Quannapowitt Players' 'Don Quixote De La Center:' A Heartfelt Quest
It's a comical show with a somber undertone
What is my quest in thee retirement home today?
Quannapowitt Players presents Don Quixote De La Center. Set in an elderly care facility, the story centers on Donald Maguire, an aging man with dementia. Blurring reality and fantasy, the aids and other patients play along as he imagines himself as Don Quixote, a brave knight in armor.
Don Quixote De La Center is a heartwarming and poignant story about old age. Quannapowitt Players does an excellent job infusing gentle humor into a profound story that incorporates themes about aging, caregiving, and dementia. Growing old comes with several challenges, though it’s a valuable time to spend with others.
The cast of Quannapowitt Players embraced this moving story, performing authentic depictions of their roles, either as patients with dementia or the extraordinary aids who go above and beyond to help them.
Shawn Maguire portrays Donald Quintero, a resident who embarks on a grand quest that exists in his mind. Maguire’s performance is captivating, highlighted by his strong and commanding speaking voice. Maguire drew his performance from real-life acquaintances, giving him perspective on the ailment.
Phyllis Uloth (Doris), Linda Burtt (Alice Simms), and Victor Brandalise (Eddie) play other residents in the nursing care facility. They’re also enduring memory problems and family concerns. They laugh along to stories they don’t remember well. Though their minds may be fading, they’re still themselves. That’s the most important part.
Supporting characters are integral to retirement home storylines. Jon Nuquist (Sam Quintero) and Ken Tucci (Clark) play family members who put on brave faces for the sake of their loved ones. Love is another integral theme in the show.
Becky Ruccio (Marta Kovalenko), Tofer Carlson (Jimmy), Allison Rollings (Sandy Cho), and Samantha Moon (Doctor Carrasco) were outstanding in their roles as caregivers in the facility. Doctors, nurses, and any caregiver deserve extraordinary honor for the incredible duties they administer to elderly people. Not all superheroes wear capes.
Their patience and kindness are so touching. They want their residents to be happy, while also feeling the emotional weight of the situation. I loved moments when Sandy created a makeshift armor out of tin foil and Jimmy reluctantly dressing up in a quirky costume.
Quannapowitt Players transforms its black box theater into a convincing nursing home, complete with beds, a dining area, and a vending machine. The technical work incorporates lighting and sound cues. The intimate and up-close setting allows the audience to feel as though they are part of the story and experience both the joys and struggles alongside the characters.
Don Quixote De La Center is a comical show with a somber undertone. Eric Roberts administers personal care to this complex story, striking a delicate balance between comedy and drama. Everything about this show is genuine, including the message.
While the residents and aids have fun playing around, a line has to be drawn between fantasy and reality. Encouraging delusions may lead to problems that impact one's safety. Don Quixote De La Center describes it wonderfully; while it’s fun to make patients happy, you also have to face reality.
It’s a funny show that’s also very relatable. A small audience joined for the final dress rehearsal, and everyone’s emotions were evident around the theater. We all have stories or have known someone with dementia or memory illnesses. The show could be triggering or serve as the therapeutic healing one needs, especially with an audience.
Don Quixote De La Center is a touching and thought-provoking production. It plays at Quannapowitt Players from March 21 to April 5.
About the Creator
Marielle Sabbag
Writing has been my passion since I was 11 years old. I love creating stories from fiction, poetry, fanfiction. I enjoy writing movie reviews. I would love to become a creative writing teacher and leave the world inspiring minds.
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Comments (2)
This sounds entertaining!
Fabulous 👏🏻