MCC Theatre Department to Put on a Livestreamed Hit Musical

Throughout the pandemic, Middlesex Community College has been creative in providing opportunities for students in the performing arts to practice their craft – from online theatre productions to at-home concerts. After a year of postponing their Spring production, the Middlesex Theatre department is excited to offer a livestreamed performance of “Man of La Mancha” – one of the most popular Broadway musicals of all time.

Karen Oster, MCC’s Chair of Performing Arts, got to work from the start of the pandemic to figure out how to continue performances for her students. Throughout the year, Middlesex Theatre students have put on “She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms” and “It’s A Wonderful Life: Radio Play,” among other online performances.

“Even though we had to postpone, the entire team persevered and held out hope that we would finally be able to present this production,” Oster said. “To reference a song from the musical, this became our ‘Impossible Dream,’ and has been our mantra throughout this whole year. With months of socially distanced rehearsals, masks, testing and other safety protocols ­– as well as a cast and crew that have been fully vaccinated and quarantining a week prior to performance – we are so excited to finally be able to share this production with you.”

Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote,” “Man of La Mancha” follows a play within a play about a playwright on trial attempting to preserve his manuscript. Using his storytelling to present his defense, the playwright reimagines himself as a bumbling knight on a quest – hoping to charm his fellow prisoners and redeem his name.

The original Broadway production debuted in 1965. The show was nominated for seven Tony Awards and won five, including for Best Musical. There have been four Broadway revivals since its initial debut and has over 10 adaptions in different countries.

Curtain times for “Man of La Mancha” are 7 p.m. on Friday, May 7; 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 8; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 9. The performances will be filmed at MCC’s Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center where the MCC Theatre department has been able to perform while following strict health and safety guidelines.

Tickets are $10 for general admission. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/performingarts to buy tickets and to learn more about MCC’s Performing Arts department.

For more information about MCC’s programs and opportunities – and to register for Summer and Fall 2021 classes – visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in online education for more than 20 years. We educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners, offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!