Cygnet stages ‘Man of La Mancha’ this summer

Cygnet Theatre’s Season 10 opens with “Man of La Mancha” starring Sean Murray as Miguel de Cervantes, July 5-Aug. 26 in Old Town.

“La Mancha” tells the story of Cervantes, a failed author, actor, soldier and tax collector awaiting trial by the Spanish Inquisition. His desperate attempt to prevent attacking fellow prisoners from destroying his novel leads to a unique agreement: Cervantes is permitted to act out the story within the novel, and the prisoners will decide if the tale is worthy of saving. What follows is a play within a play of a delusional man who believes himself to be the noble knight, Don Quixote.

The musical features a book by Dale Wasserman, lyrics by Joe Darion and music by Mitch Leigh.

The 13-member cast also stars Bryan Barbarin as Sancho Panza and Erika Phillips as Aldonza (Dulcinea). Also featured are Linda Libby, Jason Maddy and David Kirk Grant. The production features an eight-piece live orchestra.

Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday/Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Box office: Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St. (619) 337-1525. cygnettheatre.com.