Man of La Mancha is a 1965 musical with a book by Dale Wasserman, lyrics by Joe Darion, and music by Mitch Leigh. It is adapted from Wasserman's non-musical 1959 teleplay I, Don Quixote, which was in turn inspired by Miguel de Cervantes and his 17th-century novel. Mancha is a comic tragedy of mankind's struggle to better both himself and the world in which he lives. The show leads the audience to the conclusion that if Don Quixote is a fool it is because the world does not live up to his ideals. This feeling is perfectly reflected in this beautiful musical version of the story.The principal song, "The Impossible Dream",has become a standard. The musical has been revived four times on Broadway, becoming one of the most enduring works of musical theatre.