“Man of La Mancha” is not your regular musical. With the drama of “Les Mis” and the dark comedy of something like “Assasins,” it definitely brought something new to the musical theatre table. The characters and songs are truly iconic and it is not a show to be missed. Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion create a score before its time, with an orchestra that included flamenco drums. Let’s take a look at some of the most remarkable songs from the show!
(1) “Man of La Mancha”- A rousing number that introduces us to our mentally ill hero and his adorable sidekick Sancho. It lets us know that we are on this journey with Don Quixote and from the start you want to root for him to do well. This role is so amazing and definitely shows off the vocal chops of whatever amazing singers has the honor of playing him.
(2) “It’s All the Same”: Aldonza is one of the most fascinating aspects of this show. She is a common wench who Don Quixote falls for instantly. It’s refreshing for the leading lady to be as rough and harsh as this character is. Even her vocals are expected to be harsh. This song introduces us to her, and helps us fall in love with this woman.
(3) “Dulcinea”: Don Quixote is so taken with Aldonza that he convinces himself she is Dulcinea the love of his life. He woos her and at first she is harsh and throws off his advances. But just like us, she wants to go on this fairy tale journey with our leading man. Anything is better than the reality of being jailed by the Spanish Inquisition. It’s a beautiful, tender ballad.
(4) “Impossible Dream”: This is the most iconic song from this show. It’s often covered and is bigger than life. It is inspiring and positively soaring. It is as uplifting as it is heartbreaking. The melody is phenomenal and the lyrics are gorgeous. It is truly one of the most beloved songs from musical theatre of all time.
(5) “Aldonza”: In an even darker turn, Aldonza is raped. She wants no more of Don Quixote’s fairy tales. She doesn’t want to be his Dulcinea and pretend that life is wonderful and everything is okay. This is one of the darkest female solos in musical theatre history. It’s definitely a song you won’t forget by a character that will haunt you.
