CSU, Chico to Present Grand-Scale Spring Musical — “Man of La Mancha” — May 5-9

Randy Wonzong says farewell to a 30-year teaching career at CSU, Chico with his final grand scale production, the 2004 Spring Musical, “Man of La Mancha.”
“I think my colleagues indulged me and let me pick ‘Man of La Mancha’ as my last show,” Wonzong said. “It’s my favorite musical. It’s an actor’s musical; it tells a good story, has nice tunes and requires an interesting method of storytelling that I really like.”

“Man of La Mancha” will be presented May 5-9, 2004 in Laxson Auditorium.
 
Wonzong predicts his third presentation of “Man of La Mancha” will be the best yet, as he has learned much about directing in his 30 years at Chico State.
Since his first presentation of “Man of La Mancha” in 1979, Wonzong said he has “learned a lot about musical theatre and the art of directing, and I look forward to making this the most successful version.”

Wonzong wanted to do a lighter play that audiences always like. He felt it would be a nice close to his career with what he referred to as a “surefire crowd pleaser.”
Wonzong said he enjoys directing this musical because it is such a challenge to present the story in a way that draws the audience into the experience. “It’s a story within a story, with a romantic tale set inside a dangerous and realistic world. It’s fun to create both worlds,” he said.

Wonzong is also proud of the cast he has chosen. “The cast is motivated, talented, and well trained,” he said. “This group is perfect. They really fit together, in terms of musicianship, acting talent and dramatic strength.”
Wonzong believes people should see this musical because it is a story people can understand. “It’s good, clean, wholesome, heart wrenching drama with funny scenes and great music.”

One of the best aspects of the story, in Wonzong’s opinion, is also one of the reasons he believes the novel from which the musical is based, “Don Quixote de La Mancha,” was so popular. “The heart of the novel is the warmth of the relationship between Don Quixote and Sancho,” he said, “and I think the audience can relate to that relationship.”

“Man of La Mancha” the musical, is set in Spain at the end of the 16th century. Miguel de Cervantes, an author, is thrown into prison by the Spanish Inquisition and forced to plead for his life and the life of his servant when put on trial by the other prisoners in the cell.

In his defense, Cervantes tells the tale of Alonso Quijana, who believes he is the knight-errant Don Quixote de la Mancha. Cervantes and his servant assume the roles of Quixote and his squire Sancho Panza, as the other prisoners reluctantly participate in the tale. Eventually they are drawn into the story in spite of themselves and realize the power of pursuing one’s dreams.

The musical features an orchestra under the direction of North State Symphony maestro Kyle Wiley Pickett, beautiful costumes designed by Theatre Arts faculty member Gail Holbrook, and a set depicting a Spanish Inquisition prison cell, designed by Theatre Arts set designer Jaye Beetem.

Tickets for “Man of La Mancha” are currently sale at the University Box Office (898-6333). For best seats, purchase tickets well in advance.

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"Man of La Mancha" Features Talented Student Actors

CSU, Chico’s Department of Theatre Arts recently held auditions for its 2004 Spring Musical, “Man of La Mancha,” and director Randy Wonzong was pleased with the turnout of high caliber talent.

“It is always challenging to find people who can sing as well as act out complex characters,” Wonzong said. “But it was a good turnout, with a large, talented pool of actors to choose from.”

Of the approximately 80 people who auditioned, 23 actors received roles in the musical.

The audition process consisted of performing two monologues and singing a song. Actors invited to the call backs read specific parts from “Man of La Mancha” that they had not seen before, and they were paired with other actors to see how well they looked and worked together.

“We chose actors based on their acting and singing ability as well as how well their physical characteristics added to the overall stage picture,” Wonzong said. “We also based our decisions on what was best for each student to help in their personal growth as actors.”

The final cast includes students from the Department of Theatre Arts as well as other departments on campus.

“The role of Padre was the hardest vocal role to fill because not many men have the high, clear tenor voice between the normal ranges of alto and tenor required for the part,” Wonzong noted. “There were a few choices for several roles, including Aldonza and Cervantes, but I feel we made the right decisions.”

