Man of La Mancha Reviews
Los Angeles Times- Recommended
"...A fine revival from A Noise Within in Pasadena reminds us why the Dale Wasserman-Mitch Leigh-Joe Darion 1964 adaptation of the Don Quixote story, for all its familiarity, endures as one of the most substantive entries in the musical theater canon."
Broadway World- Highly Recommended
"...Perfection! A Noise Within produces a stunning, modernistic, most entertaining take on MAN OF LA MANCHA, the tale of Don Quixote and his man servant Sancho during the sixteenth century Spanish Inquisition. Co-Producing Artistic Director Julia Rodriguez-Elliott most skillfully directs her very talented cast of thirteen staging them in non-stop action; as the most inventive angry windmills, as a spontaneous spoon-clapping band of prisoners executing smooth scene changes, and as ruffians in fluid, realistic fight scenes."
Edge- Highly Recommended
"...The power of storytelling lies at the heart of "Man of La Mancha," which makes it just that much more fitting as a closer of A Noise Within's remarkable 25th season. Storytelling forms the basis for a thriving arts and culture community, and this quaint theatre continuously keeps them alive through their extraordinary performances. Make sure you make your way to see "Man of La Mancha," and let the show take you on an adventure you won't soon forget."
Stage and Cinema- Highly Recommended
"...Rodriguez-Elliott has done a lovely job on staging this powerful and still-relevant musical – a reverberating production, one of their best in the past five years, worthy of our attention."
Stage Scene LA- Highly Recommended
"...Stunningly staged and strikingly redesigned, A Noise Within's Man Of La Mancha takes a half-century-old musical theater classic and gives it 21st-century relevance while reminding audiences why the 1965 Best Musical Tony winner has stood the test of time in a way the same year's Skyscraper, Pickwick, and It's A Bird...It's A Plane...It's Superman have not."
Stage Raw- Somewhat Recommended
"...It's a shame that the production doesn't work as well as it wants to. In today's political climate, escaping into a world viewed through rose-colored glasses grows more appealing daily. But this bleak staging of Man of La Mancha belies the show's underlying optimism, and instead hammers home life's disillusioning reality."
Haines His Way- Highly Recommended
"...The leading trio of performers are excellent. Geoff Elliott enacts the childish joy of Quixote, always seeking adventure and the good graces of his lady. He balances the comedy and drama of the role perfectly. His rendition of "The Impossible Dream" dramatically reaches the heights. Jeffrey Landman gives a fresh take on Quijana and Quixote's servant and friend, Sancho. Usually played as a roly-poly comic relief character, here Landman gives true depth to the character and his relationship with his master, who really is more of a friend. Cassandra Marie Murphy ignites the stage with her performance as Aldonza, "the kitchen slut reeking with sweat." Her fire, her anger, her ferocity begins to melt under the kindness of Quixote's attention until she assumes the nobility that is the birthright of the lady Dulcinea. Brava Diva! Brava everyone!"