Theatre guild puts on first amateur production in May, 1970
“The Duke,” right, played by Rich Ligas, gives “Sancho Panza,” left, played by Clarence Myers, a dressing down as “the Padre,” played by Lewis Marra, looks on in a scene from “Man of la Mancha, a production of the Butler Musical Theatre Guild, in May 1970. Butler Eagle File Photo
Time Capsule
The Butler Musical Theatre Guild staged a production of “Man of La Mancha” in May, 1970, for the musical’s first time outside of Broadway and its national touring company.
The May 13, 1970, Butler Eagle said the show was set to open at 8:30 p.m. on May 16 at the St. Fidelis College Auditorium, which would also be the opening day for the St. Fidelis Art Exhibit featuring medieval items of interest.
The cast and crew of the show featured a number of Butler Musical Theatre Guild veterans who portray characters including a barber, a folk dancer, a ship captain, prisoners and more.
“Man of La Mancha” is a 1965 musical inspired by the 17th-century novel “Don Quixote,” and originally premiered on Broadway in 1965.
