La mancha set to renew dreams

Nothing compares with the Thai version of the Broadway show "Man of La Mancha". The Don Quixote play, first staged here two decades ago, is back in a new production at the Rachadalai theatre.

I was moved by a talented cast led by James Roengsak Loyshusak as Don Quixote, Ben Cha-Latid as Sancho Pancha and May Pattarawarin Tim-Kul as Aldonsa.

I had been asking myself whether we needed to hear "The Impossible Dream", the song in which the Spanish hero teaches us to do the right thing and see the world as it should be.

After witnessing the charming Thai Don Quixote's ability to deliver the message, the answer is a firm "yes!" James' charisma and powerful voice swept the audience into a whirlwind of emotion through the whole show. And his subtle and sharp acting meant there was never a dull moment on this journey of a fantasising knight.

This critic's verdict: James has proved himself a world-class actor. I can hardly wait for his next stage performance.

Over the past few years, I've visited Manila, Singapore and Hong Kong to see local productions of Broadway shows and often been wowed by wonderful casts and production values. In contrast, the few Broadway musicals that have made their way to Bangkok have disappointed. With Thai actors lacking understanding of and training in this art form, we fell behind our neighbours.

Director Yuthana Mukdasanit has proved that we have now reached a level where we can stage a Western song-and-dance spectacle with great pride.

Packed full of wisdom, this adaptation of the classic Spanish novel had plenty of messages for Thai society. The old man, Don Quixote, directed us to look beyond mere appearances. He envisioned Aldonsa - a prostitute - as the beautiful Lady Dulcinea, never caring what she was or looked like. I was thrilled when Aldonsa played along, calling herself Dulcinea, just as Quixote believed she was.

Nowadays, Thai girls and boys have no confidence in their skin's colour. Sapped by social ideals, they want to look pale, and bathe themselves in whitening lotions before stepping out of the house. A chat with Aldonsa, who made up her own mind about who she was, would do them good.

In 2007, Yuthana was given a Lotus Award at the World Film Festival of Bangkok for his life-long dedication to cinema. He deserves another achievement award for his stage career.

The Thai theatre scene has been revived by "Man of La Mancha". The musical is a must-see. The dialogue's in Thai, but there are English surtitles.