You can't help but applaud and laugh throughout Ballet Idaho's Don Quixote. The classic ballet debuted Friday night at Boise's Morrison Center. The story centers around two lovers, the innkeeper's daughter, Kitri and the barber, Basilio. Kitri's father catches the couple together and wants Basilio gone.
That's when you meet Camacho. The rich nobleman wants Kitri's hand in marriage but Kitri, of course, wants nothing to do with Camacho. What unfolds is a comic tale, that Friday night, that ended with the audience on their feet.
You can see Don Quixote again tonight. The program opens with a modern interpretation on the tragic and dark tale of Carmen, choreographed by the company's balletmaster Alex Ossadnik.
You can hear the lead dancers talk about performing their first "Don Q," as it's known in the ballet world by clicking on the play button above. Then, hear Ballet Idaho's artistic director Peter Anastos talk about his first time seeing the Don Quixote ballet in the early 1970s in Russia. He'll also explain why the role of Don Quixote has become smaller and smaller.
This story was updated Saturday, February 9, 2013