Many actors chosen have had feature roles in previous Chico State productions, but few have had starring roles.

“I like to use new actors who are ripe for a lead,” Wonzong said.

The cast of “Man of La Mancha” will include Beau Hirshfield, Marcus Sams, David McCormick, David Clyne, Justin Jeffers, David Deuel, Tyler Bennett, Ashley Monroe, Brian Zoppi, Michael Biggs, Sara St. Pierre, Marie Walsh, Maeve Martin, Katie Brown, Kevin Marr, Zac Yurkovic, Vince Laune, Rob Kayson, John Reynolds, Allie Carrasquel, Gina Karpenko, Katie Babb, and Shelli Rowing.

“Man of La Mancha” is a traditional musical that tells the story of a knight-errant with illusions of chivalry and heroism — Don Quixote — and his brave yet misunderstood quest to live the Impossible Dream.

Set in Spain at the end of the 16th century, “Man of La Mancha” is the Department of Theatre Arts’ grand scale Spring Musical and will be presented May 5-8 at 7:30 p.m. and May 9 at 2 p.m. in Laxson Auditorium.

The musical features an orchestra under the direction of North State Symphony maestro Kyle Wiley Pickett, beautiful costumes designed by Theatre Arts faculty member Gail Holbrook, and a set depicting a Spanish Inquisition prison cell, designed by Theatre Arts set designer Jaye Beetem.

“Man of La Mancha” is an adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th century novel, “Don Quixote de La Mancha.” Dale Wasserman wrote the original book for the musical with lyrics by Joe Darion and music by Mitch Leigh. “Man of La Mancha” is an old-fashioned, traditional musical with complex characters and an intricate plot that leads the audience to believe in following one’s dream despite all odds.

“Man of la Mancha,” described by one critic as “one of Broadway’s most inspiring musicals and well deserving of its high reputation,” premiered in 1965 at Martin Beck Theatre in New York City and went on to become one of the longest running musicals with 2,328 straight performances. It won five Tony Awards in its opening year, including best actor, director, music, and composer.

The musical features several well known tunes, including “The Impossible Dream,” and hosts a cast of unforgettable characters, including Don Quixote and his alter ego, Miguel Cervantes; the faithful Sancho; Aldonza (who does not believe she is worthy of Quixote’s love); Quixote’s nemesis, the cruel Dr. Carrasco (who strives to disenchant Quixote of his madness); and a full crew of prisoners-turned-muleteers to bring forth this dark yet strangely uplifting tale.

Tickets for “Man of La Mancha” are currently on sale at the University Box Office (898-6333). For best seats, purchase tickets well in advance.

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History of "Man of La Mancha"

He tilts at windmills and dreams the impossible dream with his faithful squire, Sancho, at his side. The legendary tale of Don Quixote comes alive in Dale Wasserman’s “Man of La Mancha,” presented by CSU, Chico’s School of the Arts and the Departments of Music and Theatre Arts.

“Man of La Mancha,” the 2004 Chico State Spring Musical, was adapted from the book “Don Quixote de La Mancha,” written by Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra (1547-1616) in 1605. The book was highly successful; it is considered one of the great literary classics 400 years after its initial publication and has inspired more than 200 adaptations.

Randy Wonzong, director of the Chico State production, said, “The heart of the novel is the warm relationship between Don Quixote and Sancho,” and believes that this is one of the reasons for the book’s popularity.

The musical “Man of La Mancha” had its Broadway debut in 1965 at the Martin Beck Theatre with little fanfare. However, after the first performance, many reviewers considered it “the hottest ticket in town.” The musical ran for 2,328 consecutive performances from 1965 to 1971, making it one of the longest running musicals. In a review of the 1965 original soundtrack, one reviewer said, “‘Man of La Mancha’ is one of Broadway’s most inspiring musicals and well deserves its high reputation.”

