The popular musical 'Man of La Mancha' returns to the Bangkok stage next month after an 18-year hiatus

The acclaimed musical "Man of La Mancha", known in Thai as "Soo Fun Un Yingyai", returns to the stage next month in the capable hands of the 28 Theatre Troupe, the same group behind the success of its first incarnation 18 years ago.

Directed on this occasion too by Euthana Mukdasanit, the musical is a play within a play about failed author and tax collector Miguel de Cervantes who is imprisoned along with his manservant Sancho, and offers a play as his defence. He presents the story of Alonso Quijana, a mad squire who believes he is Don Quixote.

Singer Ruangsak "James" Loychoosak has been cast in the role of de Cervantes/Quijana/

Quixote, with Patravarin Timkul playing Don Quixote's dream woman Aldonza. Fellow singer Chalatit "Ben" Tantiwat co-stars.

Not so impossible

James is likely to win praise from for his stunning operetta singing style, but admits it's tough switching from one role to another throughout more than two hours on stage. "The costume and make up help physically but it's a lot of hard work mentally," he says.

And while he thinks Quixote's quest and the hopes he sings about in the theme song, "The Impossible Dream", might impossible to fulfil, he believes it's important to dream. "I have achieved many of my dreams. They have not as idealistic as Don Quixote's so they are easier to accomplish," he says.