“Man of La Mancha,” the Tony award-winning musical by Dale Wasserman, Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion, will open Community Little Theatre’s 65th season on Oct. 15.

Based on the classic Spanish novel “Don Quixote” by Miguel de Cervantes, the play is set in 16th century Spain during the Inquisition.

The score contains one of the most moving moments in musical theater when Don Quixote relates his personal credo in his song “The Impossible Dream.”

The story is framed around an incident allegedly from the Cervantes’ life. A poet, playwright and part-time actor, Cervantes and his manservant were arrested during the Spanish Inquisition.

They were accused of presenting an entertainment offensive to the Inquisition and cast into a huge dungeon.

The other prisoners gang up on Cervantes and his servant and begin a mock trial, with the intention of stealing or burning his possessions.

Cervantes desperately wishes to save a manuscript he carries with him and stages, with costumes, makeup and participation of other prisoners, an unusual defense: the story of Don Quixote de la Mancha.

Directed by Celeste Philippon, the play will run Oct. 15-30. Mitchell Clyde Thomas has the lead role of Miguel de Cervantes (Don Quixote) with Michael Litchfield in the role of Sancho Panza, his manservant; and Melissa Stevens as the fetching Aldonza (Dulcinea).

Glenn Atkins will play both a prisoner and the role of the padre. Scott Powers will also play a prisoner as well as the barber. Tiffany Boisvert will play Antonia, fiancée to Dr. Sanson Carrasco, played by David Ladderbush, who also plays the role of the duke and Knight of Mirrors.

Roger Philippon will play the roles of governor and innkeeper with Joline Caron playing his wife. Kaye Lawrence will assume the role of housekeeper. James Sargent will portray the captain of the Inquisition.

Wenches will be played by Laurianne Anctil, Penny Appleby, Joline Caron, Tiffany Boisvert, Kaye Lawrence and Sue Healey. Bruce Gerry, Scott Powers and Phil Vampatella will play the muleteers. Ms. Philippon said she’s hoping to cast several more wenches and muleteers.

Those who have an interest may e-mail her at [email protected] or call the box office at 783-0958.

The production crew includes Renee Davis, assistant director; Linda Britt, producer; Paul G. Caron, musical director; Eileen Messina, choreographer; Raymond Marc Dumont, combat scenes choreographer; Melody Driscoll, rehearsal prompter; and Rachel Morin, publicist. Tim Traynor and Stan Spilecki are designing and constructing the set, along with Scott Powers and Phil Vampatella. Luisa Scott is preparing the program insert. Penny Appleby and Doreen Traynor are doing costumes.

Tickets are $15 and $13. Curtain is at 8 p.m. evenings and 2 p.m. for Sunday matinees. Reservations may be made by calling the box office or purchasing online at www.laclt.com.