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), opposite 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 father’ 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 aimed 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 bewitching warmth and down-to-earth humanity to this fantastical folly of a show. " (Evening Standard ★★★★)
CastMarianela 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 aimed 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
- Aspect Ratio : 1.78:1
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Product Dimensions : 0.56 x 7.49 x 5.5 inches; 4.32 ounces
- Media Format : NTSC, Classical, Multiple Formats
- Run time : 2 hours and 5 minutes
- Release date : April 29, 2014
- Actors : Martin Yates
- Studio : Opus Arte
- Number of discs : 1
