Mar 19 – Mar 29
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Bullfighters, Knights, and Longing under the Spanish Sun
Alexander Gorsky and Marius Petipa
Ludwig Minkus
Helgi Tomasson and Yuri Possokhov
Madeline Woo as Kitri from Tomasson/Possokhov’s Don Quixote // © Studio Schuller for San Francisco Ballet
Act I – 47 minutes
Intermission – 20 minutes
Act II – 46 minutes
Intermission – 15 minutes
Act III – 26 minutes
War Memorial Opera House
Programming, casting, and prices subject to change.
Grab your castanets and step into a world of Spanish passion and theatrical magic with Don Quixote, ballet’s most exuberant romantic adventure. Drawing from Cervantes’ beloved literary masterpiece, this vibrant production brings together dazzling artistry, captivating characters, and an enchanting tale of love that radiates joy from every turn.
This spectacle of chivalric knights, Barcelona beaches, daggers, and donkeys showcases extraordinary technique, rich storytelling, and the choreographic contributions of Helgi Tomasson and Yuri Possokhov. Don Quixote transforms the stage into a canvas of dynamic movement, vivid imagery, and magnetic entertainment that celebrates the art form’s most spirited traditions.
Whether you’re just discovering ballet, bringing the whole family, or you’re a devoted enthusiast, Don Quixote offers an unforgettable experience. This production masterfully weaves comedy, romance, and athletic virtuosity into an evening of artistic celebration that exemplifies why ballet continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
PLEASE NOTE: Strobe lights will be used during Act II
JOIN US AFTER EVENING PERFORMANCES
Enjoy flamenco dancing in the Opera House lobby after evening performances by Theatre Flamenco of San Francisco, featuring Carola Zertuche, guitarist and singer.
PERFORMANCE DATES:
- Thu, Mar 19
- Fri, Mar 20
- Sat, Mar 21, eve
- Tue, Mar 24
- Wed, Mar 25
- Fri, Mar 27
- Sat, Mar 28, eve
UPDATE: Flamenco dancing has been moved to after the performance
Act I – 47 minutes
Intermission – 20 minutes
Act II – 46 minutes
Intermission – 15 minutes
Act III – 26 minutes
TOTAL – 2 hours, 34 minutes
War Memorial Opera House
Programming, casting, and prices subject to change.
Tamara Rojo on Balanchine
Eugene Onegin is a richly layered and deeply human exploration of love, regret, and the heart’s fragility. Resident Choreographer Yuri Possokhov’s world premiere brings new depth to Alexander Pushkin’s classic, where a single choice alters the course of a life.
Casting & Credits
Thursday, March 19, 2026 AT 7:30 pm
CHOREOGRAPHER
Alexander Gorsky, after Marius Petipa
COMPOSER
Ludwig Minkus
Staging and Additional Choreography: Helgi Tomasson and Yuri Possokhov
Additional Principal Coaching: Tamara Rojo and Loipa Araújo
Additional Staging: Anita Paciotti
Scenic and Costume Design: Martin Pakledinaz
Lighting Design: James F. Ingalls
Associate Scenic Design: Arnulfo Maldonado
Associate Costume Design: Heather Lockard
Author of Don Quixote: Miguel de Cervantes
World Premiere (Original Petipa production): December 26, 1869—Imperial Ballet, Bolshoi Theatre; Moscow, Russia
World Premiere (Gorsky production) December 6, 1900—Imperial Ballet, Bolshoi Theatre; Moscow, Russia
World Premiere (Tomasson/Possokhov staging): March 14, 2003—San Francisco Ballet, War Memorial Opera House; San Francisco, California
Music: Don Quixote by Ludwig Minkus. Additional music: Act I, Overture: Galop from La Source Act I by L. Delibes, with introduction by Patrick Flynn. No. 17; “Basilio’s Variation” is “Ole de la Curra” by A. S. Arista, orchestrated by Patrick Flynn. Act ll, No. 21a, additional material in opening ensemble by Patrick Flynn; No. 23, “Kitri & Basilio” is “Three Spanish Women” by V.P. Soloviev-Sedoi; No. 30, Queen of the Driads Variation; “Souvenir du Bal” by A. Simon; No. 31, “Cupid’s Variation” from Paquita by L. Minkus; No. 32, “Kitri’s Variation” by R. Drigo. Act III, No. 48, “Fandango” by Eduard Napravnik; No. 51, Finale: Galop from La Source Act I by L. Delibes, with introduction by Patrick Flynn. Assistant Costume Designer: Shawn McCulloch; Assistant Interns to Martin Pakledinaz: Hannah Kittel, Guilia Cauti, Laura Ortiz. Costumes constructed by: Carelli Costumes Inc. New York, NY; Krostyne Studio Pittsburgh, PA; Parsons-Meares Ltd., New York, NY; Tricorne Inc. New York, NY; Driad tutus by Yoshi Terashima London, England; Masks, Millinery and Head Dressing by Carelli Costumes Inc. New York, NY; Karen Eifert New York, NY, Rodney Gordon New York, NY; Arnold S. Levine, Inc. Theatrical Millinery and Crafts New York, NY; Lynne Mackey Studio New York, NY; Don Quixote armor by Costume Armour New York, NY, Painting and distressing by Jeff Fender Studio Inc. Brooklyn, NY; Fabric dyeing by Eric Winterling Inc. New York, NY; Kimtex Fabric Services New York, NY; Lisa Sacaris Houston, TX; Jewelry by Franklin Labovitz Washington, D.C.; Boots by Hiatt Dance Boots Salt Lake City, UT; Pluma Portland, OR; Scenic construction and painting by San Francisco Ballet Carpentry and Scenic Departments. Horses courtesy of Prince Horse Rental.
