(Tucson, AZ) – Come dream “The Impossible Dream” with the multi-Tony Award winning musical, “Man of La Mancha” at Arts Express Theatre. Bold, theatrical, and timelessly classic, “Man of La Mancha” is a “golden age” masterpiece; a must-see for any lover of musical theatre. This fully LIVE production runs weekends October 23-November 15 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2 p.m., with added shows on 11/2 and 11/8 at 7 p.m., and Thursday, 11/12 at 7p.m. There will be no performance at 7 p.m. on 10/31.

Set in the dungeons of the Spanish Inquisition, Miguel de Cervantes (Michael Stewart), a playwright and tax collector, is thrown into prison along with his manservant (Nathan Taylor). Their fellow prisoners attack them, wanting to steal Cervantes’ possessions held in a large trunk, but the criminal known as “The Governor” (Bill Bland) suggests a mock trial instead. Utilizing the contents of his trunk, Cervantes transforms himself into the character of Don Quixote de la Mancha. He acts out an adventure to prove his innocence, asking the other prisoners to participate as characters in his “play,” dubbing his manservant “Sancho” and singing the rousing “I, Don Quixote.”

Quixote and Sancho set off on their quest and soon come to an Inn, where the serving wench and prostitute Aldonza (Jynx Zavala) bemoans her existence and having to serve all the men of the town, “It’s all the Same.” Quixote is enchanted by her, calling her his “Dulcinea” and proclaiming her fairness and beauty, which confuses and annoys her. Aldonza has only known abuse and scorn all her life, but finds herself curious about the traveler, willing to go along and see where the story ends.

As each prisoner takes on another “role” in the adventure, they question Quixote’s sanity and criticize his grand imagination. Even through horrible acts, Don Quixote still sees the good in people and upholds the pillars of knighthood, traits extremely rarely seen in the lives of these prisoners and beyond. The quest progresses, and the prisoners—as well as the audience–are invited to examine the line between reality and imagination, of hope and despair, and to endeavor to see the world not just as it is, but as it should be.

With a magnificent, stirring score by Mitch Leigh, memorable lyrics by Joe Darion, and an unforgettable story by Dale Wasserman, and including cherished songs like “Dulcinea,” “I’m Only Thinking of Him,” and the beloved anthem, “The Impossible Dream,” the Tony-Award winner for Best Musical, “Man of La Mancha,” is not to be missed.

“Man of La Mancha” is Directed by Brian Doig, with Music Direction by Linda Ackermann and Choreography by Stevie Johnson.

Audience Advisory: PG-13. Mature themes, including implications of sexual assault and violence, themes of madness, suicide, and religious persecution, lewd comments towards Aldonza.