Kelsey Grammer says taking on the title role in Man Of La Mancha was a “big undertaking” but it has not put him off further West End appearances.
The former Frasier actor stars opposite opera singer Danielle de Niese in the show as Spanish writer Cervantes who tells the story of his famous creation Don Quixote to prisoners sharing his cell as he awaits trial by the Inquisition.
Grammer said he was “pleased” with the reaction of the audience at London Coliseum who gave the production a standing ovation last night.
He said: “It’s a pretty big undertaking. It’s one of those big parts you know, a leading role and you’ve got to sing semi-operatic, you’ve got to sing or at least we do our best to try to sing melodically and gently in some places as well.”
The American star said the appeal of the show lay in its famous title character who imagines himself a knight and sets out on a quest that sees him jousting at windmills in the mistaken belief they are giants, and lodging in a grubby inn he thinks is a great castle. He said: “I guess it goes back to the whole idea of what’s real? What’s a dream? Where would you rather live? In a world of glory and gallant words, love and kindness or where we are?”
Grammer’s appearance comes two years after he made his West End debut in another musical — Big Fish — at the Other Palace and he said there was “still talk” of bringing that show back to the London stage. Asked if his West End appearances might become a regular event, he said: “I hope so, we’ll have to see”.
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