Don Quixote
Casting & Credits
Thursday, March 19 AT 7:30 pm
CHOREOGRAPHER
Alexander Gorsky, after Marius Petipa
COMPOSER
Ludwig Minkus
Staging and Additional Choreography: Helgi Tomasson and Yuri Possokhov
Additional Principal Coaching: Tamara Rojo and Loipa Araújo
Additional Staging: Anita Paciotti
Scenic and Costume Design: Martin Pakledinaz
Lighting Design: James F. Ingalls
Associate Scenic Design: Arnulfo Maldonado
Associate Costume Design: Heather Lockard
Author of Don Quixote: Miguel de Cervantes
World Premiere (Original Petipa production): December 26, 1869—Imperial Ballet, Bolshoi Theatre; Moscow, Russia
World Premiere (Gorsky production) December 6, 1900—Imperial Ballet, Bolshoi Theatre; Moscow, Russia
World Premiere (Tomasson/Possokhov staging): March 14, 2003—San Francisco Ballet, War Memorial Opera House; San Francisco, California
Music: Don Quixote by Ludwig Minkus. Additional music: Act I, Overture: Galop from La Source Act I by L. Delibes, with introduction by Patrick Flynn. No. 17; “Basilio’s Variation” is “Ole de la Curra” by A. S. Arista, orchestrated by Patrick Flynn. Act ll, No. 21a, additional material in opening ensemble by Patrick Flynn; No. 23, “Kitri & Basilio” is “Three Spanish Women” by V.P. Soloviev-Sedoi; No. 30, Queen of the Driads Variation; “Souvenir du Bal” by A. Simon; No. 31, “Cupid’s Variation” from Paquita by L. Minkus; No. 32, “Kitri’s Variation” by R. Drigo. Act III, No. 48, “Fandango” by Eduard Napravnik; No. 51, Finale: Galop from La Source Act I by L. Delibes, with introduction by Patrick Flynn. Assistant Costume Designer: Shawn McCulloch; Assistant Interns to Martin Pakledinaz: Hannah Kittel, Guilia Cauti, Laura Ortiz. Costumes constructed by: Carelli Costumes Inc. New York, NY; Krostyne Studio Pittsburgh, PA; Parsons-Meares Ltd., New York, NY; Tricorne Inc. New York, NY; Driad tutus by Yoshi Terashima London, England; Masks, Millinery and Head Dressing by Carelli Costumes Inc. New York, NY; Karen Eifert New York, NY, Rodney Gordon New York, NY; Arnold S. Levine, Inc. Theatrical Millinery and Crafts New York, NY; Lynne Mackey Studio New York, NY; Don Quixote armor by Costume Armour New York, NY, Painting and distressing by Jeff Fender Studio Inc. Brooklyn, NY; Fabric dyeing by Eric Winterling Inc. New York, NY; Kimtex Fabric Services New York, NY; Lisa Sacaris Houston, TX; Jewelry by Franklin Labovitz Washington, D.C.; Boots by Hiatt Dance Boots Salt Lake City, UT; Pluma Portland, OR; Scenic construction and painting by San Francisco Ballet Carpentry and Scenic Departments. Horses courtesy of Prince Horse Rental.
Kitri: Sasha De Sola
Basilio: Francesco Gabriele Frola
SUPPORT FOR DON QUIXOTE PROUDLY PROVIDED BY
Anonymous
Marissa Mayer and Zachary Bogue
Anonymous
James C. Gries
Nion McEvoy and Leslie Berriman
James and Sally Scapa Family Foundation
Robert and Diedre Shaw
Lareina Yee