The story for Don Quixote is on the thin side and the music is not going to be everybody's cup of tea. I agree that the story is not always involving, but I do like the music and think it fits very well. But regardless of what I think of Don Quixote as a ballet, it didn't stop me from loving every minute of this wonderful production. The costumes and sets are beautifully evoked and make you feel that you are in Spain, the colours are very pretty and how they're designed is tastefully done. The lighting fits very well with the mood, never too bright or dark. The music is played with crisp style, a nice rounded sound and a lively pace by the orchestra, making up for the odd moment of them sounding underpowered. The conducting keeps things moving with control and authority. The choreography is a mix of traditional and modern, and the mix gels remarkably with the traditional elements elegant and nostalgic and the modern sassy and fresh. It is a little hyperactive at times, but much of it left me thoroughly entertained and I didn't find it dull in the slightest. The Grand Pas-De-Deux is just heaven. The dancing I cannot fault, Mikhail Baryschnikov is handsome, charming and commanding, and his dancing is both elegant and powerful. Cynthia Harvey is a great match for him, dancing with grace and control with thrilling turns, and captures the playfulness and charm of Kitri wonderfully. The supporting turns, especially from Susan Jaffe, Patrick Bissell and Victor Barbee, were similarly impeccable. To conclude, even with any minor foibles the production is a sheer delight and I am still smiling even thinking about it. 9.5/10 Bethany Cox
