Don Quixote product reviews

A love story, a comedy, a crime, and an old man's possibly last gamble for adventure... this was all "told" in a ballet that flirted with bold colour, and entranced its audience, even those, like me, who had never even heard of the story before. The essence of Spain was flaunted throughout, leaving you in no doubt just where this story took place, with waiters using tablecloths for "bull-fighting" displays, Sir Jon Trimmer's amazing use of the castanets in the wedding scene (I was seriously wishing this part had lasted far longer, as he really was incredible to listen to), the vivid displays of red, pink, and orange (all those really bold colours you see used in Flamenco dance costumes), and even snippets of the music blended in to the rest of the beautiful score.
This is only the 2nd ballet I have seen since I was a child (the first being the spectacular Festival of Russian Ballet (2007)", and I had been worried I'd not be able to follow along, especially as I didn't know the story and didn't even get a chance to glance at my hastily grabbed programme, without any narration. A needless worry, it turned out, as this ballet was so well performed that both my Mum and I (this made for a GREAT birthday gift! LOL!) were able to follow along and work out the story as we went. The only thing we had problems with, was that there was so much going on on-stage, that we just didn't know where to look. You watch one part of the stage, then realise you're missing out on interesting bits happening over the other side. It was chaos of a sort, but of a thoroughly enjoyable kind.
On the comedy side of things, there was the Cafe Owner, Lorenzo, who was constantly having trouble keeping his beloved daughter away from Basilio, the delivery boy. There were many in the audience who chuckled as he gave an excellent example of an exasperated father, who's wilful child just will NOT do as she's told. Then there was the gaudy Gamache with his extremely life-like dog who had a tendency to attack the cafe's customers or look up their skirts (the DOG, that is, not Gamache!)... this little dog was extremely well done, and I'm now seriously wondering where can I get one please??!!!! Hehehe!! Added to these, was also Sir Trimmer's fantastic portrayal of the slightly unhinged, doddering old "Don Quixote" who liked to gallop about the stage on his mop "horse", looking awfully like a lost World War II Pilot, much to his poor nephew's embarrassment!
The ballet was filled with the grace, effortless-seeming lifts, strength and power (watching "Kitri" spinning so many times without stopping that I lost count, was jaw-dropping. I am in awe of these amazing talented dancers... and I still can't get over just how their ankles don't give out on them with those spins! Owch!!), that one would expect to see in a professional performance, and had me wanting to watch it over and over again. Whether new to the world of Ballet like myself, or a fan for years, "Don Quixote" is indeed a show that can be classed as a "MUST-SEE"!