‘Don Quixote’ to bring romance to Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will perform “Don Quixote” for those in need of a little romance during the Valentine’s weekend from Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 13-16, at the Benedum Center for Performing Arts. Lead corporate sponsor for the production is H. J. Heinz Co. Foundation.
Using the original choreography by Marius Petipa and Alexander Gorsky, PBT artistic director, Terrence S. Orr, will again repeat his role in staging this production, which he did in 1998.
The production hails from the American Ballet Theatre in New York, where Tony Award-winning designer, Santo Loquasto, designed the sets and costumes.
Created in 1977 by Loquasto, the sets and costumes for “Don Quixote” immediately envelop the audience.
“I love this production,” Orr said. ‘Don Quixote’ is full of bravura. The choreography, costumes and scenery truly transport you on this adventure. It’s vibrant, colorful, romantic and fun. I can’t think of a better combination when entertaining an audience.”
The production itself is huge. PBT production manager, David Holcomb, said, “Typical ballets take about one to one and a half tractor trailers to transport to the theater, which carry the sets and costumes. The new ‘Nutcracker’ was the largest with eight tractor trailer loads, while ‘Don Quixote’ is a close second with three tractor trailers.”
The story, adapted from Miguel Cervantes novel, begins with Don Quixote searching for his true love, only seen to him in ethereal visions, the enchanting Dulcinea.
During his quest, he and his faithful companion, Sancho Panza, wander into a small village and become involved in a confusing love triangle consisting of Kitri and Basilio. Kitri’s father, Lorenzo, wants her to marry someone else. Because of this, Kitri and Basilio run away.
PBT’s arts education department will host the “Don Quixote Family Pointe” at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Benedum Center studios. The preview is focused on families with children between the ages of 5 and 14.
Reservations for this event can be made by calling 412-454-9105.
Ticket holders for PBT’s “Don Quixote” are encouraged to save their ticket stub for a $3 discount to the Pittsburgh Public Theater’s presentation for the “Man of La Mancha,” Jan. 30 through March 2, for the Sunday through Thursday evening performances. Likewise, PPT ticket holders for “Man of LaMancha” can receive a $5 off savings for PBT’s performance of “Don Quixote” by showing their ticket stub. Prior sales are excluded on both offers, and some restrictions do apply. For more details, call the Benedum Box Office at 412-456-6666.
Tickets range in price from $13-$66 for “Don Quixote” and can be purchased by visiting www.pbt.org or by calling 412-456-6666.
Showtimes for “Don Quixote” will be 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13; 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14; 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16.