CHIVALRY—Aldonza (Dawn Notagiacomo), left, Don Quixote (Dan Tullis Jr.) and Sancho Panza (Andrew Metzger) dream the impossible dream in Camarillo Community Theatre’s production of the award-winning musical “Man of La Mancha.” For tickets, call (805) 388-5716. “Man of La Mancha” at Camarillo Community Theatre, directed by Dean Johnson with musical direction by Dave Watkins, is a near-flawless production that celebrates dreamers.

The Tony Award-winning musical was written by Dale Wasserman with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion.

Using a play-within-a-play format, the show opens in an underground prison in Spain in the late 1470s, where despondent prisoners wait “for an hour or a lifetime” for judgment by the Inquisition. Actor-turned-tax-collector Cervantes (Dan Tullis Jr.) and his manservant (Andrew Metzger) are brought in for placing a lien on a monastery.

The Governor of the prisoners (Ken Johnson) puts Cervantes “on trial” on such charges as being a “bad poet.” Cervantes stages a unique defense by acting out a story. He pulls costumes from his trunk, puts on makeup and recruits the prisoners to help him tell the tale of Don Quixote de la Mancha.

Tullis acts out the role of Quixote, an old man who has read so many books and brooded for so long that he believes he’s a knight—even though the age of chivalry ended 300 years before. He dresses in armor and sets off on a quest with his faithful servant Sancho Panza (Metzer), who accommodates his master’s delusion because, as he sings, “I Really Like Him.”

In his misguided zeal to destroy the Evil Enchanter, Quixote mistakes a windmill for a giant, with disastrous results. He likewise sees a barber’s basin as a magical golden helmet and a rundown country inn as a lord’s castle. The old man is too caught up in his fantasies to grasp reality.

In the inn, a group of rough mule drivers aggravate the servant girl Aldonza (Dawn Notagiacomo), but Quixote regards her as a fair maiden. Aldonza, not used to men treating her with respect, rejects his friendship.

Quixote’s housekeeper (Amy Segelin), niece (Sarah Bulger) and her fiance, Dr. Sanson Carrasco (Sheldon Sherman), are embarrassed by his strange behavior. Carrasco sets out to “cure” Quixote of his alleged madness.

Quixote explains his ideals to Aldonza. He seeks no riches or fame—the quest is its own reward, even if he fails. His grand notions of goodness are at odds with the wicked world around him, and his attempts to do what is right nearly destroy both him and his lady. But isn’t a story about a good knight supposed to have a happy ending? Never fear—the play’s final scenes are incredibly touching.

The cast is excellent, from the leads to the ensemble. Tullis turns in a masterful performance, delineating between the self-assured Cervantes and the naive, gentle Quixote. His singing is astounding, especially on the show’s masterpiece, “The Impossible Dream.” The only drawback is that as Quixote he plays nearly all of his lines and songs to the audience, rather than relating to the other actors.

Metzer is charming as the bemused squire. Notagiacomo is terrific as Aldonza, hiding her low self-esteem and need for affection with anger and bitterness. When she sings about her hard-scrabble life in “Aldonza,” she spits out the words with a vengeance.

The ensemble members play up to five roles apiece. As the Padre, watch Paul Panico’s comic reactions as Antonia and the housekeeper explain “I’m Only Thinking of Him.” Johnson is a delight in his two roles. Sherman is cunning and devious as Carrasco. Eddie Martinez plays a lively Spanish guitar in character. The fight scene is choreographed as a ballet.

CCT uses some new staging techniques, such as an operating drawbridge and actors portraying “horses.” Set changes are smooth, efficient and nonintrusive. The costumes are first-rate.

The play offers little action, yet Quixote’s philosophical musings are totally engaging. To a person of faith, Quixote represents a loving god who extends his compassion to the weak and the poor. To a romantic, Quixote is a kind soul who seeks to bring happiness to others. To a pragmatist, he’s a fool unable to cope with survival in a harsh world.

Cervantes says he’s a poet. Society needs more poets—and playwrights—to bring light to a dark world. Cervantes offers hope to the prisoners rotting away in the cell. And Quixote shows the Aldonzas of the world they are truly worthy of love.

Running time is two hours, 30 minutes. The show continues weekends through July 18 at 330 Skyway Drive, inside the Camarillo Airport.

For tickets, call (805) 388- 5716.