Rachelle Hughes, in the 2002 publication of “Insight,” noted that “Man of La Mancha,” the musical, was the result of a “long, twisting and sometimes bumpy adventure” between playwright Dale Wasserman, lyricist Joe Darion, and composer Mitch Leigh. It was not until Wasserman joined forces with Darion and Leigh that his musical became, as Wasserman said, “a kind of theatre that was … without precedent.”

“Man of La Mancha” won five Tony Awards in its opening year, including an award for the leading actor, director, music, and composer. It also won all the major theatre awards that season, including Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics’ Circle, The Variety Poll, and The Saturday Review.

The musical contains some of the most memorable songs in musical theatre history, including “Man of La Mancha” and “The Impossible Dream,” among others.
“Man of La Mancha” is a story-within-a-story set in Spain at the end of the 16th century. Miguel de Cervantes, an author, is thrown into prison by the Spanish Inquisition and forced to plead for his life and the life of his servant when put on trial by the other prisoners in the cell.

In his defense, Cervantes tells the tale of Alonso Quijana, who believes he is the knight-errant Don Quixote de la Mancha. Cervantes and his servant assume the roles of Quixote and his squire Sancho Panza, as the other prisoners reluctantly participate in the tale. Eventually they are drawn into the story in spite of themselves and realize the power of pursuing one’s dreams.

“Man of La Mancha” reopened in 2002 for its 35th Anniversary performance at Martin Beck Theatre and ran for eight months. It received several Tony Award nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical, Best Lead Actor in a Musical for Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Best Lead Actress in a Musical for Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.

CSU, Chico will present a grand scale production of “Man of La Mancha,” May 5-9 in Laxson Auditorium. The show will be directed by Randy Wonzong and will feature talented Chico State students, an elaborate set, an orchestra conducted by North State Symphony maestro Kyle Wiley Pickett, and beautiful costumes.

Tickets for “Man of la Mancha” are currently on sale at the University Box Office (898-6333). For best seats, purchase tickets well in advance.

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Randy Wonzong to Direct Final Production

Randy Wonzong feels that the Department of Theatre Arts has accomplished a great deal in the 30 years he has been a professor at CSU, Chico.

Wonzong, who officially retired from university teaching last year, and is now professor emeritus—a part-time teacher at Chico State, for the next four years—in all likelihood will be directing his final production, the 2004 Spring Musical, “Man of La Mancha.”

Wonzong said he is most proud of the “quality product” Chico State’s Department of Theatre Arts has consistently put out during his tenure.

“Our quality product has been demonstrated by what you see onstage, by what happens backstage, and by the caliber of student we graduate,” Wonzong said.
According to Wonzong, the Chico State theatre department is superior to many other universities because there is no graduate program to detract from training undergraduates in a broadly based program.

“Our undergraduate students have the opportunity to learn about all areas of theatre as a performing art. Because of this we have an excellent program; we are big enough with 100 majors to do good work in our productions, but we are small enough to know all our students.”

Wonzong joined the Chico State faculty 30 years ago. He was attracted to the area because of its ideal community for raising a family, as well as the unique opportunity available in the Chico State theatre department.

“This was, and still is, one of the few universities where one trained in literature, criticism and history could also teach in the performance areas of the discipline, and direct plays as well,” Wonzong stated. “Here was a place I could use both sides of my training.”

Wonzong received his bachelors and masters degrees in Theatre and English from Illinois State University in 1967 and 1971, respectively. He received his PhD in Performance Studies from Northwestern University in 1975.

“With degrees in both Theatre and English,” Wonzong recalled, “I wanted something less lonely than the life of a literature scholar, and more academic than the life of an actor, so I did my PhD in an area that put a lot of weight on both areas.”

“I started as a high school teacher in a tough, inner city district and loved it,” Wonzong said. “I studied for my MA degree during the summer, and each fall I kept returning with more and more information to the same 14 year olds in my beginning speech class. Once I received my MA I really wanted to do the college thing.”

Wonzong had offers from three schools before he decided to settle in Chico. Chico was attractive because of the range of assignments available to him.

