Theater Chat: Meet the Cast of Man of La Mancha

In the final weekend of the play, the cast of Man of La Mancha spoke about their experience in the play, their acting past and more.

Michael Bertolini

What are some of your favorite past credits? Where did you study?

I really enjoyed playing serial killer, Colin Raimes on the ABC TV show, "Life on Mars".  It really was a wonderful and memorable experience.  Everyone on the set was so nice and a joy to work with...just like my current cast and crew!

Describe your character in Man of La Mancha.

I play Don Miguel De Cervantes, a very interesting character.  He was a soldier, he was kidnapped and held for ransom, he wrote plays and acted in them, he worked for the government to pay the bills, but he was never a real success in life.  In "Man of La Mancha", he is thrown into prison by the Inquisition for foreclosing on a church, and to keep safe his prized possession-the manuscript for the novel that would make him famous, "Don Quixote"-he acts out the story for the prisoners in the hope that they will spare his manuscript. (The prisoners want to burn it.)  He plays the part of Alonso Quijana, and old man who looses touch with reality, shall we say, and believes he's a knight called Don Quixote.  So, I really play three parts!

What do you like most about playing this character?

Cervantes may "have lived almost 50 years," as he says in the play, but he still has hope and believes in his dream, even after all he has seen and lived through.  I also love how his alter ego, Don Quixote, sees through the outer form of people to the good and holy part that resides in us all.  

What was your favorite part of this rehearsal process?

I really enjoyed working with everyone in this cast, and with the director, Ken Washington.  It was a very creative process.  I felt free to explore and try different things, which is so important during rehearsals. 

William B. Kahn

Describe your character in Man of La Mancha.

Sancho is above all, a loyal friend. In contrast to Quixote's dreamer, he's a realist, but he's willing to go along with the dreams because, in his own words, "I like him."

What do you like most about playing this character?

He's been written with a sense of innocence that's refreshing in such a weighty piece. 

What are some of your favorite past credits? Where did you study?

In 30 years it's hard to pick favorites. I guess I'd have to say that the more dramatic roles have been my favorites. Most recently, I played Howie Corbett in "The Rabbit Hole" or Jan Warwick in "The Unexpected Guest."

I studied both voice and acting briefly at Binghamton University, but my training came in largest part from 30 years of working with highly talented performers. 
 

What were the challenges that you faced within this process? How did you overcome them?

Physically, Sancho is a much more active character than I was expecting. It's been like going back to the gym. 

TracyLynn Conner

What are some of your favorite past credits?  Where did you study?

My favorite past credit is definitely Maria in West Side Story. I would do that role for the rest of my life.  I studied Vocal Performance at the Crane School of Music/ SUNY Potsdam

What do you like most about playing this character?

The character of Aldonza was definitely a challenge for me, which I loved.  I loved finding her back story and watching the relationship between her and Quixote develop throughout the show.  Quixote definitely touches Aldonza's life immensely.

What were the challenges that you faced within this process?  How did you overcome them?

I'm usually cast as the ingénue (young romantic lead) so this part was definitely a challenge.  I loved to find her anger on stage.  I definitely did a lot of character study and back story to help me find Aldonza's emotional arc.

What was your favorite part of this rehearsal process? 

I absolutely loved working with this cast.  They are a wonderful group of people and extremely professional.  It was truly an ensemble effort.

Douglas Vandewinckel

Describe your character in Man of La Mancha. 

It's a play within a play, so I'm both a prisoner of the Inquisition and, in Quixote's tale, the Padre.  He's the voice of compassion in the show, worrying more that the "cure" to Quixote's "gentle madness" will be worse than the disease.  He's also got a couple of great songs, which is always nice.

What are some of your favorite past credits? 

Some of my favorite roles have included Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Ben Franklin in 1776, Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd, and Alfie Doolittle in My Fair Lady. 

What was your favorite part of this rehearsal process? 

Any time you are working with talented, slightly crazy people who really want to produce something special, you know the rehearsal process is going to be fun — even with an emotionally draining show like this.  My favorite thing has been watching Michael and Bill (as Quixote and Sancho) explore the comedic aspects of this show. They are two of the most fun, spontaneous actors I've worked with.

Why should people come see this show?  What will they leave with? 

I think the beauty of Man of La Mancha is its message of hope, courage and the importance of striving to be the best you can be no matter what the odds.  Really, the final lyrics of the show's signature song, "The Impossible Dream," sum it up far better than I — "To live with your heart striving upward to a far, unattainable sky."  It's all about the journey…not the destination.  That is the message he leaves the prisoners of the Inquisition — and the audience — to take to their hearts.  

Joan St.Onge

What are some of your favorite past credits?  Where did you study?

I enjoyed working with Jessica Tandy and her husband Hume Cronyn in a marvelous production of "Wings".  I went for 2 years to the High School of Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas then for a semester at the University of Denver.

What were the challenges that you faced within this process?  How did you overcome them?

Not liking the music at first, then growing to appreciate it, then not being able to ever get it out of my head.

How are you like or different from the character you portray?

Well, for one thing I don't live in the middle ages but like my character, I'm suspicious of authority figure.

Why should people come see this show?  What will they leave with?

The production is very beautiful...almost haunting. And the main actors are fantastic.  Hopefully the audience will leave with the same music playing constantly in their heads as I do.  Why should I have all the fun?