My point in going into DC today was to attend a performance of the musical "Man of La Mancha" by the Washington Shakespeare Theatre Company. Nearly 20 years ago I attended my first STC production in a warehouse space in a sketchy area of Fairfax, VA. Today they own two theaters in the midst of Washington, DC's version of Broadway! So far in such a short time.
This performance was at the Sidney Harman Hall theater located across the street from the massive Verizon Center a premier concert/convention/sports venue in DC. It's also only two blocks up from the Judiciary Square Metro station located under the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial and National Building Museum.
I honestly believe that for all the hassle and expense of getting to Broadway, there is nothing there that is any better than the theater we have here in Washington, D.C.
This production was very thoughtfully crafted from the psychological synergy between the essential meaning of the show with its set design, to the magnificent vocal quality in every actor. The choreography was spot on and delivered with a freshness that felt special and full of verve. I left feeling like I'd gotten every penny of my ticket price worth of entertainment.
I particular the lead actor, Anthony Warlow's, delivery of the iconic song "The Impossible Dream" was both nuanced and pitch perfect. He sang it like he never sung it before. Like it was just the thing that needed to be sung at that particular moment. It was humbling to be present in the moment with an actor of such delicate perceptions and commitment to his craft.
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