Product Description
-------------------
Carlos Acosta's first venture directing one of ballet's 19th
century classics was eagerly anticipated, as was his own starring
role in the production (as Basilio), site the Argentinian
Royal Ballet principal Marianella Nuñez (Kitri). Still built on
Petipa's original choreography, Acosta's clear dramatic structure
and vivid stage action gave the ‘boy gets girl despite her
her’ story a more convincing air than usual, with Don
Quixote's parallel obsession with Dulcinea-Kitri coherently woven
into the plot.
Press Reviews
"... when Acosta and Núñez, as the story's sweethearts, start
sparring, they manage a natural, coquettish rapport that's quite
irresistible, Acosta's megawatt charisma balanced by Núñez's
fizzy, feisty, fan-wielding vigour. This translates seamlessly
into their partner work and firecracker solos... Meanwhile, there
are terrific supporting character performances from Gary Avis and
Bennet Gartside, and a sharp and humorously turbo-machismo turn
from Ryoichi Hirano as the toreador Espada." (Metro)
"What Acosta has principally ed for is to clarify the
narrative, find a more contemporary vibe for the characters and,
above all, to rediscover the ballet's fun. In that, he has
largely succeeded. He also has Marianela Nunez as his Kitri,
whose triumph was not only to dance and flirt her way radiantly
through first night nerves, but to find in Kitri a delicacy and
detail that is often overlooked in the role's grandstanding
technique." (The Guardian)
"... a jovial and entertaining showcase for classical dancing at
its most demanding and exuberant. One of the pleasures of this
ballet is to be tickled by Minkus's infectiously melodious
score... Marianela Nuñez and Acosta delivered sparky, engaging
performances." (The Times)
"But while this may be Acosta's night, the show really belongs to
his Kitri, Marianela Nuñez. A woman of sparky personality,
teasing wit and steely technique, you can see why every man in
the village is in love with her. The stage could have been a lot
dimmer without her, but Nuñez brings bew warmth and
down-to-earth humanity to this fantastical folly of a show. "
(Evening Standard ★★★★)
Cast
Marianela Nuñez (Kitri)
Carlos Acosta (Basilio)
Christopher Saunders (Don Quixote)
Philip Mosley (Sancho Panza)
Gary Avis (Lorenzo)
Bennet Gartside (Gamache)
Ryoichi Hirano (Espada)
Laura Morera (Mercedes)
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House; Martin Yates
Production
Company: The Royal Ballet
Stage Director: Carlos Acosta
Television Director: Ross MacGibbon
Designer: Tim Hatley
Choreographer: Carlos Acosta (after Marius Petipa)
Disc Information
Catalogue Number: OA1133D
Date of Performance: 2013
Running Time: 125 minutes
Sound: Dolby Digital + 5.1 DTS / 24 bit LPCM / 5.1 DTS Master
Audio HD
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Anamorphic
Label: Opus Arte
Review
------
a jovial and entertaining showcase for classical dancing at its
most demanding and exuberant. One of the pleasures of this ballet
is to be tickled by Minkus's infectiously melodious
scoreMarianela Nunez and Acosta delivered sparky, engaging
performances. --The Times
What Acosta has principaly ed for is to clarify the narrative,
find a more contemporary vibe for the characters and, above all,
to rediscover the ballet's fun. In that, he has largely succeeded
--The Guardian
This Don Quixote is dreamy, courtly and kind-hearted gentleman
who genuinely wishes to do good in the world, providing an
emotional heart to the pizzazz blazing around him. --Dance
International