The Rose Center Theater in Orange County has long been a hub for spectacular theater events, and this year, we're raising the curtain once again to present the timeless classic, "Man of La Mancha." This iconic musical, which has captivated audiences around the world for decades, promises to be an unforgettable experience. From September 10th to September 23rd, 2023, theater enthusiasts in Orange County and beyond are in for a treat like no other.
Man of La Mancha is a musical that takes us on a journey into the imaginative world of Miguel de Cervantes, the 17th-century Spanish writer, and his legendary character, Don Quixote. This production at the Rose Center Theater is set to transport you to the dusty streets of 16th-century Spain, where chivalry, honor, and the power of dreams come to life in breathtaking fashion. If you've been searching for live theater productions in Orange County, this is your golden opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of Broadway right in your backyard.
But what truly sets this production apart is not just the grandeur of the musical itself, but also the talented cast that breathes life into the characters. One such young star is Laurel Brookhyser, a rising junior at the Academy for the Performing Arts at Huntington Beach High School, who is making her mark in the theater world as the Moorish Dancer/Prisoner. Laurel Brookhyser, with a passion for singing and dancing since her earliest days, has been honing her craft at APA since the tender age of 6. Her dedication and talent have brought her to the stage of the Rose Center Theater once again, and she couldn't be more excited. When asked about her return to the Rose Center Theater, Laurel exclaims, "I am thrilled to be back at the Rose Center Theater once again!"
Laurel has already accumulated an impressive list of show credits, including roles in productions such as "42nd Street," "A Christmas Carol," "Grease," and "The Little Mermaid." This young actress has a bright future ahead of her, and her role in "Man of La Mancha" is yet another milestone in her budding career.
Favorite Line or Song from "Man of La Mancha"
During our Q&A with Laurel, we couldn't help but ask her about her favorite aspects of "Man of La Mancha." Her response revealed her deep appreciation for the arts and her passion for her craft. She shared, "My favorite song from Man of La Mancha is the Moorish Dance because I love trying different styles of dance, and I find the unique notes used in the song very interesting." Laurel's enthusiasm for exploring different styles of dance mirrors the spirit of the musical itself, which is known for its rich tapestry of music and dance.
Dream Role
Every actor has a dream role, a character they aspire to embody on stage. For Laurel, it's a classic role that has captured the hearts of theater enthusiasts for generations. She enthusiastically reveals, "I can't lie, my dream role is definitely Kathy Selden in Singin’ in the Rain. I just love all the dancing and singing in that musical, I like to say it’s the best ever made. I’ve always adored Kathy because she’s such a charming character and a very iconic triple threat!" Laurel's dream role reflects her passion for musical theater and the timeless appeal of classic productions.
Post-Show Indulgence
After a successful performance, it's customary for actors to unwind and treat themselves to something special. Laurel shared her post-show indulgence, saying, "My friends and I often go to BJ’s after shows because they are always open late, and they have some really great food there! My personal favorites are the smiley fries and, of course, pizookies." It's clear that Laurel knows how to celebrate a job well done with good food and great company.
Personal Connection
Laurel's role as the Moorish Dancer/Prisoner in "Man of La Mancha" may not be the central focus of the production, but she finds a personal connection with her character's journey. She reflects, "My role in Man of La Mancha isn’t exactly significant in any way, but I like to think each and every character has a story, even if their story isn’t the one being told. For my character, she’s just a girl trying to get through life, and that’s something we all can relate to. She may have struggles, but she dances through them, and I think she uses dance and song as an outlet for creativity and enjoyment just like I do." This perspective reminds us that every character on stage, no matter how small their role, contributes to the rich tapestry of the story.
Community Impact
When asked about why "Man of La Mancha" is a must-see production for the community, Laurel emphasizes its universal appeal. She says, "Man of La Mancha has everything a good musical needs: witty remarks, excellent song and dance, and a meaningful storyline that will resonate with an audience. If you’re a lover of all things theater, you’ll love Man of La Mancha!" Laurel's words underscore the power of theater to bring people together and touch their hearts.
Invitation to the Audience
Laurel extends an invitation to the community to come and support "Man of La Mancha" at the Rose Center Theater. She passionately states, "People in the community should come see Man of La Mancha because one, supporting live theater is always a good use of your time, and two, I just know audience members will leave the theater amazed, and they’ll be happy they came to see such a great show. This particular production is a staple for the Rose Center Theater, so of course, it’s going to be fantastic! Come see Man of La Mancha; you won’t regret it!" With such a heartfelt invitation, it's hard to resist the allure of this theatrical endeavor.
"Man of La Mancha" at the Rose Center Theater promises to be a remarkable experience for theater enthusiasts and newcomers alike. So, what are you waiting for? Secure your tickets, gather your friends and family, and get ready to witness the magic of Broadway right here in Orange County.
Don't miss this enchanting production, and make sure to indulge in those pizookies afterward – you've earned it!
Playing at the Rose Center Theater
September 10-23, 2023
2:00 PM Matinee Performances: September 10 and 17
7:30 PM Evening Performances: September 15-16 and 22-23
For tickets and further information, please visit rosecentertheater.com/man-of-la-mancha.
Special Offers and Contact Information
The Rose Center Theater offers discounted rates for groups of 20+ and for our military & first responder patrons. For more information about our theater events or the venue in Orange County, contact our box office at RoseCTBoxOffice@gmail.com or leave a message at 714-793-1150 ext. 1.
Stay tuned for more updates as we delve deeper into the world of Man of La Mancha. Get ready to be swept away on an adventure in search of the impossible dream!
Tags: theater events, orange county performing arts, live theater productions near me, OC Performing Arts, Performing Arts Venue, Rose Center Theater, Broadway, Musical Theater.