PRESENTS:
DON QUICHOTTE
Jules Masenet
A romantic French take on Spain’s greatest literary hero, starring the incomparable Ferruccio Furlanetto.
Based on the same classic novel that inspired the Broadway hit Man of La Mancha, Don Quichotte is Massenet’s affectionate portrayal of literature’s ultimate dreamer, Don Quixote. Ferruccio Furlanetto, opera’s pre-eminent bass, stars in his intensely moving signature role. Lush melodies and Spanish dance rhythms conjure up medieval Spain at the end of the age of chivalry. In this enchanting production, characters spring out of giant leather-bound storybooks as windmills are fashioned from oversized quills.
MAY 9 TO 24, 2014
On stage at the Four Seasons Centre, 145 Queen St. W., Toronto.
Performance time is approximately two hours, 25 minutes including one intermission.
Sung in French with English SURTITLES™.
Cast
Don Quichotte: Ferruccio Furlanetto
Sancho Panza: Quinn Kelsey
Dulcinée: Ekaterina Gubanova
<!–Pedro:
Garcias:
Juan:
Rodriguez:
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Creative Team
Conductor: Johannes Debus
Director: Linda Brovsky
Set Designer: Donald Eastman
Costume Designer: Christina Poddubiuk
Lighting Designer: Connie Yun
Choreographer: Sara de Luis
Chorus Master: Sandra Horst
With the COC Orchestra and Chorus
Performance Dates & Times
- Fri. May 9, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
- Sun. May 11, 2014 at 2 p.m.
- Wed. May 14, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
- Sat. May 17, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
- Tues. May 20, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
- Thurs. May 22, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
- Sat. May 24, 2014 at 4:30 p.m.
SYNOPSIS
Act I
Dulcinée is courted by four suitors during a party in a crowded square. When Don Quichotte and his faithful servant Sancho Panza arrive, Juan mocks his eccentric nature, but another suitor, Rodriguez, defends Quichotte, reminding everyone of the knight’s noble ambitions. As the party breaks up, Don Quichotte serenades Dulcinée, only to be interrupted by Juan who challenges him to a duel. Dulcinée intervenes and sends Juan away, chastising Quichotte for his temper. She tells him how Ténébrun, a bandit, has stolen her necklace, and asks Quichotte to retrieve it for her. Quichotte vows to find and return the necklace.
Act II
On their quest, Don Quichotte and Sancho Panza roam through the countryside. Sancho is resentful of being on this mission solely at Dulcinée’s whim, and launches into a tirade against women. However, Don Quichotte has mistaken some windmills on the horizon for giants, and charges to attack them. Alas, his attack fails as he gets caught on one of the windmill’s blades.
Act III
Quichotte and Sancho are taking a well-deserved rest when the bandits catch up to them. Don Quichotte, however, wins the criminals over by explaining his purpose in life – his quest as a knight errant, to right all wrongs, to love the poor, and even to honour bandits like his present attackers. They are so moved by this explanation that they hand over the necklace.
Act IV
At home, Dulcinée is once again surrounded by suitors, but ignores their compliments. She dreams of a love of another kind. Sancho arrives and announces his master. Dulcinée greets them playfully and is delighted at the return of her necklace. She rewards the Don with a kiss, and he declares his love for her, asking for her hand in marriage. Dulcinée lets him down gently, despite the mockery of the crowd. Sancho lashes out at the others to protect his master.
Act V
Later, Don Quichotte and Sancho are alone and the Don is close to death. He thinks of all the ways he should have rewarded Sancho for his loyal service, and promises him an “island of dreams.” As he dies, he dreams of his Dulcinée.
Opera, My Love Magazine 