“I had no aspirations to be ‘some place great,’” Wonzong said. “In fact, many big name universities have much more limited theatre production programs. Also, I was getting well known among my national colleagues by my work at conferences. I just needed to write good papers; I didn’t need to be from New York to get noticed.”

“In the last 30 years directing at Chico State, I have learned that you need to direct the story of the play. I used to direct the actors, their moments, emotions, and changes. Now I know if you don’t direct the action you don’t engage the audience, however emotive the performances may be.”

“My directing philosophy is this: Never stop an actor unless you have something to say. Never say anything to the actors unless it will help to make them better. And make it their play, not yours.”

“I hope when my students graduate that they have learned to think for themselves. I hope they have discovered what it is that makes each production work and that it is their job to make it work.”

When Wonzong leaves Chico State, he plans to put 10, 000 miles a year on his new Harley Davidson motorcycle. He hopes to remember the 2004 Spring Musical, “Man of La Mancha,” presented May 5-9 in Laxson Auditorium, as his favorite production.

“‘Man of La Mancha’ is a valentine to my wife,” Wonzong said. “She has sat through nearly 100 of my directed shows, and she has always preferred the plays where the people in the audience laugh and cry and enjoy themselves, not the ones where they are forced to ponder the meaning of existence. So, I owe her.”

“Man of La Mancha,” will be a grand scale production that will feature talented Chico State students, an elaborate set, an orchestra conducted by North State Symphony maestro Kyle Wiley Pickett, and beautiful costumes.

Tickets for “Man of la Mancha” are currently on sale at the University Box Office (898-6333). For best seats, purchase tickets well in advance. Funded in part by Student Instructionally Relted Activities Fees.

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“Man of La Mancha” Set

The medieval, Spanish-inspired set provides a fitting backdrop for CSU, Chico’s 2004 Spring Musical, “Man of La Mancha,” presented May 5-9 in Laxson Auditorium.

Jaye Beetem, set designer for the musical, described the set as “simple and rustic, but it needs to accommodate the drawbridge and staircase for which the show is well known.”

“The sets provide a backdrop and a frame for the action of the story within a story, though this musical is often done with no set at all,” Beetem said. “The set also provides an enclosure since the story is told from a Spanish Inquisition prison cell.”

“The set design process is lengthy,” Beetem explained, “starting with reading the play and then talking with the director. We went through several floor plans before deciding on one that accommodates both levels for the action and the drawbridge.”

“The set is very large and required many working drawings which the shop is now using to build the pieces. We are painting the set in many pieces of fabric that will be applied in Laxson Auditorium. Once the set has been installed we need to paint the floor and can concentrate on the lighting.”

Beetem said the lighting plays a large role in the set design.

“We have tried to arrange the design to accommodate the lighting equipment, which is a challenge as part of the story is told from within a dungeon.”

Another challenge described by Beetem is finishing all the set pieces together.
“It’s much like cooking for a large dinner party,” Beetem said. “But I have good help in the professional staff and student assistants.”

Beetem believes people should see “Man of La Mancha” because it is, “one of the best known and loved musicals of the 20th century and is so relevant today. It resonates, it never ages, and it always touches the audience with Quixote’s hope and impossible dream.”

Tickets for “Man of La Mancha” are currently on sale at the University Box Office (898-6333). For best seats purchase tickets well in advance.

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Costumes Tell the Story of Don Quixote

The rustic design, earthy colors, and rough textures of the costumes in the CSU, Chico 2004 Spring Musical, “Man of La Mancha,” contribute to the legend of Don Quixote.

“The grays and browns and ragged look of the costumes go with the stone sets as well as the feel of the musical,” costume designer Gail Holbrook said. “The costumes support the mood or theme of a production, whether it is a drama or a comedy.”

“The costumes are important to a production, as they help determine the character,” Holbrook noted. “As soon as the audience sees a character in costume, they make a judgment and learn something about the character. The goal of costume design is to create costumes that will contribute to and enhance the show.”

