Man of La Mancha

Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes' 17th century novel Don Quixote, Man of La Mancha is a musical theater production written by Dale Wesserman with lyrics by Joe Darion and music Mitch Leigh. The show follows a fictional version of Cervantes, a writer imprisoned during the height of the Spanish Inquisition, and his eccentric and slightly crazy character Don Quixote. The metatheatrical production depicts Cervantes along with his fellow detainees performing a play, which he uses to his defense as he awaits trial. After making its Broadway debut in 1965, Man of La Mancha took home five Tony Awards including the prestigious award for Best Musical and is among the longest running Broadway productions of all time.