Lookingglass is Looking Great with “Circus Quixote”

By Wes Hessel and Cate Rees-Hessel

Lookingglass Theatre has for years set a high bar of innovative productions, most involving their trademark circus art elements in conjunction with The Actors Gymnasium, and their work overall yielded a Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre in 2011. After a reset for an improved business model and a stunning redo of the lobby/bar area, the debut of “Circus Quixote” as their first show in 2.0 can be summed up in three words: “…and they’re back!”

First, the state-of-the-art new facility: the open, inviting space you enter in – beautiful, bright, modern, and artsy – is also the box office, bar, table seating, and coat check central, but it’s not at all crowded, and the traffic flow is intuitive. This leads to the upper lobby outside the theater, and past that is a adaptation of the classic story of La Mancha man worthy of their trademark “Alice”.

There is a beautiful set, which makes you feel as if you are in Spain, complete with crucifix, stacked books, and farmhouse doors. Accompanying are realistic props with incredible details, right down to a small chicken in a pot with carrots, and illuminating lighting, including lovely candelabras.

Once again, amusement and acrobatics blend smoothly while keeping the spirit and timely commentary of the windmill-tilting tale, particularly by the central pair of the Don and his faithful squire Sancho, played to perfection by Michel Rodríguez Cintra and Eduardo Martinez, most respectively. But the rest of the ensemble is equal (and then some) to the task: Ayana Strutz (Sister Sofia), Andrea San Miguel (Antonia), Julian Hester (Master Nicolas), Laura Murillo Hart (Dulcinea), and Micah Figueroa (Sanson Carrasco). This impressive set of actors is supplemented by wonderful use of puppetry, both large and small – watch for the show in a dress.

We are so glad this incredible theater is back – their unique brand of thespian artistry has been missed – and you will be, too. But Don Quixote’s quest will only last until March 30th, so on your honor, travel to www.lookingglasstheatre.org for tickets or more information.

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