Theater Etiquette

A History of the Ballet

Don Quixote, fascinated with the idea of becoming a Knight, dreams about the beautiful Dulcinea. This vision of her haunts him. Sancho Panza, his loyal friend, knights Don Quixote which empowers him to embark on a quest to find Dulcinea.

Don Quixote and Sancho Panza arrive in Barcelona causing great commotion.  Don Quixote scourers the town looking for his beloved Dulcinea and thinks he may have caught a glimpse of her in the crowd of townspeople. While searching for her he learns of the plight of Kitri and Basilio. Kitri is in love with Basilio but her father has promised her to Gamache, a rich nobleman. Don Quixote, driven by his love for Dulcinea, feels compelled to intervene and insure that Kitri and Basilio remain together. At the height of the merriment Kitri and Basilio, aided by their friends, sneak off and are followed by Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Lorenzo and Gamache pursue the young couple.

As Kitri and Basilio flee Barcelona they stumble upon a Gypsy Camp. Don Quixote and Sancho Panza discover the couple and all are inspired by the romance of the night. They are entertained by an extravagant marionette show. To Don Quixote’s surprise his vision of Dulcinea returns in the form of marionettes that appear to be acting out a farce, which greatly angers him. The Gypsy children begin taunting the show, which further infuriates Don Quixote and he flies into a fit of passion destroying the marionettes. Frightened, the crowd scatters. The Queen of the Dryads appears and casts a spell that puts Don Quixote into a deep sleep. 

Under the Queen of the Dryads spell, Dulcinea emerges from the Dryad Fairies and Don Quixote is reunited with her.

Don Quixote’s dream is suddenly interrupted by the return of Kitri and Basilio’s pursuers. Kitri and Basilio are captured and taken back to Barcelona.

Kitri is forced by Lorenzo to accept the attentions of Gamache. The thwarted Basilio pretends to commit suicide. Upon learning of the deception Kitri implores Don Quixote to persuade Lorenzo to allow her to wed the seemingly lifeless Basilio. Lorenzo agrees, feeling confident in allowing this, when Basilio suddenly comes to life!  Don Quixote and Basilio salute Lorenzo and Gamache for stoically accepting the inevitable. The village celebrates their engagement. Don Quixote congratulates the couple and bids them a warm farewell. Thinking he may have seen Dulcinea again Don Quixote heads off to resume his ever lasting quest to find his beloved.

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