Norm Lewis Departs Upcoming Production of Man of La Mancha

Broadway veteran Rufus Bonds Jr. will replace Tony nominee Norm Lewis (The Phantom of the Opera) as Don Quixote in the upcoming 5th Avenue Theatre production of Man of La Mancha after Lewis withdrew due to scheduling conflicts.

"I was faced with a very sudden conflict," Lewis said. "This offer was unexpected and my struggle with the final decision was not an easy one, knowing the disappointment this would cause audiences in Seattle, to whom I must send my deepest apologies. I feel only gratitude to The 5th for its support and understanding, and wish the production the best."

Bonds was recently seen as Porgy in The Gershwins’ Porgy & Bess in London’s West End, and was a member of the original Broadway casts of Rent and Parade. This new production is the first of the 5th Avenue Theatre’s 2016-17 season. The production also features Don Darryl Rivera as Sancho and Nova Payton as Aldonza with direction by Allison Narver and choreography by Maria Torres.

The Seattle cast will also feature Don Darryl Rivera as Sancho and Nova Payton as Aldonza with direction by Allison Narver and choreography by Maria Torres.

Written by Dale Wasserman with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion, Man of La Mancha is described as a "glorious affirmation of the unyielding resilience of the human spirit that will leave audiences breathless." Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote, the musical enters the mind and world of a mad knight as he pursues his quest for the impossible dream.

Performances will run October 7-30 with an official October 13 press opening.

For tickets and more information, click here.