Dreaming 'The impossible Dream'

"Man of La Mancha" revolves around a middle-aged Spaniard, Don Quixote, whose chivalrous ideology incentivises his mission to defend the helpless and destroy the wicked. He persuades sidekick Sancho Panza to join his adventure, during which they happen upon peasant woman, Dulcinea, whom Quixote imagines is a princess. In the name of love, he gives up food, shelter and comfort, in the end becoming more of a bandit than a savior.

Broadway veteran Davis Gaines takes on the central character, Don Quixote for the La Mirada stage. A gifted singer, he's played the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" more than 2,000 times, and had roles in a number of other well-known shows including parts in "Whistle Down the Wind," "Hello, Dolly!" and "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," as well as being heard in over 30 other cast and compilation recordings.

You have played some of the best roles in musical theatre. Which have been your favorites and why?

The first, I think, was to play Cornelius Hackl in "Hello, Dolly!," with the legendary Carol Channing. I suppose my other most favorites have to be "The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera" and Cervantes/Don Quixote in "Man of La Mancha." A big dream, though, would be to someday return to Broadway and originate a role that has yet to be written.

Not many can say they have performed for five U.S. Presidents. Can you share your fondest memory?

Being invited by George W. Bush to have lunch with the entire Bush clan at their home in Kennebunkport, the day after I sang for Barbara Bush's 75th surprise birthday celebration. I asked him to make sure it was okay with his mom. He had me wait in the dining room while he went into the kitchen to ask. He came back in and said to me, "You're in!" So I guess I passed the test!

According to your resume, you have been in "Man of La Mancha" before. Is this your first stab at Don Quixote?

I had the opportunity to portray Cervantes/Don Quixote in 2012 for Musical Theatre West and was honored to receive an Ovation Award for Best Actor in a Musical that year. I very much love this show and especially this part. It's rare that a challenging role like this comes along... But is also as rewarding, too. It has everything that an actor would want to play... drama, pathos and comedy. Plus, I get to sing one of the most beautiful and powerful songs ever written for a Broadway show, "The Impossible Dream."

Is there a particular message or feeling that you hope the audience will take away?

It's really a story for the ages and the themes and messages still resonate, especially for the world in which we are living today. The importance of having hope in the most impossible and dire situations and the themes of redemption, acceptance and forgiveness. Quixote teaches us to treat everyone with respect and kindness. One of my favorite lines is his response to Aldonza's question, "Why do you do these ridiculous things?" He answers simply, "I hope to add some measure of grace to the world."

You have such an outstanding voice and have touched immeasurable theatergoers over the years. Where do you think it came from?

So kind of you to say! I really don't know where my singing voice came from. My mom played the piano as a child, as did I and my dad is tone-deaf, but somehow I was born with an okay singing voice. From my earliest recollection, I wanted to be an actor, but had no clue how to make that happen.

I was a painfully shy kid who loved to listen to records alone in my room. Those recordings had a huge influence on me and I somehow picked it up from listening to great singers. I became an actor, because I found I could become whomever I wanted to be on stage and it somehow provided an escape from my shyness and insecurities.

"Man of La Mancha" runs Friday, June 2 through Sunday, June 25 at La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada. For tickets and more information, call 562.944.9801 or go to lamiradatheatre.com