September 11 & 12, 2009
Choreography by Marius Petipa, staged by Alun Jones and music by Ludwig Minkus
Find out where the producers of Dancing with the Stars and So You think You Can Dance got the idea for these hit shows sweeping America – from the Ballet! The Prima Ballerinas of Russia and Europe were superstars in their day. See what first started people’s fascination with dance and join the Louisville Ballet for their incredible 2009-10 season. Life, choreographed.
The Ballet’s season opens with a plot that sounds like it was taken straight out of a nighttime drama – two young lovers, a faked death, a man obsessed with a piece of real estate … It’s actually the timeless tale of Don Quixote. This beautiful, story-ballet, based on the famous novel by Miguel de Cervantes, follows Kitri and her young suitor, Basilio, through the colorful sights and sounds of Fiesta Day in Barcelona, a gypsy encampment and the local tavern. Since its debut in 1605, this heartwarming tale has been the inspiration for many projects including a successful Broadway musical, Man of La Mancha in 1965, and the 1972 film of the same name featuring Peter O’Toole and Sophia Lauren.
Although it’s not always smooth sailing, chivalry and love win out, of course, with a happy ending for both the young couple and the eccentric old gentleman who fights windmills. Don Quixote is the perfect ballet for dance lovers of all ages.