Sherri Campagni and Sergio Neglia in the first act of Don Quixote

(photo: Marcus Yam)

Choreographer Marius Petipa and his collaborator, composer Ludwig Minkus, were inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote; both were intrigued by the underlying question of whether it was better to marry for love or money. The first production of the full-length ballet born of their collaboration premiered at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow on December 26, 1869 and was a triumph; audiences loved it from the beginning. After its premiere, Petipa continued to make many changes in the choreography and even had Minkus extend the musical score.

Now Sergio Neglia, artistic director of Neglia Ballet Artists, has choreographed and staged his own version of Minkus and Petipa’s Don Quixote for his company.

Neglia Ballet Artists presents the full-length ballet Don Quixote in a performance at the UB Center for the Arts on Saturday (March 18) at 7pm. The story, a tale of chivalry, romance and illusion, is expertly revealed through the dancers, who have been groomed not only in technique but in character dancing, staging and performing. These are well trained, well rehearsed dancers who have worked very hard to make the choreography, laced with broad pantomime, seem as though anyone can feel themselves doing it. The rollicking dances by the corps are exciting and pleasing.

The story is a Spanish spectacle, the story of Don Quixote and his faithful companion Sancho Panza on a journey across Spain in search of the beautiful Dulcinea. Don Quixote and Sancho arrive in Barcelona where Basilio, a poor barber in love with Kitri, is ousted by Kitri’s father, Lorenzo, because he wants her to marry the wealthy Gamache. The deluded Don Quixote imagines that Kitri as the beloved Dulcinea of his dreams. But in the end he reconciles Lorenzo to his daughter’s wishes, and in the end Don Quixote—after a series of bizarre and hysterical adventures—is guest of honor at the wedding of the young lovers.

Sergio Neglia plays Basilio. Neglia studied at Russia’s famed Bolshoi Ballet and has performed, studied, taught and perfected his craft alongside many of ballet’s greatest names, including Balanchine, Nureyev, Godunov and Baryshnikov. He is electrifying on stage with the power to take the audience into his world. His gift for pantomime shines throughout the ballet, not only in him but in his dancers.

Brian Riggs and Michelle Costa in the opening scene.

(photo: Marcus Yam)

Kitri is played by Sherri Campagni, who has studied with the Pennsylvania Ballet, the Milwaukee Ballet and New York State Summer School of the Arts. Sherri is truly a principal dancer—the audience is drawn to her presence, and sparks fly when she and Sergio dance together. Their 10-year partnership can easily be compared to that of Fonteyn and Nureyev, Kirkland and Baryshnikov, Nagy and Makarova.

Don Quixote is played by Jason Bravo—who, incidentally, has written and produced his own musical, Platterplatinum. His experience on stage shows in his confident portrayal of the whimsical, befuddled Don Quixote. David Butler, who doubles as the show’s set designer, plays the role of Sancho Panza. Butler designed and built the 25-foot-tall, working windmill on stage—Don Quixote’s famous nemesis—with the help of the fabulous technical crew at UB Center for the Arts, led by John Rickus. David’s acting and set designing credentials include numerous Artvoice Artie nominations in local productions.

Lorenzo, Kitri’s father, is played by Patrick Rocheleau. Patrick has an MFA in theatrical design and has appeared in several of Neglia Ballet Artists’ productions. Gamache is played by Angel Diaz, who has performed many character roles with Neglia. Michelle Costa created the dragon, which comes alive through her puppeteering mastery.

Neglia Ballet Artists premiered their take on Don Quixote in 2005, receiving rave reviews. “Staging this ballet has been much easier the second time around,” says Neglia. “I’ve been able to focus on changes that I’ve been very happy with.”

Along with his wife, Heidi Halt, Neglia has built a school and company in Buffalo that has reached the caliber of some of the greatest companies in the U.S. Their determination to keep their passion going, even in rough times, has proven to be worthwhile, time and again, through their successful, spectacular performances. Neglia Ballet Artists is in its seventh year of presenting critically acclaimed dance productions and promises to continue this caliber of production for many years to come.

Neglia Ballet dancers in the dream scene of Don Quixote

(photo: Jim Bush)

One show only:

Saturday, March 18, 7pm

UB Center for the Arts

Tickets: $12 for children, $16 for seniors and $22 for adults. Tickets can be purchased through the UBCFA Box office or Ticketmaster by calling (716) 852-5000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more info on the Neglia Conservatory of Ballet and Neglia Ballet Artists, go to: www.NegliaBallet.org.

Another spectacle not to be missed:

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra has invited Neglia Ballet Artists to collaborate with them in a concert at Artpark on July 22. They will be performing excerpts of Swan Lake, a dance to Bach’s Concerto in D Minor for two violins, the pas de deux from Spartacus and more. More details to follow.