The brisk two-hour jaunt builds on Russian versions that are based on Petipa’s and Alexander Gorsky’s works, adding evocative image projections to lavish costumes and scenery. These provided a backdrop for vivid characters, cheeky humor and a copious supply of bravura, Spanish-flavored classical dancing performed by a cast of dancers in command of their technique and at ease enough to enjoy it.
Drawn from an episode in Part II of Cervantes’ novel, the story brings Don Quixote and his squire Sancho Panza into a village where an arranged marriage between the vivacious young Kitri and the foppishly prissy (but rich) Gamache is about to take place. But Kitri is in love with the poor but talented barber Basilio, and the two must convince Kitri’s father to call off the marriage and bless their love match instead.
Possokhov paints the Don’s character, performed by Benjamin Kuefler, in broad strokes. The old man was often seen…