So I just listened to the entirety of the Man of La Mancha soundtrack -- the 1965 original Broadway cast recording -- while assembling components of tomorrow night's dinner. (Not done yet! Still have to assemble dessert.)

It matters that it's this particular recording; my parents owned it on vinyl and it will always be the definitive version in my head. And it has been forever since I listened to this and every phrase, every pause, every vocal inflection is still familiar and dear. I don't think I will ever not love this musical to tiny bits.

(And yeah, I still can't decide which part I covet most: Aldonza or Sancho.)

And meanwhile, for the first time I found myself having Thoughts about this play through feminist lenses, and I am pretty sure I am not done having them. Hmmm.

[also adiva_calandia I have to talk to you sometime about the notion of Don Quixote as a breeches role because what.]