Ojai Valley News
The powerful story of Man of La Mancha, the timeless quality of man’s eternal ability to hope and dream, is told through two characters inside the same storyteller. Miguel de Cervantes, an utter failure at various careers including tax collector, sits in a Seville dungeon with his manservant, awaiting trial by the Spanish. The other prisoners set up a mock trial for this perceived enemy: if Cervantes is found guilty, he will hand over all his possessions. Cervantes agrees to do so and offers his defense in the form of a play. Producing a makeup kit, he transforms himself into an old man who calls himself Don Quixote de La Mancha.
“Playing Cervantes/Quixote is a “bucket-list” role for me,” said Scott White who portrays this character in the Ojai Art Center Theater production opening Friday, September 7 and running for 5 weekends. “They’re actually two distinct roles within the same play. Since they are 25-30 years apart in age, speech and mannerisms are quite different. This is challenging enough, but what makes it even more fun is the two share such common beliefs. Portraying their differences while also expressing those common beliefs has been a fantastic challenge.”
A 25-year resident of Ojai, White is excited to star in this gem of a musical. He first studied voice at Indiana University before later becoming an engineer and pursuing a career in lasers and high-tech marketing. He keeps his artistic passions alive through musical theater, church and other performing outlets around Ojai.
What drew White to this role?
“It’s message of hope. The world has many bad, dark, and terrible things happening, which we can either accept or try to change. Don Quixote chooses to see things differently, the positives and the potential, and above all aspires to change things to that better ideal. The story reminds us that each person has that power and can inspire others to create change as well.
“I want the audience to feel the emotion of the characters and be moved by the message of hope the story conveys. There are moments of extreme sadness and tears, likewise joy and laughter. It’s said people remember feelings more than words. If we can help the audience feel that range of emotion, there’s a great chance the message will be long-lasting— that we all can dream the impossible dream.”