The Man of La Mancha

The Man of La Mancha Conquers the Budapest Operetta Theatre Again

“And the world will be better for this

That one man, scorned and covered with scars

Still strove with his last ounce of courage

To reach the unreachable star”

Perhaps there's never been a greater need for the idealism and faith of Don Quixote de la Mancha than there is today. The world around us changes almost every minute, and tomorrow is filled with all sorts of uncertainties. It’s no wonder we long for a knight to stand before us with a noble heart and clear eyes, telling us that life does have meaning, that perseverance will be rewarded, and that those who live with honour, integrity, and loyalty will receive their just rewards. Even if in reality this often doesn't happen... This is precisely why the story of the Man of La Mancha is so captivating: it allows all of us to escape into a desired, imagined world where, by experiencing Don Quixote's journey — with the occasional battle against a windmill — we ask ourselves, what would the world be like if, instead of malice, rejection, and indifference, it were ruled by understanding, acceptance, and solidarity? And if it suddenly all came true, what would we do with all that goodness…? Don Quixote, together with his loyal squire Sancho, breaks through those — often imaginary — walls, sheds light in the darkness, brings joy to sadness, and gives meaning to everyday existence.

The original musical debuted on November 22, 1965, at the Washington Square Theatre. Its first European premiere was in Madrid, followed by a production in London. In 1971, the thought-provoking story of the noble knight was brought to the Budapest Operetta Theatre, with Iván Darvas in the titular role. In the musical’s 2020 revival, Don Quixote is a man of the present day, navigating both the darker and brighter sides of life. The heart-wrenching and touching story doesn't lack humour and playfulness either, with invigorating Spanish dances ensuring the entertainment. Dreams and reality, fiction and truth, tragedy and comedy are all intertwined in this grand production, where every generation will find songs that speak to them. And the final lines of the performance will stay with us, reminding us that, whether we overcome obstacles or stumble through the complexities of our daily lives: “We are all men of La Mancha.”

The main cast includes Lóránt Nagy, Zsolt Homonnay, Attila Németh, Attila Serbán, Péter Antolovics (University of Theatre and Film Arts student), Veronika Nádasi, Annamari Dancs, and Anna Peller. The director-choreographer is Balázs Vincze, a Gyula Harangozó, Zoltán Imre, and László Seregi award-winning ballet artist and Meritorious Artist.

Book: Dale Wasserman

Music: Mitch Leigh    Lyrics: Joe Darion

Original production staged by: Albert Marre

Original production: Albert W. Seiden and Hal James

This production of the Man of La Mancha was made possible by the agreement between Concord Theatricals Ltd. and the Theatrum Mundi Theatrical and Literary Agency.

Please note that due to the special set design, the English subtitles may only be visible to a limited extent from the upstairs seats. Please take this into consideration when purchasing your tickets.