Don Quixote isn't much good at falling great windmills, but boy he can sing! Davis Gaines, a seasoned pro, pleases the Carpenter crowd with veteran acting chops and commanding wind (er, uhm) pipes.

The production stumbles from the opening to acquaint the audience with the context under which this story of Quixote will be told. This preamble is a bit "trying." But, once Quixote and his tale are set free to roam across the windmill-peppered plains of Spain, the play begins to engage. By intermission, the rough set up has been nearly forgotten and the twisted blades begin to turn mightily.

The momentum carries strongly through most of the second act. Reprising of the theme tune "Impossible Dream" adds strength and depth, but sadly, subtracts with just one too many reprises. (Ironically, in the original teleplay, the "Impossible Dream" speech version almost got the axe.)

Highlights include: the beautifully worded and trio-voiced "I'm only thinking of him," the chessboard-walk, the Sancho/Aldonza missive scene, and Gaines' big voice and warm presence. Quieter moments involving only two or three thespians shine brightest, however, scenes requiring the full cast feel cluttered and amateur.

The costuming and lighting and set are all apt, the lift/elevator impressive, though its up/down speed injects a few awkward extra seconds.

Though mostly told well, the play experiences a touch of tone-disconnect. A harsh, but important, reality scene appears "out of place" amidst a mostly Disney feel. This could have been avoided with a more shockingly disturbing open. Nonetheless, the original source material is taken from one of humankinds' great pieces of literature, so goers will leave with plenty to reflect on philosophically. The production enjoyed a standing ovation from the audience.

"They say one madman makes a hundred. And love makes a thousand."

-- Books by Author/Illustrator Ross Anthony --