The Dolores Schools theater group will perform “Man of La Mancha” on April 21 at 7 p.m. and on April 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Student actors said the audience can expect a lively performance of the classic play, inspired by the 17th century masterpiece, “Don Quixote,” by Miguel de Cervantes.

“La Mancha” features the fantastical adventures of Quixote, played by Jade Reynolds, and his sidekick Sancho, played by Courtney Corbitt.

The characters are on a quest to restore the age of chivalry and battle all evil, including the famous fight with the ogre masquerading as a windmill.

“It is fun to play a foolhardy and boisterous character like Quixote, to fight with windmills and lose,” Reynolds says, of his first lead role. “The play is creative and awe-inspiring, with way more lines and choreography than we have done before.”

Rather than singing, songs such as “Impossible Dream,” will be read with “poetic and dramatic flair.”

The one-act play is fluid, and delivers the story with a punch, added Corbitt, who started out as director, but got roped into a main role.

“It’s a surprise to be on stage, learning all these lines,” she says. “The play is really fun and takes the audience on an adventure.”

Quixote’s lady friend, Aldonza, is played by Sarah Cochrane and speaks to the many lessons of the play. “She is very jaded at first but then gets swept up in his delusions and positive vision,” Cochrane says. “I like how she grows as a person in the play.”

The line “love not what thy art, but what thy may become” is a central theme of the timeless story.

“It is one of the most iconic pieces of literature ever written, and has a really nice message without seeming preachy,” Cochrane says. “He has a vision to make the world a better place and does not care if he gets knocked down. The audience will appreciate our passion and gusto for performance.”

The Dolores theater program has grown since it started in 2014, and offers opportunities besides acting.

“Instead of an acting role, this time I’m doing set and costume design, so it is fun to try out the tech side,” said Zelda Olson, who also plays a horse and knight.

Recruitment to theater can be a challenge, with lots of “cajoling and aggressive persuading” the group says, but it reveals hidden talents.

“We never knew some of our friends could act so well,” Reynolds said. “They are adding a lot of new energy to the performance, making it better and funnier.”

jmimiaga@the-journal.com