Schimmel Center to Present the World Premiere of Gelsey Kirkland Ballet's DON QUIXOTE

Schimmel Center at Pace University is proud to present the World Premiere of Gelsey Kirkland Ballet's Don Quixote, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa to the music of Ludwig Minkus. This production of the Petipa/Minkus ballet is derived from the 1902 version staged by Alexander Gorsky for the Imperial Ballet of St Petersburg.

This World Premiere Gelsey Kirkland Ballet production is directed by Michael Chernov, and staged by Gelsey Kirkland, Mr. Chernov as well as Nikolai Levitsky, Vera Solovieva, Lyubov Fominich, Alexandra Lawler and Liudmila Polonskaya. Set design is by Court Watson, costumes by Mr. Chernov, lighting by Christopher Chambers and props by Ricola Willed.

Don Quixote will be performed by the 26 member professional company, under the artistic direction of Gelsey Kirkland and Michael Chernov. This company while based in Lower Manhattan has dancers from countries across the world, including Brazil, Israel and Japan. The company is comprise of seventeen dancers and nine apprentices. Don Quixote will also feature a one hundred member ensemble comprised of students of the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet.

This 19th century farcical ballet is set in 16th century Spain. It presents two extremes of humanity; the idealist Don Quixote, with his head perpetually in the clouds, and the earthbound pragmatist, Sancho Panza. Don Quixote, who lives in the world of his imagination, is in love with his beloved Dulcinea, while much of the rest of the populace sees her differently, as Aldonza, the whore.

Ticket prices for Gelsey Kirkland Ballet's Don Quixote at Schimmel Center at Pace University range from $39-$59. Performances will take place Thursday, May 14 at 7:30; Friday, May 15 at 7:30pm; and Saturday, May 16 at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets can be purchased online at schimmel.pace.edu, by calling (866) 811-4111 or (212) 346-1715, or in person at Schimmel Center Box Office, open Monday-Friday from 1pm-6pm. Schimmel Center is located at 3 Spruce Street in downtown Manhattan.