NNU’s Department of Music presents “Man of La Mancha”

Northwest Nazarene University’s Department of Music will present the Broadway hit “Man of LaMancha” March 8, 9 and 10 in the Brandt Center’s Swayne Auditorium.

NNU music professor Dr. Barry Swanson, who is also producer and music director, states “This will be the first time that ‘Man of LaMancha’ has been performed at NNU. This musical may not be as well-known as some, but it is still full of incredible music with a powerful story.”

The principal song, “The Impossible Dream,” has achieved international popularity. The play-within-a-play depicts poet/playwright Cervantes who invents the story of the mad knight Don Quixote to stall for time as he awaits the trial for the Spanish Inquisition. It is a story of hope, transformation and vision.

Two Nampa natives have been cast in lead roles. BJ Howard is cast as Cervantes/Don Quixote, while Devon Ellis will portray his faithful servant and sidekick Sancho Panza. The female lead role, Aldonza, is played by Jackie Presnell, a junior from Meridian, Idaho.

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. March 8, 9 and 10. Tickets are available through the Nampa Civic Center box office (nampaciviccenter.com 468-5555) the NNU Department of Music or NNU bookstore. Call 467-8413 for more information.