The Rubicon Theatre Com- pany will present the Tony Award- winning musical "Man of la Mancha," opening Sat., Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. and continuing through Sun., Nov. 5 at Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E. Main St. in Ventura.

The play's book is by Dale Wasserman, with music by Mitch Leigh, lyrics by Joe Darion, cho- reography by Cate Caplin and musical direction by David Pot-

ter. James O'Neil is the director. This is the company's final pro- duction of its 2005-06 season and the third and final show in its Dale Wasserman Festival.

The play has a cast of 25 and this production will be the largest and most lavish of any show on the Rubicon Theatre stage to date.

"Man of la Mancha" tells the story of Miguel de Cervantes, who, captured during the Spanish

Inquisition, fights for his life and his most valued possessions by entertaining his fellow prisoners. He does so with the inspiring story of Don Quixote de la Mancha, who tilts at windmills and "fights for the right without question or pause." Rubicon's production will focus on the play- within-the-play structure of this classic musical.

The score is considered a clas- sic and contains one of the most moving moments in musical the- atre history as Don Quixote re- lates his personal credo in the song "The Impossible Dream."

Opening Night Gala tickets are $95 and include a post-show reception with the actors and lo- cal VIPs. Tickets for the remain- ing shows range from $34 to $59. Seniors and military personnel save $5 per ticket. Discounts are available for groups of 12 or more.

Special performances include: Talkback Wednesdays on Oct. 11 and 18, with post-show discus- sion with the cast and director, and Food for Thought Friday Pre- Show Dinner Oct. 20, with no- host bar at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Cost for the dinner show is $35 for subscribers and $45 non- subscribers. For dinner reserva- tions, call Amber Landis at (805) 667-2912, ext. 239.