Man of La Mancha

Man of La Mancha is a musical based on the television show I, Don Quixote. It was first performed on Broadway in 1964. It’s known for the song “The Impossible Dream”.

Story

Miguel de Cervantes and his servant are arrested by the Spanish Inquisition. Cervantes and his servant go to jail with normal criminals while waiting for trial. The criminals take the book Cervantes is writing (Don Quixote) to burn it but Cervantes stops them by telling them the story. Cervantes and the prisoners turn the story into a play with Cervantes as Don Quixote and his servant and Sancho. The prisoners make Cervantes change the story to have a happier ending. The prisoners let Cervantes keep the book and when he goes to his trial they wish him good luck.

Songs

1) Man of La Mancha (I, Don Quixote)

2) It’s all the same

3) Dulcinea

4) I’m only thinking of him

5) I like him

6) Barber’s Song/Golden Helmet

7) Little Bird, Little Bird

8) The Impossible Dream

9) Knight of the Woeful Countenance

10) Life as it really is

11) Aldonza

12) A Little Gossip

13) Dulcinea (Reprise)

14) Quest finale

Movie

The 1972 movie Man of La Mancha is based on this play.