Holt Ballet Conservatory presents the exciting classical ballet theater entertainment Don Quixote, coming up June 13, 14, and 15 at the Don Baggett Theater. This delightful presentation must not be missed.
The ballet tells the story of Kitri, who is in love with the village barber, Basilio, but whose father, Lorenzo, insists she marry the town nobleman, Gamache, who is rich (though not so handsome as Basilio, and a little on the elderly and paunchy side). And so the story commences.
Set in Spain, circa 1600’s, and based on the novel, Man of La Mancha, by Miguel de Cervantes, is one of ballet’s few humorous stories. The choreography and music are fabulous: Lively. Melodic. Enchanting. Luna Quaglia, a senior this year and off next year to her life’s adventures, plays the role of Kitri, and is a most delightful ballerina. Beautiful, talented, accomplished, and convincing as the flirtatious and spirited woman of the hour who knows her own mind and has certainly made it up.. Christopher Selbie, who has come back to Nevada County after a career in the ballet field, joins Holt Ballet to perform for his home town, and plays the role of Basilio, the handsome but poor town barber. Christopher, a strong and charismatic performer, plays Kitri’s love interest and the camaraderie and chemistry between Miss Quaglia and him are exciting and inspiring entertainment.
Holt Ballet hosts a company of talented performers who have been training for years to bring this delightful story to life. Mercedes, the spirited street dancer (Devan Burton), Espada (Logan Hollmer) the toreador who loves the ladies. Cupid (Kaylee Nicholls) the sprightly nymph, Aspen Devir (Gypsy King) the powerful athlete, are just a few. But HBC also presents community actors who flesh out the story with their comedic talents: Vince Lucia (Gamache) the would be suitor, David Devir (Don Quixote) and his noble lance, as well as Darren Engstrom (Lorenzo) the hapless father who is no match for the stubborn and beautiful Kitri. Rehearsals with this cast have been a blast. The show itself is a must see.
Music by Ludwig Minkus. Choreography after Marius Petipa. Costumes custom made from Ballet Fashion of Chișinău Moldova. Sets by Pamela Hodges. And a talented and dedicated cast of 65 dancers from ages 3 three years to “I-won’t-tell how many years,” burst the walls of the Don Baggett with their infectious energy and enthusiasm.
Owner and director Yelena Holt, who has taught generations of dancers in Nevada County since 1980, once again brings together the dancers, ballet teachers and coaches, costumers, theater artists from behind the curtain and in the booth, and volunteers from all walks of life, to form this team that has created some of the best live theater entertainment available in Nevada County.
When: June 13, 14, 7:00 PM and June 15, 2:00 PM, 2024
Where: Don Baggett Theater, 11761 Ridge Road, Grass Valley, Ca 95945
Tickets: Reserved. Eventbrite
Price: Ranges from $30 – $45
Box Office Opens: 5:30 PM Evenings and Matinee Saturday June 15, 12:30 PM
For additional Information: 530 278 5131 or (Sierra’s Phone Number)
Hosted by Holt Ballet Conservatory 400 Providence Mine Road,Building N 3,Nevada City, 95959