The Community Little Theatre production of “Man of La Mancha” is a classic musical with an unusual storytelling format full of rich characters, intelligent themes and some interesting theatrical devices.

Based on the 17th century Spanish novel by Miguel de Cervantes, the 1965 musical begins with the author himself (Mitchell Clyde Thomas) cast into prison, awaiting the Inquisition. Using his fellow inmates as actors, he tells the story of Alonso Quijana, an old man who thinks he’s a knight named Don Quixote.

Quixote (also played by Thomas) travels with the sensible and patronizing Sancho Panza (Michael Litchfield), in search of damsels in distress and other adventures. He’s an idealist – that is, he’s delusional, seeing things as he wants them to be, rather than as they are.

The delusion is at its strongest when he meets a wayside inn wench named Aldonza (Melissa Stevens), a woman of ill repute whom Quixote insists on calling “Dulcinea,” treating her like a lady rather than the common person she is. It is for her that he does his deeds of chivalry, hoping to be dubbed a true knight by the “Lord of the Castle,” who’s really just the innkeeper (Roger Philippon).

The story keeps coming back to the prison, where Cervantes sets up each scene and assigns actors to them. It’s an unusual play-within-a-play technique that works exceptionally well when we see how Don Quixote/Alonso Quijana’s adventures relate to those of Cervantes and his fellow prisoners.

Ultimately, the point of the show is that people should never give up their dreams, no matter how unrealistic they are. The show-stopping number, after all, is still “The Impossible Dream.”

Thomas, as Quixote, gives a performance that’s absolutely magnificent. Distinguished looking on stage and gifted with an exquisite baritone voice, Thomas was born to play this role. He creates the perfect “underdog” who sees the good side in all things; the common man that strives for glory. His rendition of “The Impossible Dream” is stunning, powerful and played to perfection. His performance is worth the price of admission.

Let me not shortchange the rest of the cast, which gives a wonderful ensemble performance. Litchfield, who is racking up a string of solid CLT performances, is the perfect sidekick, with humorous moments and a strong voice, especially in “Man of La Mancha” and “I Really Like Him.” CLT newcomer Stevens is a down-to-earth and believable Aldonza, who ultimately engages herself in Quixote’s quest. Her voice resonates best in her lower range when she performs “What Does He Want Of Me” and “Dulcinea.”

Other vocal standouts include David Ladderbush as the Duke and Dr. Carrasco and the threesome of Tiffany Boisvert, Kaye Lawrence and Glenn Atkins who perform the haunting piece, “I’m Only Thinking of Him.”

The set design was mostly a barren stage, with wonderful lighting effects throughout compliments of Stan Spilecki and Richard Martin, respectively. The sound quality of the actors was perfect with music director Paul Caron leading a robust sounding orchestra.

Celeste Philippon, who is still one of the newer CLT directors, scores an amazing accomplishment in a show that never has a dull moment and is among the best of musical theater storytelling.

Dan Marois is an English and communications graduate of Boston University and the owner of Main Street Entertainment and Mystery for Hire. He can be reached at [email protected].