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The Performing Arts of Pleasantville High School is in the midst of rehearsing for its upcoming production of "Man of La Mancha," the musical inspired by "Don Quioxte."
The musical will be performed on March 6 at 8 p.m., March 7 at 8 p.m., March 8 at 2 p.m., March 13 at 8 p.m. and March 14 at 8 p.m. in the Pleasantville High School auditorium.
Michael Bloom plays Sancho Panza, Don Quioxte's squire and assistant who is faithfully loyal.
"He's kind of stupid," Bloom, a sophomore admits.
Bloom said he has really enjoyed getting to play such a fun character. "You get to turn off your brain and be someone else," he said.
"Man of La Mancha" is not your typical high school musical, which Bloom really enjoys.
"It's been a great experience," Bloom said. "The cast is coming together and is doing a great job. It's going to be awesome."
At Pleasantville, where the spring musical is one of the biggest events in the village, Bloom said he is excited to be a part of a Pleasantville tradition.
"My sister was in the musicals and I really looked up to her," he said.
Liana Frasca, a senior, plays Aldonza, a prostitute who was left in a ditch by her mother as a baby.
"She's so strong willed," Frasca said. "She really likes to kick butt."
Frasca admits she can't relate to a lot of what Aldonza has been through but said she enjoys playing such a complex character.
"It's a way to get out my emotions after a long day," Frasca, who last year was in "South Pacific", said. "I am proud of this role."
Being a part of a Pleasantville High School musical has been a special experience for Frasca, who joined the theater program as a nervous freshman.
"I finally built up the courage," Frasca said. "This is a strong community that supports us."
Kathleen Donovan-Warren said she is blessed to have the community behind her.
"It's fantastic," Donovan-Warren said. "People look at our program and ask 'how do you do this?'
Donovan-Warren said she hopes the community enjoys the play.
"There's beautiful singing and wonderful messages," Donovan-Warren said.
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