Student Publications
University of Houston
151C Communications Bldg
Houston, TX 77204-4015
713.743.5350

©1991-2007
Student Publications,
All rights reserved.

Last modified:

Contact:
ktruitt@uh.edu

Life & Arts

Houston Ballet nails 'Quixote'

by SARAH TRESSLER
THE DAILY COUGAR

If all those rounds of Grand Theft Auto on your Xbox have finally made you feel like you might be getting culturally inept, you may want to revive your more artistic side with a trip to the Houston Ballet, which is currently showing Don Quixote. 

Written by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra in 1605 and long considered one of the finest works of literature to ever be published in the Spanish language, Don Quixote was adapted into a ballet 1869 and has been drawing crowds ever since. 

The name of the ballet may be a bit confusing, since the action focuses mainly on two other characters: Basilio and Kitri, a young couple that has fallen in love much to the displeasure of Kitri's father. 

I have never read the book, so I spent the first part of the ballet trying to figure out why Don Quixote wasn't getting very much stage time. 

Set in 17th century Barcelona, this winds up as another classic tale of the struggle of two lovers to be together. Don Quixote himself is almost a side note; he really doesn't even dance very much.

On the other hand, Basilio and Kitri tear up the stage with impressive footwork. They are supported by a cast of characters that includes gypsies, fairies and traditional matadors. 

The Thursday night performance starred Lauren Anderson as Kitri and Randy Herrera as Basilio. Anderson, the prima ballerina, was soundly upstaged by Herrera. His energy was palpable and the audience was moved to raucous applause on several occasions by his solo dance performances. 

Not that Anderson was bad — Herrera was just exceptionally good that night. The two topped off a fabulous performance with the wedding pas de deux (dance for two) for which the Don Quixote ballet is known. The tiara worn by Kitri during this act took the wardrobe department approximately eight hours to build at a cost of around $170.

The costumes and set were stunning, including the requisite giant windmill and an impressively large forest. 

All in all, Don Quixote would be a good way to impress your girlfriend and keep yourself entertained while you give your video game console a much-needed rest.

Don Quixote

Brown Theater, Wortham Theater Center, 
501 Texas Ave.
Playing: Through Sunday

Verdict: A beautifully choreographed demonstration of astounding physical ability that will make you want to go to the gym.
 

Send comments to dcshobiz@mail.uh.edu