Show Tunes S4 Episode 18 - Man of La Mancha (1965)

Dale Wasserman (book), Mitch Leigh (music) and Joe Darion (lyrics), created a clever framing device for this musical adaptation of the 1605/1615 novel "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes. The author, in prison awaiting trial for his own real-life troubles, tells the tale of an elderly gentleman who reads too many romance novels and believes himself to be a grand knight.

Together with the hard-edged Aldonza (whom he envisions as the Lady Dulcinea) and his loyal sidekick Sancho Panza, he attempts to embark on a great quest. His family, doctor and priest, however, want him to come to his senses and come home.

Biggest Hits:

The Impossible Dream
Man of La Mancha (I, Don Quixote)

Honorable Mention:

I Like Him (Kate's note - just 'cause it's pretty delightful)

Trigger Warning:

Though "Man of La Mancha" features many wonderful and uplifting moments, it's also a tragedy. "The Abduction" and the following "Aldonza" are at turns cruel and heartbreaking. The local Muleteers violently attack Aldonza for embracing idealism, and try to break her new spirit. It's a harrowing scene, and the show does not shy away from its ugliness.

Musical numbers:

1. Overture
2. Man of La Mancha (I, Don Quixote)
3. It's All the Same
4. Dulcinea
5. I'm Only Thinking of Him
6. I Really Like Him
7. What Do You Want of Me?
8. The Barber's Song/Golden Helmet
9. To Each His Dulcinea
10. The Impossible Dream (The Quest)
11. Little Bird, Little Bird
12. The Dubbing
13. The Abduction
14. Aldonza
15. A Little Gossip
16. Reprises: Dulcinea, The Impossible Dream, Man of La Mancha
17. The Psalm/Finale