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Thunderous ovation for Man of La Mancha By CYNTHIA GAMBLE Staff Writer The applause was almost as loud as the thunderstorms, which rumbled throughout the opening night performance of Man of La Mancha, at the John Elliott Theatre Friday. Georgetown Globe Musical Productions is presenting this perennial favourite to close its 2009-2010 season. Directed by Danny Harvey, Man of La Mancha is a play within a play. It opens with poet and tax collector Miguel de Cervantes thrown into a prison to wait for a hearing before the Spanish Inquisition. The prisoners demand his possessions, but Cervantes asks, during a mock trial, that he retain his most prized possession a manuscript about an old man, Alonso Quijana, who believes himself to be a knight, Don Quixote de La Mancha. Cervantes's defence is acting out the play with the aid of the prisoners. The message behind Man of La Mancha is enduring-- that the maintenance of grace and civility in a world of ugliness can teach all to live The Impossible Dream. This play has always been about two things-- the actors and the music. The actors do not let this production down. The three leads, Mark Llewellyn as Don Quixote, Cheyenne Harvey as Aldonza and Rob Woodcock as Sancho are community stage veterans and it showed in their top-notch performances. Those three never let an audience down. While they were the de facto leads, they did not dominate the stage. The whole cast worked as a smooth ensemble, a focused group, not deterred by the constant thunder, drumming of rain on the building, cell phones ringing or rude patrons. They were a pleasure to watch. The setting was spare and atmospheric, and the direction was clever, except for the missed opportunity of introducing the actors to the stage during the painfully rendered overture. This great production this night was let down by the orchestra, who unlike the seamless ensemble, could have spent more time in rehearsal. The music was rushed-- perhaps Opening Night adrendalin-- and at times, lacked harmony. However, that should improve by this weekend's performances, and it will be an A+ production to watch. So turn on your PVRs and head to the JET to watch quality talent in your own neighbourhood. Your source for local news PUBLIC NOTICE The HST is coming. Plan now and save. Under the pending Harmonized Sales Tax, the government will demand you pay an additional 8% for cemetery and cremation services. Pre-arrange your cemetery or cremation plans now, to avoid paying hundreds of dollars in extra tax. 15 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Plan before July 1st ­ Save 8% Call today to find out more, free: 905-840-3400 BRAMPTON MEMORIAL GARDENS & VISITATION CENTRE 10061 Chinguacousy Road, Brampton · www.bramptonmemorial.com Congratulations! Student of the Month Listening to you. Meet your Member of Provincial Parliament, Ted Arnott. Friday, May 14th 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Georgetown Market Place 280 Guelph Street Georgetown Matthew Bain Matthew works very hard at home and does a great job in class. He loves to play "Star Wars" in his piano lessons. Call now to book your free trial lesson. Georgetown School of Music Halton's Finest Music School with over 25 highly qualified teachers to meet your needs www.georgetownmusiclessons.com 330 Guelph Street, Unit #4 - Across from Canadian Tire TED ARNOTT, MPP WELLINGTON-HALTON HILLS 905.877.2770 HEARING SCIENCES Audiology and Hearing Aid Centre When I am in a group, I just smile because I can't follow the conversation Valid until MAY 31/10 Age 55+ BRING THIS AD FOR A COMPLIMENTARY HEARING TEST $60 VALUE SERVED THURSDAY & FRIDAY LUNCH BUFFET 11:30 am to 2:00 pm Featuring: $ - Roast Beef - Baked Ham We pay the GST & PST - Beans & Wieners Private Catering Available Thurs. 8:30 pm - close 9.99 Old School ~ LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ~ Fri. & Sat. 9:30 pm - close Many people feel frustrated when they can't participate in small group conversation. This is due to room noise overwhelming the soft high frequency consonant sounds that are so important for speech clarity. Today's hearing instruments are able to isolate speech sounds and manage the noise background, so with practice you will be able to actively participate in conversations again. Come and hear the newest technology for yourself. The first step to better hearing is a hearing test. Open Mic Night Everyone Welcome 79 Main Street South, Georgetown NEW GEORGETOWN 905-877-0099 211 Guelph St., Suite 1 (in the M&M plaza, across from Winners) 905-877-3388