Welcome to Don Quixote!

Dear Friends and Family,

Thank you for joining us for the Lawrence Ballet Theatre’s Fall Production of Don Quixote. It has been a truly rewarding journey, beginning in August when Kristopher Estes-Brown brought his creative vision to our dancers and continuing through September as we prepared for this performance.

October in Lawrence is a vibrant time, filled with pumpkin patches, football games, and the stunning colors of fall—but each of you is here today to experience the magic of a story ballet, and we are grateful for your support of live performances.

We’re excited to present a delightful adaptation of this classic tale, choreographed by Kristopher Estes-Brown. The dancers will bring to life the enchanting music of Ludwig Minkus and portray the lively characters of Barcelona. Each performer shines individually, contributing to a rich tapestry that celebrates their unique artistry.

A heartfelt thank you to Kristopher, our guest artists, our School of Dance Students, and the incredible technical team at the Arts Center for their dedication in bringing this story to life. We hope you enjoy this uplifting performance as much as we enjoyed creating it!

Enjoy,

Cynthia Crews
Artistic Director of the Lawrence Ballet Theatre

PROLOGUE –

Don Quixote is reading a book on ancient chivalry when he sees a vision of his ideal woman, Dulcinea. As the vision fades, Don Quixote awakens his squire, Sancho, for he feels they must set out on a quest to defend the code of chivalry.

ACT I – 

Scene Two: Streets of Barcelona

Festivities are taking place in Barcelona. Kitri, the innkeeper’s daughter, catches the eye of the guitar-playing Basilio. Kitri’s father, Lorenzo, spots the couple and separates them. He does not think Basilio is a worthy match for Kitri. Gamache, a wealthy nobleman, arrives and believes he should be the one to marry the beautiful Kitri. Lorenzo agrees when he sees the bag of gold Gamche has brought. Don Quixote and Sancho’s arrival causes a commotion and a pause in the festivities. During one of his visions, Don Quixote confuses Kitri for Dulcinea. As the festivities heighten, Basilio and Kitri take this as their chance to sneak away. Gamache wants Don Quixote to follow the lovers. Don Quixote refuses the money, but Sancho gladly takes it, and they go off to protect the couple.

– INTERMISSION –  

ACT II – 

Scene One: Fields outside of Barcelona 

Basilio and Kitri, alone at last, fall in love as they dance together. They are interrupted by the Romani nomads, who first question why they are at their camp. When the Romani leader learns they are in love, Kitri and Basilio are welcomed with a lively dance. At Don Quixote’s arrival, the Romani leader hides the couple and distracts him with a puppet show. At the highlight of the puppet show, it becomes real in Don Quixote’s mind, and he tries to stop it and rescue the Princess. His delusion continues with the windmill becoming a threatening giant he must fight. Don Quixote’s head is injured in the fight with the windmill, and he falls unconscious. The Romani quickly flee the scene.

Scene Two: The Dream 

While Don Quixote is unconscious, he dreams of being a knight surrounded by enchanting Dryads, Cupid, and his beloved Dulcinea.

– INTERMISSION – 

ACT III –

Scene One: The Tavern 

When Kitri and Basilio return to Barcelona, they declare their love for each other to the townspeople. All are happy for them to be together and try to hide the lovers when Lorenzo starts looking for his daughter. Lorenzo still insists Kitri is to marry Gamache, so Basillio fakes a suicide. Kitri begs Don Quixote for his help in receiving a blessing from her father to marry Basilio. It was the dying man’s final wish, so Don Quixote forces Lorenzo to give the blessing. Basilio reveals he is not dying and can marry Kitri with her father’s blessing.

Scene Two: The Wedding

All the townspeople prepare for the wedding. Gamache sees Kitri and Basilio are meant to be together and gives them the bag of gold for a happy start to their marriage. As the wedding is celebrated, Don Quixote again sees his vision of Dulcinea and is off on another quest.   

Production Staff 

STAGE MANAGER David Nichols

LIGHTING DESIGN Samaria Fleig

SCENIC DESIGNER Lexey Jost

SOUND ENGINEER Josiah Moreno

COSTUME DESIGNER Erin McElroy

COSTUME ASSISTANT Knox McClendon

RUNNING CREW Nico Scales

STUDENT TECH STAFF Ben Tiemann, Alexandra Sanchez, Cora Brownley, Lucas Hasiuk, Olivia Lake, Oren Van Walleghem, Kingston McCall

HOUSE MANAGER Lisa Purdon

VIDEO TECHNICIAN Nox Angelone

SET BUILDERS Cliff Hoitt-Lange, David Nichols, Jodie Little, Josiah Moreno, Nico Scales, Nox Angelone, Quinn Nissen, Tevin Mershon, Stevie Roman, Wren Jay, Harper Finck, Lucas Hasiuk, The Fall Stage Craft Class

Dance Staff & Faculty 

SCHOOL OF DANCE DIRECTOR Hanan Misko

SCHOOL OF DANCE COORDINATOR Claire Buss

LAWRENCE BALLET THEATRE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Cynthia Crews

LAWRENCE BALLET THEATRE & DANCE PROGRAM ASSISTANT Liat Roth

CHOREOGRAPHY BY Kristopher Estes-Brown

STAGING ASSISTANCE BY Cynthia Crews

MUSIC COMPOSED BY Ludwig Minkus

COSTUMES BY Erin McElroy, Knox McClendon, Jennifer Tierney

Special Thanks

To School of Dance staff Hanan Misko, Claire Buss, and Liat Roth who make my job easier and fun. All the dedicated parents of LBT members, School of Dance Parents who are always quick to help their children enjoy the opportunities offered by the Arts Center.

Stevie Roman, Wren Jay, Harper Finck, Lucas Hasiuk

Sponsors

50 Years of Art for Everyone 🎉

This production wouldn’t be possible without YOUR support. Help the Lawrence Arts Center celebrate its 50th anniversary, and lay the foundation for 50 more years of community-based and educational dance. Donate to the Lawrence Arts Center’s School of Dance today!

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