Man of La Mancha is Beloved by Actors and Audiences Alike.

Birmingham, MI – Man of La Mancha has been mesmerizing audiences since 1965. The five-time Tony-award winning classic has been revived on Broadway four times, bringing Don Quixote’s story to millions of theatergoers, filling the room with a whirlwind of intense drama relieved by laughter and a touch of romance. Birmingham Village Players (BVP) is excited to present this incredible musical to a new generation beginning September 12, 2025.

This imaginative tale tells the story of Miguel de Cervantes, a failed Spanish author, imprisoned during the Spanish Inquisition. To prove his innocence, Cervantes performs a play about Don Quixote de La Mancha, an old man who has lost his mind after reading too many books about chivalry and convinced himself he is a knight.

“I hope our audiences walk away with the realization that all people can and must create their own reality-and how inspiring it can be to do so,” says director Sue Chekaway, “And that it is the responsibility of each of us to make the world a better place than we found it.”

Man of La Mancha is beloved not just by theatergoers, but the actors who perform it! This bucket-list production features 12 people from a cast of 20 who are making their BVP debut and three people who have been involved with previous productions. Here’s a quick look at some of them:

Long-time BVP member Jennifer Jones is reprising her role as Aldonza/Dulcinea for the third time. “This role is unlike any role I have ever played. May we all be so lucky as to reach our unreachable star.”

Jude Purcell plays Miguel de Cervantes/Don Quixote for the first time, but one of his earliest roles was as a muleteer in a 2004 production of this show. “I am grateful to Kathleen, my family, and Man of La Mancha Directors, staff, cast and crew present and past for making impossible dreams possible.”

Man of La Mancha was the first professional show Michael A. Gravame saw at the Fisher Theater with his dad, who wasn’t a fan of musicals but loved this production. This is Michael’s second appearance in one of his favorite roles as the loveable Sancho Panza and he is also the Costume Designer for the show.

Dancer-ensemble member Aliya Walters is making her BVP debut in this show. “Man of La Mancha is an excellent reminder that art has power, and we have the power to be the change we wish to see!”

After a ten-year hiatus to start a family, Katerine Huyghe returns to BVP as Maria. Recently, she made her cabaret debut at the renowned 54 Below in New York City.

Caroline Dargay makes her BVP debut as Fermina. She credits her love of theater to her parents and is following in the footsteps of her father who was in a production of Man of La Mancha when he was her age.

Scott Steiger is delighted to be in his first production at BVP. “There’s something special about stepping into a story that challenges us to dream big and see the world not just as it is, but as it could be.”

Other cast members who are making their BVP debut include Brian George, Aliya Walters, John Carlson, Alicia Berryhill, Ronald Blair, Douglas Adams, Jeff Lamb, and Jeffrey Graham.

The cast also includes familiar faces including Tom Regan, Michael Dundas, Tania Velinsky, Audrey Fox, and Russell Boyle.

The creative team is dominated by women including Sue Chekaway and Roberta Campion (Directors), Diane D’Agostino (Assistant Director), Lori Porter (Music Director), Diana McClain (Producer), Kate Sweeney (Assistant Producer), Jessica Gamarra (Dance Captain), Shania Chehab (lighting design), and Andrea McDonald (hair/make-up). Mark Carley (stage manager), Michael Campion (set designer), and Eric Sieh (sound) round out the backstage crew.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this remarkable production. Man of La Mancha runs September 12-28, 2025 at Birmingham Village Players. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30PM, Sunday matinees start at 2PM. Man of La Mancha is rated for Mature Audiences.

Individual reserved tickets are $30 (includes ticketing fee). Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office, 248-644-2075, or by placing an order on the website, www.birminghamvillageplayers.com. Based off the novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, the musical was written by Dale Wasserman, composed by Mitch Leight and Carlyle W. Hall, and lyrics by Joe Darion. Man of La Mancha is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

About The Village Players:

The Village Players of Birmingham, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit community theater, presents high quality dramatic, comedic, and musical productions. Everyone is invited to participate on stage, backstage or as an audience member in the theater's main stage, youth theater, and Playwrights @ Work productions and programs. The Village Players have been entertaining the community from its location at 34660 Woodward Avenue in Birmingham since 1926.

Photo courtesy of Paul Manoian Photography