Man of La Mancha, Masquers' fall musical, is based on the sixteenth century novel "Don Quixote," by Miguel de Cervantes. “I expect this to be the best musical done in the Basin in 10 years,” says seasoned director, Randy Brooks, and he should know because he has either directed or acted in a good share of them.  “This is a story based on fact. It is a play within a play, set in sixteenth century Spain. It is a play of redemption and hope. The main character is Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote of La Mancha, and a contemporary of Shakespeare.”

     Cervantes wrote the story of Don Quixote during a difficult time in history.  It was during the Inquisition, and life was hard for people who dared to step outside preconceived notions of the time.  Cervantes wrote the original as a comedy, and Don Quixote has since become a heart-warming symbol of living magically on the delusional edge.

   The best-known song in Man of La Mancha is the inspiring To Dream the Impossible Dream. It encapsulates the hopes of Don Quixote, an eccentric but chivalrous old knight who considers his duty to be champion of the oppressed and righter of wrongs. His own impossible dream causes him to see things not as they are, but as they ought to be. 

   The Broadway production won five Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Composer and Best Lyricist, as well as the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. The book is by Dale Wasserman. The music is by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion.