**** Highly Recommended Circus Quixote is quite simply the most fascinating show of the season, and exactly the pick-me-up we need! Forget that gloomy Quixote in the musical, he takes himself entirely too seriously. This Quixote tilts on his rocking chair, climbs/rides that windmill, and climbs a rope like a circus star. I love this whimsical show produced by Lookingglass Theatre in association with The Actors Gymnasium. I was enthralled from start to finish. 4 BIG Spotlights
I love going to Lookingglass Theatre! You never know what to expect. The most flexible theater space in the city is a different theater for every show, as everything from stage location to seating is reconfigured for every production. I can remember sitting in baseball bleachers for one play, and rough, wooden Chautauqua pews for another. For Circus Quixote, seating is arranged on three sides of the space.
Michel Cintra-Rodriguez, who stars as Don Quijada/Don Quixote, is brilliant in the role. As Don Quijada, he is obviously in pain but determined to thwart his caregivers, who are equally determined. His imagination is working overtime, however, as he escapes into his books and mad dreams. Once he dons his ‘armor’ his brave, disingenuous Quixote goes on a quest to right the wrongs of his world – even if the wrongs don’t actually exist except in his imagination!
Cintra-Rodriguez has impeccable comedic timing and he is both graceful and agile at the circus challenges. As Don Quijada, he stands up and starts jumping on his rocking chair – off on a quest – a couple of times, even bringing his caregivers along for the ride. When he spots a windmill – aka a dragon – he rips off the sails revealing a metal framework. When he follows an ‘evil-doer’ onto the frame, the windmill starts to spin. What follows is a ballet of strength and agility.
As Cervantes, Eduardo Martinez introduces the audience to Don Quixote. As Sancho, he acts as a reluctant foil to Quixote’s enthusiasm.
Cast members Micah Figueroa (Sanson Carrasco & Others), Julian Hester (Master Nicolas & Others), Laura Murillo Hart (Housekeeper, Dulcinea, & Others), Andrea San Miguel (Antonia & Others) and Ayana Strutz (Sister Sofia & Others) seem to be in constant motion. Sometimes they’re caregivers, sometimes they need a wrong to be righted, sometimes they’re ‘evil-doers’, a couple were even animals. They can be found knocking holes in a brick wall, jumping on a rocking chair, on the aerial ring, on platforms and ropes, doing incredible things with their bodies! By the way, the puppet show, completely enclosed in a cloak is ingenious!
Circus Quixote, based on Don Quixote of La Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes, is adapted and directed by Kerry and David Catlin, Circus by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi.
Lookingglass just completed a two-year reorganization. Kasey Foster was named Artistic Director, Jamey Lundblad Managing Director and four new members joined the ensemble: Atra Asdou, Wendy Mateo, Ericka Ratcliff and Matthew C. Yee. Richard Chapman was named chair of the Board of Directors, which added two new members, David Schwimmer and James (Jimmy) Oh.
On January 27th, they welcomed dignitaries, including Governor J.B. Pritzger, to a ribbon-cutting for their new, expanded lobby/box office, which includes a bar and café, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, food from local vendors and a variety of Lookingglass merchandise. The mainstage has been named in honor of longtime supporters, Joan and Paul Rubschlager.
Circus Quixote runs through March 30th in the Lookingglass Joan and Paul Theatre inside the Water Tower Water Works, 163 E. Pearson Street, Chicago. Discounted parking is available at 875 N. Michigan, The Olympia Centre Self Park and Water Tower Place. Validate parking ticket at Lookingglass Box Office. Running time is two hours, 30 minutes, with an intermission.
Performances are: Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:00 pm; Thursdays at 1:30 & 7:00 pm; Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 1:30 & 7:00 pm; Sundays at 1:30 pm. Tickets range from $30-$80. FYI www.lookingglasstheatre.org.
