The Adventures of Don Quixote

Lights come up on a stage filled with a storybook, lettered in the flowing script of 16th-century Spain. Leaning against it is an elderly man, Alonso Quijano, in full but fading knightly regalia. As his imagination works upon the stage, one by one, characters step out of the book to bring to life one of the great romantic farces of the Western world. As Alonso takes on the role of Don Quixote, he calls out of the book Dulcinea, Aldonza and Dragon. The key to making this classic tale of chivalry and lunacy work for young audiences is the character of Kendrick. An untutored 12-year-old, he is at first skeptical of the Don, but agrees to go along on the quest and play the part of Sancho Panzo, the squire. With growing affection that turns into love, he takes on the role of Don Quixote's interpreter and protector, and by the play's end, the hard-eyed realist is as eager as the knight to begin a new chapter of adventure over the mountains far away. A study guide included in the playbook provides information on the background and vocabulary of the play and offers such activities as "Training to Be a Squire" and knighting ceremonies sure to delight the young.