Pennsylvania Ballet to Present Marius Petipa's DON QUIXOTE, 3/13

Philadelphia, PA (February 9, 2016) - Pennsylvania Ballet's Artistic Director Angel Corella shares his Spanish culture with audiences through his adaptation of Marius Petipa's Don Quixote. Performances, supported by PECO, run March 3-13 at The Academy of Music and are certain to captivate audiences.

"I'm thrilled to bring a real feel of Spain to The Academy of Music's stage," said Corella. "The choreography will be infused with authentic Spanish culture and the sets will be adapted to enhance the festive costumes and Spanish flair. Everything on the stage will look and feel like the square in my hometown in Spain."

Dedicated to making his Don Quixote as authentic as possible, Corella purchased authentic costumes, fans, and castanets during his last trip to Spain.

Don Quixote is a classic comedy featuring intricate choreography, authentic Spanish flavored dance, and comic interludes bringing to life Cervantes' classic novel, Don Quixote. The ballet portrays thestory of the idealistic, eccentric Don Quixote, performed by Ballet Master Charles Askegard, who goes on a quest in search of his ideal woman, Dulcinea. He believes he has found her when he spots the lovely Kitri. However, Kitri is expected to accept the marriage offer of the rich Gamache, performed by Choreographer in Residence, (and retired Pennsylvania Ballet Dancer) Matthew Neenan. While Don Quixote and Gamache battle for Kitri's hand in marriage, lovers Kitri and dashing Basilio battle against her father and all odds in order to unite in true love.

The Ludwig Minkus score that accompanies this comedic love story is performed live by Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra. While the sets will be larger than life, creating a magnificent sensory experience for everyone

Company members will be joined on stage by students from The School of Pennsylvania Ballet.

Enjoy the performance of this love story at The Academy of Music this March.

The performances run:

- Thursday, March 3 at 7:30 pm

- Friday, March 4 at 7:30pm

- Saturday, March 5 at 2:00pm

- Saturday, March 5 at 8:00pm

- Sunday, March 6 at 2:00pm

- Wednesday, March 9 at 7:30pm

- Thursday, March 10 at 7:30pm

- Friday, March 11 at 2:00pm

- Friday, March 11 at 7:30pm

- Saturday, March 12 at 2:00pm

- Saturday, March 12 at 8:00pm

- Sunday, March 13 at 2:00pm

Tickets are available online at paballet.org or by phone at 215.893.1999, and in person at the Kimmel Center Box Office.

Conversations with Pennsylvania Ballet

Please join Conversations with Pennsylvania Ballet, a free informal discussion, with a Pennsylvania Ballet dancer, who will talk about their experience preparing for the Don Quixote performances. This free event will be held on Monday, February 29 at 6:30pm at the Philadelphia City Institute Free Library (1905 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA).

Preludes (for ticket holders)

Ignite your passion for dance with Preludes- Pennsylvania Ballet's pre-show discussions. Held in the theater prior to most performances, Preludes feature an ever-changing roster of company members, artistic staff, and visiting artists discussing Pennsylvania Ballet's performances, taking questions, and offering unmatched behind-the-scenes insights. Preludes begin one hour prior to show time and are free and open to all patrons holding a ticket for the performance that follows. Preludes are a great way to meet other ballet fans, enhance your knowledge of the art form, and get to know the artists behind Pennsylvania Ballet's beautiful and thrilling performances. Please note: Preludes are free and open to all ticket holders for the day listed on the ticket.

About Pennsylvania Ballet

Founded in 1963 by Balanchine student and protégée Barbara Weisberger, Pennsylvania Ballet is one of the nation's leading ballet companies. Headquartered in Philadelphia, the Company's annual local season features six programs of classic favorites and new works, including the Philadelphia holiday tradition, George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™. For more information, visit paballet.org, call 215.551.7000 or connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to go behind the scenes at any time.

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