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Mountains are not just for hiking, Mt. Tam, Part 1
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Picnicking before Man of La Mancha, Mt. Tam. photo Susan Alcorn
Because we have hiked extensively in Spain, when I received a flier in the mail earlier this year announcing that Man of La Mancha would be this year's production by Mountain Play, it seemed high time that my husband Ralph and I went. We purchased our tickets and went this past Sunday (5/24) to the opening performance in the spectacular setting at Cushing Amphitheater on Mt. Tamalpais.
Getting to the performance takes a bit of planning, but is easily done. The best option is to park in Mill Valley and take a free shuttle bus up the hill. We had no sooner parked and walked to the loading zone when a bus arrived to transport us. (Buses run continuously from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 pm from Tamalpais High School and from the Manzanita Commuter Lot, which is the parking lot at the junction of Hwy 101 and Hwy 1). Taking the shuttle eliminates the congestion and hassle you'd experience at the small pay parking lot on Mt. Tam.
Seating at the amphitheater is first come, first served — although there is a covered, reserved section for members and friends of the cast, etc. The seating is on stone and earth "steps" forming a semi-circle around the stage. I noticed that most playgoers came well-prepared for the Spartan conditions with blankets, stadium chairs (no legs allowed), cushions, or similar padding. We avoid schlepping a stadium chair by renting one for $5 (and $10 deposit) at a booth.
Since we had arrived early in order to get a good seat, we had plenty of time to people watch. This marks the 96th annual Mountain Play and it's quite obviously a tradition for many groups of families and friends to start their day with grand feasts. Many a picnic basket was filled with gourmet foods and wines. We were content with our ham and cheese sandwiches brought from home, but tasty food and beverages were available for purchase.
The weather forecast was for fog, so we went prepared with fleece underwear and warm hats. Luckily, I also packed sunscreen, sunhats, and sunglasses because it turned out to be pleasantly warm. I rolled up my pant legs and wished I'd worn shorts.
The pre-show entertainment was the Lara Johnston Band — what an upbeat, fun start to the day! Johnston's fine voice was accompanied by a highly talented three-some of backup singers and sax, keyboard, and bass guitar. Johnston, 19-year old daughter of Doobie Brothers Tom Johnston (vocals/guitar), appeared on MTV's Rock the Cradle.
Upcoming shows will feature singer Manuel Romero (May 31); Yaelisa & Caminos Flamencos dance troupe (June 7), French Chanteuse Jessica Fichot (June 13); Gaucho Gypsy Jazz (June 14th); Fito Reinoso and an Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble (June 21st). All programs are 11:00-11:30 am.
Shortly before the 1 PM start time, the supporting cast ambled onto the stage and began to take us back to the time of the Spanish Inquisition. It was set at a country inn and the villagers were engaged in typical everyday activities — washerwomen scrubbing their laundry, rowdy men eating at the wooden tables, other villagers talking and jesting with one another. And thus began the adventures of Alonso Quijana who bemoans the demise of chivalry and assumes the name and role of Don Quixote, knight-errant, to set things right.
We watch Alonso and his faithful squire Sancho Panza travel the countryside with their (adorable!) steeds. Fierce battles to protect a lady's honor, madness that denies reality, Alonso's fantasy that all can be beautiful is accompanied by the inspiring music of Man of La Mancha, best captured in "The Impossible Dream."
And then we began our hike down from the mountaintop, which I'll be describing in Part 2 of this article.
Bonus: The plays continue with a performance on Saturday, June 13, and on each Sunday through June 21. If you are single, you might want to check out the Single Mingle, a special event open by invitation only, on Saturday, June 13. This first time event will be held in the redwood grove near the theatre from 11:30 am to 1:00pm. You will be treated to Spanish sangria and paella compliments of Scott Scheidt, owner of Sabor of Spain, located at 1301- 4th St, in San Rafael.
If you want to attend Mountain Play's Single Mingle you must call the Mountain Play Association office (415-383-1100) in advance to purchase tickets — and with your purchase of a ticket to Man of La Mancha, you’ll receive a special entrance card to their first annual Saturday Single-Mingle Reception.
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