Minkus: Don Quixote (DVD) – Marianela Núñez, Carlos Acosta

Composer: Ludwig Minkus
Artists: Marianela Núñez, Carlos Acosta, Christopher Saunders, Philip Mosley, Bennet Gartside, Ryoichi Hirano, Martin Yates, Laura Morera, Gary Avis, Melissa Hamilton, Elizabeth Harrod, Christina Arestis, The Royal Ballet, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Conductor: Martin Yates
Choreographer: Carlos Acosta, after Marius Petipa
Format: NTSC
Language: English
Region: All Regions
Number of Discs: 1
Studio: Opus Arte
DVD Release Date: April 29, 2014
Run Time: 125 minutes; plus 12 minutes bonus material

Carlos Acosta’s first venture directing one of ballet’s 19th century classics was eagerly anticipated, as was his own starring role in the production (as Basilio), opposite the Argentinian Royal Ballet principal Marianella Núñez (Kitri). Still built on Petipa’s original choreography, Acosta’s clear dramatic structure and vivid stage action gave the “boy gets girl despite her father” story a more convincing air than usual, with Don Quixote’s parallel obsession with Dulcinea-Kitri coherently woven into the plot.

“...when Acosta and Núñez, as the story’s sweethearts, start sparring, they manage a natural, coquettish rapport that’s quite irresistible, Acosta’s megawatt charisma balanced by Núñez’s fizzy, feisty, fan-wielding vigor. This translates seamlessly into their partner work and firecracker solos... Meanwhile, there are terrific supporting character performances from Gary Avis and Bennet Gartside, and a sharp and humorously turbo-machismo turn from Ryoichi Hirano as the toreador Espada.” (Metro)

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