great story 2009-05-10

Reviewer: Marc Turpin Jr.

I really enjoy the story of Don Quixote and all of his quests. In all honesty, (it could be my fault) but i thought this was going to be a straight up book of Man a la Mancha, but instead it was more like a script of the musical. It's still great though. If you order the book you should definitely get the CD to play along with it.

Superb Snapshot 2008-11-20

Reviewer: Ana Mardoll

Man of La Mancha / 0-394-40619-2

Though I find the Don Quixote story to be moving and meaningful, I am the first to admit that the full work of Cervantes can be incredibly daunting - not exactly light evening reading. Man of La Mancha has managed to perfectly distill the Don Quixote story into a short, heart-warming play that is, if possible, even greater than the source material.

Whereas, in the original, Don Quixote's ravings are regularly used as witty insight or satirical commentary, in Man of La Mancha, the ravings of our madman show us the veneer of the world we ought to live in. The character of Dulcinea is particularly touching - where those who would use and abuse her see only a whore broken by life's cruelties and painful necessities, our mad hero sees a woman capable of love, kindness, and friendship. He sees a person, with pain and sorrow and strength and inner beauty. How can we know that this view is "insanity" - perhaps it is the rest of the world that is mad, and only our dear man of La Mancha has clear senses.

Though not ideal, works well even on the printed page 2008-01-22

Reviewer: J. Bosiljevac

I read this stage play as research for something I'm working on. I saw a production of the play when I was in high school (long time ago) and remember liking it. It's the condensed story of Don Quijote, book-ended by Cervantes in a Spanish prison, awaiting his trial before the Inquisition. Obviously, reading the play, especially a musical, is nothing compared to seeing it live. But it's entertaining, you get a good sense for the characters, and the story, though goofy and slapstick, still comes across well.

Like as it really is... 2006-08-23

Reviewer: Steve Reina

Maddest of all is to see things as they are and not as they should be.

This simple premise lies at the heart of every marriage proposal, politcal campaign, revolution and of course the birth of every religion.

That such a poignant essence was successfully reduced for theatrical presentation from the lengthy Cervantes work is nothing short of genius.

All too often its easy for story tellers, playwrights and movie makers to tease out the prurient drama of human suffering. It is so much more compelling when someone manages to capture that moment of inspiration when someone dares to believe and others chance to join.

First with Sancho, then fair Dulcinea, then ultimately maybe us, we gather eagerly to that spark of faith that grows in this play.

If you think about it, "Impossible Dream" could easily have been rendered maudlin in the wrong hands. It's a testiment to this play and this writer that it actually inspires.

Not my favorite 2005-07-28

Reviewer: Hinghamwx

I found Man of La Mancha to be quite confussing. The plot is so crazy that it is hard to get a grasp on what is happening until halfway through the book. One you do figure it out, it is rather humerous, but not one of my favorites by any means.