Brian Stokes Mitchell, Stephen Bogardus, Mark Jacoby, Mary-Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Mitch Leigh, Joe Darion, Ernie Sabella - Man of La Mancha (2002 Broadway Revival Cast)

Brian Stokes Mitchell belongs to a rarefied species: a male lead who can steal scenes from his female counterparts in a Broadway musical. As if his impossibly rich and evocative voice weren't enough, Mitchell is a charismatic actor who inhabits his roles with panache. After turns in Kiss of the Spider Woman, Ragtime, and Kiss Me, Kate, he is back in the popular 1965 show about Cervantes and his fictional alter ego, Don Quixote. The show has become a bit creaky over the years. The revival probably wouldn't have a chance without Mitchell, and he does turn in a spectacular performance. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio's Aldonza feels a bit forced--compare the smooth way in which Mitchell's songs flow with her sometimes choppy delivery--but she also possesses a welcome old-timey quality, never more so than in "What Does He Want from Me?" As for "The Impossible Dream (The Quest)," well, Mitchell injects something that feels emotionally fresh into the chestnut. And that may be the greatest achievement of all. --Elisabeth Vincentelli Amazon.com

Best version but

This is the best recording of this score; the cast sings and acts the material as well as it can be done. Two caveats - the sentimentality is shied away from, which has its rewards but results in a performance that is a bit dry. The recording is bit dry as well. It does take the curse off the cuteness of some of the songs, but it also erases some of the humor. A bit of earnest in a musical goes a long way. It should be possible to create a production with all of the above. Mitchell is amazing, as he usually is. He and Brent Barrett are the Alfred Drakes of this era, able to sing and act with a brain working behind the voice and the heart. The orchestrations evoke the Spanish sources with simplicity. But a bit of the drama and heart is lost, at least on the recording. You never have any doubt where it's going; and even with - especially with - a tale told many times it's the duty of the production to recreate the drama, not cede that you've heard it all before. But no production could ever give depth to the lyrics, which are as simple and lacking shade as nursery rhymes. August 18, 2007

La Mancha Right On

It is everything I hoped for. Arrived quickly and in perfect condition. Just you would hope for when you are dealing with number one. I have used Amazon in the past and I certainly will again. July 15, 2007

Man of La Mancha

I have listened to several versions of Man of La Mancha over the years and at last have found one that lives up to all my expectations. Brian Stokes Mitchell's interpretation of the words of the songs, together with a great voice, is second to none. The final sequence and finale brought me to tears. The magnificent song 'The Impossible Dream' has been murdered by many singers in the past but finally here is one who has brought all the meaning and emotion to the fore.
The other cast members too, did a brilliant job. May 18, 2007

A Great "Don Quixote"

I have been a fan of the "Man of La Mancha" for years. I love the songs and the message, even if the story-line is a bit awkward. It is great story that deals with hope, faith and idealism. The music is wonderful evoking Old Spain, but also with lyrics that are profound in the emotions and dreams that are captured.

I only knew of Brian Stokes Mitchell from a minor role he played on "Trapper John M.D." back in the 1980s (at first I didn't realize that it was the same guy). Mitchell and company do a fantastic job of bringing this narrative to life. I found the new introduction to be very imaginative and it captured a sense of fire: the fire of Don Quixte's idealism and Dulcenia's fire of passion and pain.

Comparisons: Original Broadway Cast; Jim Nabors as Don Quixote; Placido Domingo as Don Quixote April 20, 2007

I preferred this version

Having heard both the Original Cast and Revival Cast recordings--and having seen Stokes Mitchell perform the play on Broadway--I prefer this version. As someone else pointed out, the Kiley version sounds too "operatic." To me, the Original Cast version also sounds more measured and "intentional," and thus less passionate, spontaneous, and real.

Along with other reviewers, I feel Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio has been bashed unfairly: as someone else mentioned, when it seems like her voice is struggling it's because her character is struggling. It is this overall verisimilitude that makes the Revival Cast more appealing to me.

And, yeah, Stokes Mitchell is brilliant as Don Quixote. October 2, 2006

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