Mar 19 – Mar 29
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 BEFORE EVENING PERFORMANCES
Enjoy flamenco dancing in the Opera House lobby before evening performances by Theatre Flamenco of San Francisco featuring Carola Zertuche, guitarist, and singer. Dancing begins 30 minutes prior to the performance.
PERFORMANCE DATES:
- Thu, Mar 19 (flamenco dancing will be after the performance)
- Fri, Mar 20
- Sat, Mar 21, eve
- Tue, Mar 24
- Wed, Mar 25
- Fri, Mar 27
- Sat, Mar 28, eve
SPECIAL OFFER
RUSH FOR ALL
Rush tickets, when available, will be announced here on our website approximately 48 hours in advance and go on sale the day of the performance, starting at 10 am, and go off sale the hour before curtain.
We’re pleased to announce limited Rush tickets for Don Quixote on Tuesday, March 24 at 7:30pm and Wednesday, March 25 at 7:30pm. We will not be offering any other Don Quixote performances for Rush For All.
Enter promo code RUSHDONQ to access discounted prices ranging from $35–$99.
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.
DON QUIXOTE PRE-PERFORMANCE LECTURE
Thursday, March 19
Join us on opening night of Don Quixote for a special pre-performance lecture by Professor Ignacio Navarrete, Ph.D., about Cervantes’ work and the ballet Don Quixote. Presented in collaboration with the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain in Washington, DC, and the Consulate General of Spain in San Francisco. The lecture is 6:30–6:55pm with open seating in the orchestra level.
MEET THE ARTIST INTERVIEWS
San Francisco Ballet’s Meet the Artist pre-performance talks are back in the Opera House for the 2026 Repertory Season! Join us before Friday evening, Sunday matinee, and other select performances, for an informative talk featuring dancers, choreographers, musicians, and other artists in conversation with a moderator.
Friday, March 20, 7:05–7:30pm
Val Caniparoli
Principal Character Dancer
Please join us on Friday, March 20 from 7:05–7:30pm for a special Meet the Artist pre-performance interview with Val Caniparoli to celebrate his remarkable career at SF Ballet as a dancer and choreographer.
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.
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
*TERMS & CONDITIONS
RUSH FOR ALL: All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. Rush tickets are limited and not available on every seat in every seating section. Limit of 2. Rush tickets go on sale at 10 am on the performance date and end 1 hour prior to curtain. Pricing ranges $35–$99 and may vary from performance to performance. Casting, programming, and prices are subject to change. Tickets are subject to availability. Offer does not apply to previously purchased tickets and cannot be combined with other offers.