VIDEOS: Fifty Years Of Impossible Dreams: MAN OF LA MANCHA Opens On This Date In 1965
By: Michael Dale Nov. 22, 2015
The theme of those we call mad being the truly sane ones was a popular premise in 1960s pop culture. Playwright Dale Wasserman had just been represented on Broadway with ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST when his next project, a musical suggested by the life and works of Miguel de Cervantes, came into town.
Rex Harrison was originally pegged to star in MAN OF LA MANCHA's premiere at the Goodspeed Opera House, but the score by Mitch Leigh (music) and Joe Darion (lyrics) developed into one that would be beyond the speak-singer's capabilities.
Fortunately, Broadway's leading dramatic baritone of the time, Richard Kiley, was available. Kiley had won a Best Actor in a Musical Tony for REDHEAD, but the role of Don Quixote would be the one that defined his stage career.
Fifty years ago today, the show opened on W. 4th Street's ANTA Washington Square Theatre, which was deemed Tony-eligible. The musical was awarded as the season's best, along with Tonys for the score, Kiley's performance, Albert Marre's direction and Howard Bay's scenic design.
As with many great Broadway musical performances of the era, Kiley's rendition of the score's anthem ballad, "The Quest," better known as "The Impossible Dream," was preserved on THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW.
The first hit single of "The Impossible Dream" was sung by Jack Jones in 1966. Like many songs from Broadway, the lyric was altered for the pop recording.
The Smothers Brothers sang "The Impossible Dream" on their controversial 1960s TV variety show, injecting their own kind of political commentary. Here, they recreate that routine in concert.
Simon Gilbert did the singing when Peter O'Toole starred in the 1972 film adaptation of MAN OF LA MANCHA.
Kiley brought MAN OF LA MANCHA back to Broadway twice more, followed by a 1992 production with Raul Julia in the leading role. In 2002, Brian Stokes Mitchell took on the demanding part.
While MAN OF LA MANCHA is more than just one song, the classic status of "The Impossible Dream" has greatly added to the musical's popularity. Some of the biggest names in music and theatre have recorded the song and performed it in concert. Here are a few more enthralling imterpretations.
Videos