Don Quixote - Synopsis

Prologue
Obsessed by his ever accumulating old books about Knighthood, the aging and wistful Don Quixote longs for the chivalry and adventure contained therein, dreaming of numerous exploits and conjuring his ideal woman, Dulcinea, who is in need of rescue. So inspired, he gathers his trusted servant, Sancho Panza, and makeshift armor, and together they begin a quest across the Spanish landscape to search for and save, his imagined Dulcinea.

Act I
A town outside of Barcelona

Kitri, the daughter of the town’s innkeeper Lorenzo, is in love with the young barber, Basilio. To her disappointment, her father intends to marry her to Gamache, a pretentious and pathetic aristocrat.  Don Quixote and Sancho Panza arrive at the town, causing great interest and amusement among the townsfolk.  Don Quixote sees Kitri and wonders if he has at last found his Dulcinea. Kitri realizes she is now the center of attention for not one, but three men! There is much joking at Don Quixote’s seemingly absurd mission.  At the height of the merry-making, Kitri and Basilio sneak away, aided their friends, Mercedes and Espada.  The others follow in pursuit.

Act II
Scene 1 – The Gypsy Camp

Kitri and Basilio escape to a quiet hillside field, bordered by picturesque windmills.  Berfore long they are befriended by a band of gypsies, and proceed to laugh and dance into the night.  Don Quixote and Sancho Panza arrive, discovering the couple and seeing the obvious love they feel for one another.  As the wind gains momentum, Don Quixote imagines the windmills to be giants attacking, and fights them in attempts to protect Dulcinea.  After hitting his head during the “battle”, Don Quixote passes out and falls into a deep sleep.

Scene 2
The Dream

Don Quixote dreams of beautiful maidens (dryads) in the garden of Dulcinea, with the image of Kitri taking the place of his Dulcinea, and cupid representing his search for romance. Don Quixote realizes Kitri is not his ideal Dulcinea, belonging instead with Basilio. 

Scene 3

Lorenzo and Gamache, searching for Kitri, come upon and awaken Don Quixote from his dream.  In sympathy with the young couple, Don Quixote attempts to lead them astray.

Act III
Scene 1

Lorenzo at last finds Kitri in a tavern and forces her to accept wedding Gamache.  Basilio threatens suicide if Kitri marries Gamache (and plunges a knife). As Basilio falters and pleads as a last wish for Kitri’s hand in marriage, Lorenzo concedes.  Instantly Basilio is revived and all recognize his charade. Kitri leaves to prepare for the wedding while Don Quixote and Basilio congratulate Lorenzo for finally making the right choice for Kitri.

Scene 2
The town celebrates the marriage. Don Quixote wishes them a happy future together, and departs with Sancho Panza, resuming his never-ending adventure.