Man of La Mancha

Character Breakdowns

For characters with multiple song options, actors only need to prepare one of their choosing.

DON QUIXOTE/MIGUEL DE CERVANTES - (40+, Baritone) Tremendous depth and a heroic baritone voice; doubles as the writer Cervantes who is a poet, an unconventional thinker, and a restless spirit; as Quixote, he is the “foolish knight” who believes chivalry is alive. (Vocal Range: B2-E4)

• The Impossible Dream (Bb Major)

• Man of La Mancha (D Minor)

• Dulcinea (G Major)

  SANCHO PANZA/MANSERVANT - (30s-40s, Tenor) Doubles as Cervantes’ manservant and Quixote’s sidekick Sancho; he is funny, has a light-hearted spirit, and has a deep and true kindness; his essence is that of caretaker; Depth and subtlety; Sings well, but can have comic voice. (Vocal Range: C3-A4)

• Man of La Mancha (Sancho’s part in D Major)

• I Like Him (F Major)

• A Little Gossip (F Major)

  ALDONZA - (30s-40s, Soprano) Has tremendous singing ability with a gutsy belt to a high A and a classical sound for parts of her material; Aldonza is a “savage, dark alley cat”; she is defensive, defiant, and a survivor; she is also wry; however, beneath her tough exterior is a woman with a noble heart who desperately wants to be loved. (Vocal range: Ab3-Ab5)

• Aldonza (A Minor)

• It’s All The Same (A Minor)

• What Does He Want of Me? (F Major)
  
  PADRE - (30s-40s, Tenor) a kind but passive religious leader; he is well-intentioned, but not strong enough to stand fully behind his beliefs; he’s a pleaser, but he has a soul and a heart; a lyrical tenor voice. (Vocal Range: C3-G4)

• To Each His Dulcinea (G Major)

• I’m Only Thinking of Him (F Minor)
  
  THE GOVERNOR/THE INNKEEPER - (40s-60s, Bass) The Governor is the leader of the inmate society in the prison. He is a powerful man who oversees Cervantes’ trial. As the Innkeeper he is skeptical of Don Quixote but kind – A gentle giant. (Vocal Range: G2-C#4)

• Knight of the Woeful Countenance (A Major)
  

  THE DUKE/DR. CARRASCO - (30s-50s, Baritone) The Duke is a man of “breeding, intelligence, logic”; he is analytical and scientific; he can also be arrogant because he’s usually the smartest person in the room. (Vocal Range: C3-Db4)

• I’m Only Thinking of Him (F Minor)
  
  MARIA - (30s-60s, will double as other characters such as gypsies) The exasperated wife of the Innkeeper. She sees, and expects the worst of all who enter the inn; especially Quixote.

• I’m Only Thinking of Him (F Minor)
  
  ANTONIA - (20s-40s, Soprano) Quixote’s niece and Dr. Carrasco’s fiancée. A seemingly sweet and caring young woman, but she actually cares more about her needs than her uncle. (Vocal Range: C4-F5)

• I’m Only Thinking of Him (F Minor
  
  ANSELMO - (20s-50s, Tenor) Rough muleteer, sings “Little Bird”. Acoustic guitar skills a plus. This actor will also double as prison guard and inquisition member (Vocal Range: A3-F#4)

• Little Bird (G Major)
  
  THE BARBER - (20s – 60s, Tenor) He travels the countryside and peddle shaves. He is known by everyone. Comic character (Vocal Range: D3-G4)

• Barber Song (G Major)
  
  PEDRO - (20s – 60s) Leader of the Muleteers, physically imposing, antagonist to both Aldonza and Quixote. 

• Little Bird (G Major)
  
  MULETEERS/PRISON GUARDS/ INQUISITION - (20s-50s, various voice types) male presenting actors of all shapes and sizes, must sing and move well.

• Little Bird (G Major)
  

  DANCERS/SERVING WOMEN - (20s-50s, various voice types) female presenting actors of all shapes and sizes, must sing and move well.  Some would be gypsy dancers as well as the Donkey and Mule. 

• I’m Only Thinking of Him (F Minor)