Last night was a dress rehearsal for Man of La Mancha. This show has lost more rehearsals than usual due to bad weather and power outages leaving less time to get ready for Friday’s opening night. Costume Designer Denise Knue’s house experienced flooding; damaging or ruining costumes with the added stress of loosing power for three days. The snowstorm the week before Easter cost the show two rehearsals, but the impact was nearly a week break, causing loss of continuity. Everyone has been working hard to make up for lost time. Between Sunday afternoon and Monday evening, so many finishing touches were added to the set and they had their first rehearsal with costumes and pit.
Last night, before the rehearsal began, Director Vince Knue, Stage Manager Wayne Russell and Technical Director Don Smith went over lights and set piece placement. Backstage the actors were all still getting used to the costumes, though it was the second dress. Costume designer Denise Knue described Aldonza/Dulcinea’s costume–but Ellen Emerson wasn’t wearing it last night, so these photos will not spoil the effect before the audience can appreciate it. Music Director Keith Witherall has the pit downstairs, and technical director Don Smith will be moving the light board upstairs (it's been in the auditorium this week to help with the light design and communication with the director).
It's an exciting time at the theater - the last week when it all comes together and then it's Opening Night!

--posted by Margaret Barrasso

Director Vince Knue Making sure the set piece gets placed in the light.

Stage Manager Wayne Russell works with Technical Director Don Smith to spike the set pieces

Costume Designer Denise Knue adjusts a costume before rehearsal starts

Music Director Keith Witherall

The opening scene

Cervantes wrestled to the floor
with Director Vince Knue and Producer Amy Deschaines in the front row

Backstage Lauri Haller and Abbie Martin assist the Horse into his costume

"Man of La Mancha"

Aldonza is played by Ellen Emerson

Kathy painting on the last work Sunday