Beloved Classic Features Staging by Helgi Tomasson and Long-Time Collaborator Yuri Possokhov
SAN FRANCISCO, January 31, 2022—San Francisco Ballet will open Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson and Choreographer-in-Residence Yuri Possokhov’s Don Quixote on February 26. With performances at the War Memorial Opera House through March 6, Don Quixote is inspired by Cervantes’ literary masterpiece and features an elaborate production and 152 roles. With a host of dynamic characters, including Don Quixote and his live horse, Rocinante; Sancho Panza, the loveable squire, and his donkey; the flirtatious Kitri; the barber Basilio, and many more, Don Quixote is a kaleidoscopic spectacle for all ages and a rare comedy in the classical repertory. Casting will be posted here at least one week before each performance.
Don Quixote marks the first of two evening-length story ballets in the 2022 Season, which is Tomasson’s 37th and final season as Artistic Director. Said Tomasson: “When Yuri and I re-staged Don Quixote nearly 20 years ago, we created a fun piece in the spirit of the original work. For my final season at SF Ballet, we’re bringing this classic back with great intention. Laughter in ballet is a rare gift, and joy is especially meaningful for our audiences today.”
In keeping with new guidance from the city of San Francisco, SF Ballet has also announced new COVID-19 safety policies. Beginning February 1 with the opening of Program 1, SF Ballet requires all patrons to wear an N95, KN95, or KF94 face mask to enter the venue. SF Ballet will provide patrons upon entry a KN95 mask or equivalent for those who do not have access to the appropriate mask. SF Ballet will also require up-to-date vaccination, including booster shots for those eligible, for all attendees 12 and older. Patrons may view SF Ballet’s up-to-date safety policies on the website.
Don Quixote also includes one of the most well-known dances in the repertory: the Act III pas de deux between lovers Kitri and Basilio, as well as the notoriously challenging “Kitri jump.” In 2012, SF Ballet unveiled new Don Quixote sets and costumes by Tony Award-winner Martin Pakledinaz. Don Quixote’s score by Ludwig Minkus, composed for Marius Petipa’s original choreography from 1869, includes tambourines and guitars and delightfully hummable melodies.
For Don Quixote press images visit the online press photos page. Please contact Kate McKinney at kmckinney@sfballet.org for all press inquiries.
Calendar information:
Don Quixote tickets start at $29 and may be purchased online at sfballet.org or by calling the Ticket Services Office at 415 865 2000, Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Don Quixote
Composer: Ludwig Minkus
Choreographers: Alexander Gorsky after Marius Petipa
Staging and additional choreography: Helgi Tomasson and Yuri Possokhov
Set and costume design: Martin Pakledinaz
Lighting design: James F. Ingalls
Associate Scenic Designer: Arnulfo Maldonado
Associate Costume Designer: Heather Lockard
Author of Don Quixote: Miguel de Cervantes
Run time: 2 hours and 40 minutes with two intermissions
Casting to be announced soon at https://www.sfballet.org/season/casting.
Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 8:00 pm
Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 2:00 pm
Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Friday, March 4, 2022 at 8:00 pm
Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 8:00 pm
Sunday, March 6, 2022 at 2:00 pm
About San Francisco Ballet
San Francisco Ballet is one of the world’s leading ballet companies. As a commissioner, collaborator, and presenter, SF Ballet performs locally, nationally, and internationally with the top choreographers, artists, and dancers while proudly celebrating its trailblazing role in dance. Since its founding in 1933 and as the oldest professional ballet company in the United States, the organization has been an innovator in dance and an originator of well-loved cultural traditions, from staging the first American production of Swan Lake to being the first company in the United States to present an annual holiday Nutcracker. In the progressive, innovative spirit of San Francisco, its aim is to share the beauty of classical and contemporary ballet, the joyful, transformative experience of live dance performance by artists working at the highest caliber, and to provide exceptional training opportunities for the next generation of professional dancers in its School.
* * * *