REVIEW: 'Man of La Mancha' reminds us why impossible dreams matter

Set during the Spanish Inquisition, Man of La Mancha follows a fictionalized version of the famed writer after he is imprisoned and put on a “mock trial” by his fellow inmates. To save his belongings, Cervantes proposes a theatrical performance in which he assumes the persona of Alonso Quijano, an aging gentleman who imagines himself to be the knight-errant Don Quixote. 

Joined by his loyal squire Sancho Panza, Quixote embarks on a quest to champion justice and compassion in a world that often responds with cruelty. 

As the line between performance and reality begins to blur, the musical reflects on the power of imagination and the courage it takes to pursue impossible dreams.

At the center of the production is Buencamino's portrayal of Cervantes and Don Quixote, a demanding dual role that requires him to move between storyteller and dreamer. To no one’s surprise, Buencamino proved that he was more than capable of carrying the musical's emotional weight, bringing a quiet dignity to Cervantes and an earnest conviction to Quixote's impossible quest.

Buencamino commands the stage with remarkable ease. Despite the production having few props—with only a table and a few chairs—he easily drew the audience into Quixote's world from the moment he dons the aging knight's armor. 

He captures the character's eccentricities with warmth and humor. He's charming, earnest, and deeply human, making it easy to understand why those around him are gradually won over by his unwavering faith in the impossible. Whether delivering a witty exchange with Sancho or a heartfelt declaration to his love interest Aldonza, Buencamino imbues the role with a sincerity that anchors the entire production.

But the veteran star isn’t the only one who deserves praise. Matching Buencamino's energy is Ong, whose performance as Sancho provides much of the musical's humor. 

As Don Quixote's loyal squire, Ong draws some of the biggest laughs of the evening through his impeccable comic timing and expressive reactions. He portrays him as a devoted companion who may not fully understand Quixote's dreams, but follows him nonetheless out of affection and unwavering loyalty. The result is a Sancho who is both amusing and endearing, serving as the perfect complement to Buencamino's idealistic knight.

Opposite them, Sunga delivers a compelling performance as Aldonza, the cynical servant and part-time prostitute whom Don Quixote insists on seeing as his lady Dulcinea. She brings a strong emotional presence to the role, balancing the character’s hardened exterior with the vulnerability that gradually emerges as she grapples with Quixote's kindness.

Having no exposure whatsoever to the original musical other than having heard the song The Impossible Dream in the past, I was pleasantly surprised by how memorable the score proved to be. Leigh's music and Darion's lyrics are filled with warmth, humor, and emotional depth, giving each character an opportunity to express their innermost desires and fears through song. By the time the play ended, I found myself unconsciously singing the lyrics of I'm Only Thinking Of Him.

What makes the score even more impressive is the consistency of the cast's vocal performances. Every performer rises to the challenge and never misses a beat, whether in its soaring ballads, comedic numbers, or ensemble pieces. 

Adding to the magnificence of it all is the presence of the live orchestra, which remains visible at the back of the stage throughout much of the performance. Watching the actors and musicians work in tandem makes watching the musical even more worthwhile.

Man of La Mancha will run until June 28 at the REP Eastwood Theater, located on the fourth floor of Citywalk in Eastwood City. Tickets are available for P3,000 for Orchestra Center and P2,500 for Orchestra Side via TicketWorld or Ticket2Me.

Disclaimer: PhilSTAR L!fe was given a free ticket to the premiere of Man of La Mancha.