Man of La Mancha: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Album (Original 1965 Broadway Cast)
Man of La Mancha, the show that introduced "The Impossible Dream"  to the world (and lounge singers everywhere), was the hit of the 1965  Broadway season. Richard Kiley is magnificent in his career-defining  performance as the deluded wannabe knight Don Quixote. His leading lad Joan  Diener sings the role of the kitchen wench Aldonza with just the right balance  of dignity and vulgarity. Irving Jacobson turns in a fine comic  performance as the Don's faithful squire, Sancho Panza. The score,  with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion, was revolutionary in its time.  The orchestra had no violins--just brass, woodwinds, percussion, and flamenco  guitars.Man of La Manchais one of Broadway's most inspiring  musicals and it well deserves its high reputation.--Michael Simmons