Man of La Mancha

 Background on Man of La Mancha

Man of La Mancha is a 1965 musical based on Dale Wasserman's 1959 non-musical teleplay, I, Don Quixote. The original Broadway production ran over 2,000 performances and won five Tony Awards. It has been revived on Broadway multiple times and has played in a variety of other countries. 

What is the Musical About?

Man of La Mancha is based off of the life of a Spanish writer, Miguel de Cervantes and his book, Don Quixote. It is considered a play within a play in which the imprisoned tax collector (Cervantes) plays an old man (Alonso Quijana) who believes he is a knight (Don Quixote). Cervantes performs the play as a mock trial for his fellow prisoners (who are skeptical of him) while he awaits a hearing with the Spanish Inquisition. He wishes to show them the good inside of him, although he is guilty of what he has been accused of. The "mad" knight, Don Quixote, has a goal to right all wrongs in the world and goes on a lengthy journey and completes quests in order to do so. 

 The character of Don Quixote became representative of the impractical pursuit of unrealistic goals. This character refuses to give up the impossible dream of being a real knight and finds comfort in make-believe rather than facing reality. Themes such as escape and social transformation are explored. Through the character, Don Quixote, the desire to escape from reality while also changing society and seeing the good in others is displayed. At the time, the "New Left's" desire for social change attracted idealistic rebels who saw the wrongs in society and wished to right them (much like Don Quixote wish to right all wrongs). Although these rebels wished to change society, they also wished to escape it at the same time (much like the old man's desire to escape from reality through the "impossible dream" of being a knight). Ultimately, seeing the good in others can be seen through the prisoners doubtfulness of Cervantes prior to his performance, which changes to hope in his impossible dream afterwards. 

(The song "The Impossible Dream")

How Does it Compare to Other Musicals?

Man of La Mancha is considered one of the greatest and enduring works of musical theater. It has been revived on Broadway, on film, and in numerous theaters around the world since its debut in 1965. Unlike other musicals we've explored, the Man of La Mancha explored more than just a love story. It is considered an issue-driven musical. This means that the over-arching themes are more important than the actual narrative and the method of story telling is more important than the story. It explores societal issues and intrapersonal struggles, and interpersonal relationships. This is what makes the musical still relevant to audiences and so popular in theater to this day.

How was the Musical Received?

Nicholas Pontolillo speaks on how the Man of La Mancha was received by audiences in 1965 and beyond. At the time of the musicals debut, the country was still healing from events such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the Vietnam War. When the musical was revived in 1992, the country was in the midst of the recession. During the most recent Broadway revival in 2002 the country was healing from the terrorist attacks on 9/11. This show reminded audiences of the importance of optimism and staying positive even in the midst of tragedy and loss.

Overall, the reviews of this musical are very positive. Danielle Bourn provided a review of the show on The Eagle, in which she described the show as "spectacular" and a "definite must see". She believes the message is still relevant today and the songs are very catchy - making the show a "ten". Another review by Rita J. Egan says "for theater lovers on a quest for a musical that has it all, the Engeman’s “Man of La Mancha” is a dream".