By Lisa Carolin
Picture sunny Spain hundreds of years ago and a charismatic knight named Don Quixote. He is the central figure in the eponymous book and ballet, which Ballet Chelsea presents this Saturday, April 27 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m. at Chelsea High School Auditorium.
Fans of Ballet Chelsea may recall an excerpt from Don Quixote performed from the ballet last year by the nonprofit company. This will be the first time the company presents the entire ballet loosely based on the book by Miguel de Cervantes.
The story centers around a woman named Kitri and her love, the penniless barber Basil. When Don Quixote comes to Barcelona, the couple decides to run away from Kitri’s disapproving father, and on their journey they meet colorful townsfolk and dreamy fairies.
Ludwig Minkus wrote the musical score and the choreography is by Ballet Chelsea’s Artistic director Wendi DuBois, based on that by Marius Petipa and Alexander Gorsky.
“Every other year, Ballet Chelsea puts on a ‘storybook’ or traditional ballet for the spring performance,” said Patricia Marsh marketing coordinator for Ballet Chelsea. “My understanding of the choice of Don Quixote is that the director wanted to add a new ballet to our repertoire-one that was challenging for the dancers but also fun for audiences.”
There are 74 members and guests in the company this season.
The three-act show has one intermission, and refreshments and flowers will be available. All seating is reserved, and tickets start at $12. They are available online here, and the ballet is appropriate for all ages.
Ballet Chelsea, formerly known as Youth Dance Theatre of Michigan, offers professional-level dance training to students aged 8-18.
