by Ericka Simpson
Staff Writer
Spring 2008: Junior Robert Ethan Hargraves auditioned his freshman year for the musical “Man of La Mancha,” which requires a minimum of 12 male actors and two large choruses. Only five males showed up to the auditions, and two of them had technically graduated, according to Hargraves. The musical never made it to the stage that year.
The musical is based on the 1959 play “I, Don Quixote” by Dale Wasserman, which was inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th century book “Don Quixote.” Music was composed by Mitch Leigh with lyrics by Joe Darion.
Hargraves said that a lack of male interest in theater can present an obstacle to certain productions because some men would deem it “slightly foppish,” as they also would genuine ballroom dancing.
For the most part, Bryan College’s Hilltop Players have not struggled casting male roles, according to Associate Professor of Communication Studies Bernie Belisle. He said that particular year they had already staged two musicals, and the male actors who had the singing voices and could have played the parts were not willing to commit the time that the musical would require.
Even though plays take commitment and flexibility, musicals require more out of the actors and actresses because they have to sing, act and sometimes dance, according to Belisle.
“I just put it on the back burner and said, ‘We’ll do it some day when we have the people to do it,’” Belisle said.
Spring 2010: Hargraves once again auditioned for “Man of La Mancha” and landed a lead role as a character who doubles as both the manservant and Sancho Panza. The timing was right for the musical because the right number of males auditioned with the talent to perform it.
“The musical is played out as a play within a play, with Cervantes and his manservant acting out the story of Don Quixote to their fellow prisoners,” Hargraves said.
Don Quixote tries to “right all wrongs” and views the other characters in the best possible light, according to Belisle. When he encounters a prostitute at an inn, he calls her his “honorable lady.” Even though she is not, she becomes how he views her because of his influence.
Belisle said that he has always liked the musical because of its redemptive message. It is about the “power of seeing people in the best possible light despite their depravity.”
“I kind of compare it to how God sees us,” he said, “He sees the good in us. He sees the possibilities in us even though we are fallen creatures.”
The cast and crew practice every Monday through Thursday from 7-10 p.m.
At first the cast was uncomfortable with the “infamous rape scene,” according to freshman Aaron Hunt, who plays the part of Juan the Muleteer. Juan’s most important responsibility is making clip-clop sounds when the pretend horses are galloping.
“Thanks to Mr. B, the scene is not working out anything like a rape scenario,” he said. “I don’t know anyone who is uncomfortable with it now.”
The set, which is a dungeon, is “elaborate and complicated,” according to Hunt, because large portions of the cast have to navigate it at one time.
Hargraves agreed that the set has proved to be a slight obstacle with portions of it being 15 feet high.
“The challenge will be ending production week with no causalities,” he said. “Knock on wood.”
The musical will be performed April 15-17 at 7:30 p.m. in Rudd Auditorium.
Tickets went on sale Wednesday, April 7, at 12 -4:30 p.m. in the box office. The cost will be $6 for Bryan students, faculty and staff.