Legendary Portrayals of the Iconic Don Quixote

With Man of La Mancha in Concert soon to be taking place as part of The Rose Outdoors, we're taking a look back as some of the legends who have taken on the iconic role of Don Quixote, and dared to dream the impossible dream.

Richard Kiley (played Don Quixote on Broadway between 1965-1977)

Although not the first actor to ever play the role of Don Quixote, Richard Kiley undoubtedly became a bonafide star after his portrayal of the iconic character. His portrayal in the 1965 Broadway premiere earned him the Tony Award for Best Actor at the 1966 Tony Awards. He would go on to play Don Quixote on and off for the next decade, taking his last bow as Don Quixote in 1977. The clip above is Richard Kiley singing "The Impossible Dream" at the 1972 Tony Awards.

Brian Stokes Mitchell (played Don Quixote in the 2002 Broadway revival)

A powerful baritone, Brian Stokes Mitchell has been one of the central leading men of the Broadway theatre since the 1990s. After winning the Tony Award for Best Actor for his performance in Kiss Me, Kate, Brian Stokes Mitchell was tasked with taking on the epic role of Don Quixote in the 2002 revival of Man of La Mancha on Broadway. The production would land a Tony nomination for Best Revival of a Musical, and Brian's portrayal of Don Quixote would garner him a Tony nomination for Best Actor.

Peter O'Toole (played Don Quixote in the 1972 film adaptation)

The first actor to take up the mantle as Don Quixote on film was British stage and film actor, and Oscar nominee, Peter O'Toole. Peter was not known as a singer, and his singing voice was dubbed by singer, Simon Gilbert. Having gone through several directors and screenwriters throughout production, and with backlash over Peter O'Toole replacing legendary actor Richard Kiley in the titular role, upon its release, and for several years afterward the film of Man of La Mancha received overwhelmingly negative reviews.

Man of La Mancha in Concert will take place on Friday and Saturday September 25 and 26.

Click HERE for info and tickets.