This heartfelt play within a play, “Man of La Mancha,” with its timely and timeless themes, is a show for the idealists-at-heart. Heartwood and Lincoln Academy deliver their 16th consecutive annual youth theater collaboration bringing another Broadway classic to the stage Oct. 26 - Nov. 4.

Under the experienced guidance of Griff Braley, Beth Preston and Sean Fleming, this talented group of students are searching out the heart and wisdom embedded in this classic literature and delivering such musical icons as “The Impossible Dream,” “Dulcinea” and “Man of La Mancha.” 

“Man of La Mancha” is based on the classic 17th century novel, "Don Quixote," by Miguel de Cervantes.  If this epic reading was not included in your high school or college assignments, a bit of context would be most beneficial in understanding this play within a play.

The aging Miguel de Cervantes, an utter failure in life, has been cast into a Seville dungeon with his manservant, awaiting trial by the Spanish Inquisition for an offense against the Church. The other (cut-throat) prisoners, awaiting their own trials, set up a mock trial for Cervantes.  If he is found guilty, he must hand over all his possessions.  In a desperate effort to stall the inmates from descending upon him and his possessions, Cervantes offers his defense in the form of a play.  Entering a world of the fantastic, he draws props and costumes from his trunk, transforming himself into “Don Quixote de La Mancha.” 

One of the most enduring musicals of all time, “Man of La Mancha” is just that – a musical for all time.  There is always an Impossible Dream to dream.  As Quixote puts it, “When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies? Perhaps to be too practical is madness. To surrender dreams — this may be madness. Too much sanity may be madness — and maddest of all: to see life as it is, and not as it should be!” 

Evening performances are at 7 o’clock on Oct. 26 and 27, Nov. 1-3; with two Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. on Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 in the Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy, 81 Academy Hill Road in Newcastle. Reservations available by emailing Heartwood at info@heartwoodtheater.org or phoning 563-1373 (please do not contact Lincoln Academy for tickets).

Student tickets, held at a low price for the entire season by student ticket sponsors Peapod Jewelry and HM Payson, are $5; adult tickets are $16. Seating is unreserved, unless specifically requested in advance.  Ticket sales are escalating, and early reservations are strongly encouraged.  For more details visit www.heartwoodtheater.org.