The prisoners and muleteers, as well as Aldonza and various other characters, wear the ragged dress and dull colors of the 16th century Spanish peasant. Don Quixote wears rough leather and rusted armor. The Knights of the Mirrors are more flashily attired in shining armor and fancy tunics. Dr. Carrasco and several other characters are more nobly dressed, but still wear the dull colors and simple fabric seen throughout the costume design.

“This musical does not have the usual pretty colors and satiny fabrics found typically in musical theatre,” Holbrook said.

Holbrook described the costume design process as a progression of research, sketches, fittings, alterations and above all, director approval.

“The director has ultimate artistic control,” Holbrook stated.

The inspiration for the costumes in this year’s production of “Man of La Mancha” came from extensive research into the late 16th century, including the art of the period. However, it also came from Holbrook’s knowledge and love of musical theatre.

“I am a director as well, so I look at costume design from various angles,” Holbrook said. “I have seen this play before, so I work with the knowledge of the music, the set design, and the overall feel of the musical. It all adds to the visual look of the production.”

Holbrook has faced several artistic and practical challenges during the costume design process of “Man of La Mancha.”

“Artistically, designing and sculpting the larger-than-life horse and mule heads to be worn by two actors has been difficult,” Holbrook claimed. “Also, it has been a challenge to build and paint the armor worn by both Don Quixote and the Knights of the Mirrors so that they look realistic.”

“More practical challenges have been issues of time management. This is the fourth production I have been involved with this semester, in both costume design and directing, plus I am teaching a large class load.”

“However, I have a great support staff, and (director) Randy Wonzong is a joy to work with. He does not criticize or put on a lot of pressure. I’ve also done this a long time, so it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
Holbrook believes that people should come to the Chico State production of “Man of La Mancha” not only for the talented actors and musicians, but also because the musical is an American classic.

“This is one of the most famous musicals,” Holbrook stated. “It is a valuable part of the tradition and heritage of American musical theatre.”

“Man of La Mancha” will be presented May 5-9 in Laxson Auditorium. Tickets are currently on sale at the University Box Office (898-6333). For best seats purchase tickets well in advance.

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“Man of La Mancha” Music Features
One of the World's Most Poular Songs

North State Symphony maestro Kyle Wiley Pickett, the conductor of the orchestra that will play the music at “Man of La Mancha,” anticipates audiences will leave Laxson Auditorium humming the famous tunes of the musical.

“The musical features one of the most popular songs of all time—‘To Dream the Impossible Dream,’” Pickett said.

According to Pickett, the music sets the mood of the show, while the story is conveyed through the lyrics.

Pickett described the music of “Man of La Mancha” as having a “Spanish flair,” reminiscent of flamenco dancing, especially in the rhythmic patterns.

“The most prominent rhythm is a cross rhythm pattern—1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1 and 2 and 3 and,” Pickett explained, “that comes back again and again, in both the slow and fast numbers.”

The orchestra features mostly woodwinds and brass instruments, as well as a flamenco guitar and two percussionists. There are no stringed instruments, which is rare in musical theatre.

Pickett said it is always challenging accompanying singers because the dramatic structure of a piece is as much a concern as the musical structure. Also, sudden changes often have to be made based on what is happening onstage.

“The conductor has to know the music inside and out to be able to make lightning-fast adjustments for the dramatic timing.”

“Accompanying a musical is only different from other orchestral performances in that the sensitivity to following the conductor is enhanced,” Pickett stated. “The main difference is that the orchestra is sitting in the pit, and the conductor has to be the liaison between the singers and the musicians.”

“I like the compositions quite a lot. The numbers are growing on me, the more we work through them. There is a nice unaccompanied section for the muleteers that is very pretty.”

“I think the audience will really enjoy the storytelling in the show. The source material is great, and the songs are definitely memorable. People will certainly leave humming the famous tunes.”

“Man of La Mancha” will be presented May 5-9 in Laxson Auditorium. Tickets are currently on sale at the University Box Office (898-6333). For best seats, purchase tickets well in advance.

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Press releases and side-bars by Theresa Newell, "Man of La Mancha" Student Publicist


Photos for media to accompany the press release and side-bars are available at the School of the Arts Online Photo Database.