La Mancha to Miranda: Musical society production channels Don Quixote

Not only will Man of La Mancha hit the stage that night but the woman playing an ensemble role and a housekeeper, Catherine Boyle, will be celebrating her 60th birthday, doing what she loves - acting.

‘‘About 30 years ago I played the part of the young girl Aldonza and about 20 years ago I directed the play, so this completes the circle,’’ Boyle, of Blakehurst, said.

Man of La Mancha is based on Miguel Cervantes’ 17th-century historical novel Don Quixote about a prisoner awaiting trial by the Spanish Inquisition.

When fellow prisoners try to take his belongings, including his manuscript, he suggests they stage a trial in which he proves the merit of his manuscript through fellow prisoners taking the parts of its characters in a re-enactment.

Together they tell the story of the aged knight errant Don Quixote in a quest to achieve an impossible dream.

Boyle has had a lifetime of involvement in St George and Sutherland Shire having been the principal of the Bald Face Primary School, Blakehurst, before retiring.

For lead male actor Christopher Hamilton playing Don Quixote will be close to his own version of fulfilling one of the musical’s hit songs, The Impossible Dream.

Hamilton is taking on a role he previously only ever dreamed about, one he particularly likes because of its optimism.

“It’s such a beautiful story, it’s so easy to see the downside of things but we can always find a way through.

‘‘I think I was about 15 when I started dreaming about the role, whenever it came up before I was always busy or wasn’t available,’’ he said.

The female lead Charmaine Gibbs, 43, was classically trained as a singer, grew up in the shire and now lives in Wollongong where she is a singing and performance coach.

La Mancha’s musical director is Dean Turner and choreographer Sam Larielle.

​Man of La Mancha is at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre from March 16-20.

Bookings: Call 8814 5827 or visit mirandamusicalsociety.com.au