the story of a knight who sets forth on a journey of chivalry, seeking innocence in world full of evil. He pursues “The Impossible Dream” of staying true to himself and his ideals to the very end. It is a mystical and lyrical journey of good versus evil.
For tickets (adults $32–62 and students $15–42), visit dwtheatre.com or call the box office at 828.257.4530. For more about Asheville Lyric Opera, visit ashevillelyric.org.
