Man Of La Mancha

 
Man of La Mancha is Broadway’s famous musical that was first staged in 1964 and was a grand hit. It is based on a book written by Dale Wasserman with lyrics composed by Joe Darion and music compositions by Mitch Leigh. The musical was adopted from 1954’s teleplay “I, Don Quixote.” That specific teleplay was Wasserman’s inspiration from the masterpiece of seventeenth century by the name of Don Quixote. This series of inspiration doesn’t end here. In 1972, a Man of La Mancha film was produced as well. If you want to attend the revival production of the musical now coming to your own city, book Man of La Mancha tickets in advance.
 
Man of La Mancha the teleplay was written by Wasserman for the regular television program “DuPont Show of the Month” which aired on CBS. In the original cast actors Colleen Dewhurst, Lee J. Cobb and Eli Wallach were included. Because the producer thought the audience will not be able to understand the meaning of La Mancha, the play’s name was changed to “I, Don Quixote.” It was broadcasted in November of 1959 for the first time with around twenty million viewers. Needless to say, it was an instant hit.
 
Man of La Mancha was staged as a non musical play a few years after the success of the television show. After Albert Marre the director met Wasserman, they decided to turn this Broadway play into a theatrical musical. Originally the lyricist of the musical was the famous classic poet W.H. Auden but his lyrics were in the end not included because they were too much literary for the masses that weren’t very much into literature. His lyrics were replaced by simpler one written by Darion. In 1965 it was finally staged at the Goodspeed Opera House located in Connecticut.
 
Man of La Mancha premiered at ANTA Washington Square Theatre after twenty one previews in November of 1965. It was choreographed by Jack Cole with direction and musical staging by Marre. The costumes were designed by Patton and Bay Campbell with lighting by Howard Bay. It was later moved to Martin Beck Theatre and in 1971 to Eden Theatre. Finally in May of 1971 it was taken to Mark Hellinger Theatre where it played for a month and then finally closed down after around 2,330 runs. The musical was adored so much that a number of revival shows followed it.
 
Man of La Mancha the musical’s story revolves around Miguel de Cervantes who calls himself Don Quixote. Along with his side kick and man servant Sancho Panza he is arrested by the Spanish police for his unfortunate adventures. There in the prison while waiting for a verdict he plays a mock trial with fellow prisoners. He attempts in saving his beloved Aldonza, who is originally a prostitute and making her Lady Dulcinea. He also attempts in avoiding his mortal enemy named Enchanter. As the story unfolds on the live stage, the audiences are kept engaged in such a way that they hardly move from their seats.
 
Man of La Mancha has gained enormous fame over the years and has been revived by Broadway around five times. Apart from receiving critical acclaim and public appreciation, the musical has also been awarded with five Tony Awards, including in the category of “Best Musical” and “Best Original Score.” It has also been nominated for several Drama Desk Awards. The production has also been translated into several languages including French, Spanish, Japanese and Hebrew. The latest Broadway revival is now going to hit the stage once again and the fans are buying Man of La Mancha tickets. In order to attend his classic musical in your very own town, you should hurry up and book the tickets before there are none left in the market!